'I am a lambi race ka ghoda': Anil Kapoor

Anil Kapoor is in Los Angeles for the Golden Globe Awards along with the team of Slumdog Millionaire. Before that, he was in London, where the film released on Friday to 'overwhelming response'. Here's a quick chat with the actor...

What's the scene like in London right now?
Terrific. Dev Patel and I were at the radio stations giving interviews. We also went to Birmingham and on Friday, the film released here with 330 prints.

What's the response you have got for Slumdog Millionaire?
It's huge! I mean we released with 330 prints, the biggest ever after Mamma Mia.

Apparently you were offered the role after Shah Rukh turned it down.
No, that's not true. I did speak to the casting director about it. I had to clear the confusion once and for all. And as far as I know, the role came to me.

Didn't you get jittery about accepting a role that doesn't give you enough screen time?
Well, I think it's the impact of the role that's more important. And see the buzz the film has created. Even I am surprised with the worldwide response. It's overwhelming.

So you believe in the saying lambi race ka ghoda?
I always believed in a marathon career. Look at the way I started, the choice of roles I have done. Throughout my career, I have been patient. The characters that I portrayed became famous. And I believe that I didn't make the characters popular, the characters made me popular. Only actors who think like that are truly lambi race ka ghoda. Ya, so you can say, I am one too (laughs).

Your decision to choose unconventional roles was through some family prompting.
Yes, my family has encouraged me throughout. But my younger daughter Riya always encourages me to pick up good roles, roles that are unconventional. And though I am a mainstream star, I am also a respected actor. My focus is never to become a star. I prefer roles that have meat... same with Slumdog Millionaire.

If you get a chance to put someone from Bollywood on the hot seat, who would that be?
(Hesitates... then laughs) Why should I choose? Whoever wants to sit on the hot seat should come forward.

Finally, if you were to describe the Golden Globe nomination in one word, it would be...
Please yaar, not jhakaas. I have grown out of it now.