Anil Kapoor on taking acting cues from Tom Cruise for MI 4

When we compliment the actor that he looks younger than his age, French beard-sporting Anil Kapoor grins: "Always add 20 years to your age. It makes people marvel." After dispensing with the pleasantries, we talk about the project that's marked his current career peak -- Mission Impossible 4.

You're on the big screen after a long time.
Yes No Problem will be my first Hindi film after two years. I did Slumdog and then went away to do cult TV show 24. Now it's Mission Impossible 4 for which I have been shooting in Los Angeles and Dubai. I'm happy that I'm doing a comedy. Had I done a serious film, only a niche segment of my audience would have seen me after two years.

Have you begun shooting?
Yes, I have shot a scene with Tom Cruise. I was happy to see him giving me cues for my shot even though he was not required for the scene. I suggested that he leave because he had to work in an action scene the following day. But he stayed on.

What role do you play in MI 4?
It's a cameo. You can't call my character a villain, but he is a bad guy who likes girls. I play an Indian.

Slumdog brought you international fame.
Slumdog Millionaire has been very successful. It made a global impact. People from all over tell me, 'We loved your work'. My spontaneous reaction is, "Which country are you from?'' When they tell me, I realise, wahan bhi film pahunch gayee.

Why did you decide to produce No Problem?
When Aneesbhai (director Bazmee) narrated the script, I agreed to star in it. When the producer backed out, I stepped in. I play a 'super' cop, Arjun Singh, who hasn't been able to do anything super. Since Arjun is a zero achiever, his wife, Kajal (Sushmita Sen) develops a split personality.

One of her two avatars decides to kill me. I am going to win an Oscar for this performance (laughs). The role is real; so real that Akshaye at times reminds me that I am erroneously screaming Sunita's (my wife's) name in scenes where I am supposed to be screaming Kajal!

Who threw the most tantrums on set?
The gorilla. One of my co-producers was constantly stressed during the gorilla's lunch time. But in the climax Aneeshbhai has taken more shots of the gorilla than of anyone else.

What's the success formula been?
To good deeds in my last birth. I am fortunate to enjoy the blessings of my parents and the love of my audience. I'm humbled by the offers I have received. I couldn't have asked for more.

Are you in touch with your sis-in-law Sridevi, your one-time favourite co-star?
Very much. At times, I bow down and ask her, 'How are you?' And it gets her laughing.

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