Absolutely 'jhakaas', says Anil Kapoor of this eventful year

It is Bollywood star Anil Kapoor’s birthday today, but that’s not the only reason why the actor’s maha-excited. Rather his excitement, as Anil points out, has more to do with the fact that he also goes on his much-awaited break from today. “Yes, it’s a family vacation for me till January 5th and it’s something that I look forward to the most,” says the actor who’s had a busy 2010 — shooting for the Hollywood star Mission Impossible alongside superstar Tom Cruise, apart from the several Bollywood projects and his international TV debut 24.

Bringing in his birthday with family and his close coterie of friends, needless to say, that the wishes will be flowing in from his overseas (read: Hollywood) friends too. So, will it be all the more special today? “Well, thanks to my children, the day is special enough already, with or without them calling,” he laughs. “All I will say is that it’s been wonderful making new friends and working so closely with people who share the same passion for cinema as you,” he says.

Right now, Anil is also a proud dad. “Rhea and Sonam are pretty much set in their careers. Now, I can’t wait for Harsh to finish his studies and come back home.” Talking about Sonam, is he also hoping for a Hollywood career for his daughter? “I just want her to do good cinema. Bollywood, Hollywood, doesn’t matter. If it’s Bollywood then great, if it’s Hollywood and if she’s doing it commanding as much respect, then that’s good too. She’s already turned down Hollywood offers. And she’s not Hollywood struck either, so it’s really her call.”

The year after the break is promising to be one hectic affair — with sequels to films Race, No Entry, Mr India lined up apart from Tezz, Power and MI-4 — for the actor and Anil says that he wouldn’t want it any other way. But what he’s also really looking forward to is his foray on Indian television. “We are in talks and I am planning something big for TV too,” he reveals.

Looking back on his journey, “All I can say is that I’m a happy man at heart, who sleeps peacefully,” Is that also the secret to his youthful looks? “Probably,” he says. “I’ve never planned my career. I’ve taken each day as it comes, done work that made me happy no matter what the outcome. Life’s turned out to be better than I’d ever dreamt of.” In short, “Absolutely jhakaas!” he smiles.