Anil Kapoor talks about his experience at BAFTAS

Actor Anil Kapoor may have missed his red carpet moment at the Academy Awards this year, but he did manage to create the same buzz with his presence at the earlier concluded BAFTAS, which are considered to be the pre-cursor to the Oscars.

“Yes, I couldn’t attend the Oscars this year, but I was just as happy seeing (musician AR) Rahman out there,” he enthuses. Talking about the growing Indian presence at these coveted international events, he says, “I think even if not growing in numbers, awareness about the Indian film industry has certainly shot up.” Ask him if he feels that the super-success of his Oscar winning film Slumdog Millionaire has much to do with it and he replies affirmatively. “Why it’s not just us, everyone out there agrees that Slumdog helped bring focus on our industry at large.”

As for his own BAFTA experience, the actor says that it was full of moments that he would cherish. “I would say it’s been a journey full of discoveries for me ever since I first attended the Oscars and the level of integrity and commitment that the guys have out there always amazes me.” And apart from bonding and meeting several of his friends from the film frat there, the actor also struck up new friendships with many, including one with Oscar-winning producer Harvey Weinstein. “The warmth with which he introduced me to his own set of people there was very touching. He was very positive and encouraging all through.” Interestingly, it was Weinstein’s The Reader that lost out the Oscar to Slumdog for the Best Picture in 2008. “Yes, and he remembered me for that too. In fact, the first thing he said to me was, ‘You beat us’,” laughs Anil.So, any films in the offing with him? “Well, we just met for the first time, so let’s see. We are still in touch though,” he smiles.

And while the actor’s flying high on the international circuit, so is daughter, actor Sonam Kapoor. “Oh yes, she keeps us posted of what’s been happening. As a dad I’m super proud of her achievements, more so because she’s doing it all on her own. But I’m missing her as well and can’t wait to catch up with her when she returns today,” says the doting dad.

Globetrotting apart, also keeping the actor maha-busy are his own commitments here. The actor who will soon be seen in the action thriller Tezz, also has Race 2 and Shootout At Wadala in the offing, apart from his international film Cities and debut TV production, the Indian adaptation of 24 that will star Anil. “We will begin work on the TV series soon enough,” he says.