Anil Kapoor, one of Bollywood’s most enduring stars, recently looked back on his early days in the industry as his film Kahan Kahan Se Guzar Gaya completed 44 years of its release. The 1979 film, directed by Basu Chatterjee, is not one of the most commercially successful movies in Kapoor’s career but holds sentimental value for the actor. It marked the beginning of a journey that would see Kapoor rise to fame and cement his place in the hearts of millions.
In a candid conversation about his early career, Anil Kapoor shared how the film was a starting point in his long and illustrious career in the Indian film industry. Kahan Kahan Se Guzar Gaya, which was a drama about a young man trying to find his place in the world, introduced Kapoor as a fresh face with a unique energy that set him apart from his contemporaries. Though the film did not achieve major commercial success, it earned Kapoor the recognition of being a promising newcomer.
“I was just beginning to learn the ropes of acting, and I knew I had a long way to go. But every step, every role, no matter how small, was important. Films like Kahan Kahan Se Guzar Gaya were crucial in shaping me as an actor,” Kapoor said. He went on to explain how this early experience taught him the nuances of character building, emotional expression, and understanding the heart of a story.
Reflecting on his inspirations, Kapoor mentioned that he was deeply influenced by actors who had a natural style, who were not afraid to take risks, and who brought an element of realism to their performances. He spoke fondly of stars like Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan, who were at the peak of their careers when he entered the industry. Kapoor admired their ability to make the audience believe in their characters. This ability, Kapoor said, was something he strived to emulate in his early work.
Despite facing challenges as a newcomer, Kapoor’s determination paid off, as he quickly made a mark with his next few films, such as Woh Saat Din and Mr. India. Kapoor reflected on how these movies helped him establish his versatility and allowed him to experiment with a wide range of roles, from the serious to the lighthearted.
Looking back, Kapoor also acknowledged the significant changes in the film industry during the early years of his career. The Bollywood of the late 1970s and early 1980s was very different from the industry he finds himself in today. The focus on larger-than-life heroes and melodramatic storylines gave way to more nuanced and diverse characters, something that Kapoor embraced in his own career. “The industry has evolved so much, and I’m proud to have been part of that transition,” he noted.
Today, Kapoor is known for his impressive versatility, playing a wide array of characters in both Bollywood and Hollywood. From playing a suave businessman in Slumdog Millionaire to a father figure in Dil Dhadakne Do, Kapoor continues to impress audiences with his performances. But he remains humble and grateful for the opportunities he received early on, including the chance to be a part of Kahan Kahan Se Guzar Gaya.
As Kapoor celebrates this milestone of 44 years, he is not only looking back at his past with fondness but also looking forward to new challenges. “The journey is never complete. There is always something new to learn, and that’s what keeps me going,” Kapoor concluded, with the same energy and enthusiasm that he first brought to Kahan Kahan Se Guzar Gaya.
