A ctor, host and singer all rolled into one, Annu Kapoor is an entertainer par excellence. Currently the host of a radio show ,‘Suhana Safar’ , he is well known for his ability to break into song in an impromptu manner that makes viewers think he has been rehearsing it for ages. It was this ability that stood him in good stead in ‘Antakshari’, Zee TV’s hugely popular show.
Meanwhile, after debuting in Shyam Benegal’s film Mandi, Annu has done films across various genres. While he impressed with a serious role as a lawyer in Aitraaz, in Vicky Donor he demonstrated his ability to make the audience laugh. Now he is a mentor on the show ‘Family Antakshari – Baithe Baithe Kya Kare’ on SAB TV. Excerpts from an interview:
Films have played a pivotal role in popularising Antakshari as a game in nearly every household…
According to the earliest reference, Antakshari dates back to 4,000 years when, in gurukuls, teachers introduced entertainment to make education interesting. This was the period when students recited Sanskrit shlokas, the Upanishad and the Puranas. After the coming of the Mughals, Persian and Urdu dialect was introduced.
Tell us about your struggle as an artiste…
I am blessed with a photographic memory. Becoming a surgeon was my goal but had to discontinue my studies because of a financial crunch at home. I joined my dad, Madan Lal Kapoor’s nautanki company.
In 1976, I landed up in New Delhi and joined the National School of Drama. As a theatre artiste I earned Rs.250, which, after paying for my bills, left me with only Rs.55. Delhi left me hungry and there were days when I did not get a morsel to eat.
Does your fondness for Hindi cinema stem from your early days in theatre?
I have no passion for acting or cinema. I am passionate about my country. Ironically, Indians are not a patriotic race. We have spiritual liberty but no social liberty. After thousands of years of glory, our nation saw decadence because we were not united, disciplined and lacked honesty. We have good politicians but we also have the biggest thieves and are hypocrites.
Will your decision not to host the show disappoint viewers?
To illustrate my point, I will give you an example of the Mahabharat. When Krishna was the charioteer, would anyone attribute the success of the Pandavas in the battle against the Kauravas to Yudhishthira or Arjun? Similarly there are two hosts but eventually I am the one who is mentoring this show [aired on weekends at 8 p.m.].
You lay too much stress on originality ofthe songs?
If you write an article and someone gives his byline to it how would you feel? It is nothing but plagiarism.
Similarly, remix songs have been derived through cheating.
