“Aisha is a family” - Anil Kapoor

Anil Kapoor has a gentlemanly manner, a cuddly charm, and an apparently insatiable appetite for films. There isn't much you can do when you're around Anil Kapoor. You get so hooked on to his talks, that you feel he is narrating you his entire film. That does not signal in any way that Anil Kapoor talks too much. Not at all. He is a good listener too. And then you ask yourself - Why will Anil talk less? He is a no-stopper. Kapoor's CV comprises just about all of cinema's highlights of the past three decades, and he shows no signs of slowing. This special correspondent brings you the exclusive interview with the man we know as a zealous movie lover. I mean, let's face it. Who hasn't at some point dreamed of living the life of Anil Kapoor?

Were you in two minds in opting for Abhay to cast opposite Sonam?
To be honest, Rhea was adamant along with the writer of the film, Devika Bhagat. These two girls wanted Abhay Deol. Whenever I spoke about any other lead man, they said 'No'. I did suggest Imran Khan but they again said 'No'. We were more than willing to meet Imran and narrate him the story but they finalised Abhay to play the romantic lead opposite Sonam.

Now that the entire family has been involved into Aisha, was there a major contribution from your wife too?
Not at all. She is on top of everything. She has too many things to handle. For her, films were never a subject of creative inputs. She takes care of me, Sonam and Rhea. That's the biggest contribution a wife can give to her family. Aisha is a family.

Films may get old as days and years pass by. But why not Anil Kapoor?
My family cannot believe it till date, can you believe it? They ask me sometimes if I am their real father (laughs). I think I am fortunate to have these kinds of genes where I look young. I have always followed a routine in my life. At a time when my colleagues were having a good time, I too was having a blast, but blast in moderation. I did drink a couple of drinks but in a limit. I have partied enough to make me happy. I've never gone berserk. I have that will power if anything goes beyond control. I work out five days a week too and keep a check on my food habits from time to time. I love fruits and home cooked food.

If you'd rate in terms of performance, which Sonam Kapoor film will you highly talk about?
I feel there is always a room for improvement. You can't rate performances. I am not the right person to debate on this question. The rightful ones are her directors with whom she has worked. I haven't got time to pass judgement on people. I am slightly more critical than biased to my daughters.

And how is Anil Kapoor getting busy with his tele series and films down the West?
Anil Kapoor is completely busy with Aisha till the 15th of August. Then I'll be flying to L.A again for some business meetings and ventures. But I am getting busy in Hollywood and will keep you posted once I have something more official to talk about.

Is that the reason why Rhea is now taking over the AKFC?
Rhea is not taking over. She has taken over the AKFC. She has been a great boon to AKFC. She has learnt the ropes much faster than I could imagine. Running around has become a habit for me ever since Slumdog happened. Now I need to visit a spa and the spa for me is doing more films. So I am getting busy with that. Films calm me down.

Have you been interacting with your new friend Danny Boyle these days?
He is an old friend now (laughs). We were in touch for quite some time but he too is busy with his film down West. So when I travel to London, is the time when I will be meeting him again.