Anil Kapoor on turning down politics post 'Nayak': 'I didn't want to treat it as a photo op'
ETimes February 15, 2026 06:39 PM
Anil Kapoor ’s role in ‘ Nayak : The Real Hero’ (2001) is one of the most memorable of his career. Directed by S. Shankar, the film showed him as Shivaji Rao, a TV reporter who gets the chance to become the chief minister of Maharashtra for a short time. Recently, Anil shared that he did many workshops to prepare for the role and was even contacted by political parties after the movie came out.
Anil Kapoor on being a lifelong learner
In a chat with Indian Express Hindi, Anil shared, “I’ve always been a student. I want to grow as an actor. So, I feel there’s always someone who knows more about acting than me.” He went on to talk about reaching out to his friend and seasoned theatre director Feroz Abbas Khan for guidance. “I thought of doing workshops for that film (Nayak) with him. So, I used to go to his office in Mahim and did many workshops and rehearsals. We haven’t done a play together yet. That’s on my bucket list. We’ll definitely do it one day, which will be bigger than Nayak hopefully,” added Kapoor.
Anil Kapoor reveals political parties approached him after ‘Nayak’
Reflecting on that unexpected response, the actor recalled, “There were a few discussions, but I nipped it in the bud. They’re also very sensible. So those who offer it to you won’t do it directly. That offer comes through somebody else. You somewhere get the idea that he’s not inclined to do this job”.
“If I do it, I have to do it very sincerely and genuinely. But I don’t have it within me to give it my full commitment. I want to give my 100% to everything I do. So many times, the UN has asked me to become a brand ambassador when I was in America after Slumdog Millionaire released. Sometimes, when you’re the flavour of the season, every organization of the world wants to approach you,” added Anil.
Anil Kapoor on turning down a UN offer after global fame
The actor became known around the world after his role as a clever quiz show host in Danny Boyle ’s 2008 Oscar-winning film ‘Slumdog Millionaire’. Even with the global fame he got from the movie, Anil said he chose not to use it to take up a symbolic position at the United Nations.
“I didn’t want to use it as a photo op. That I get those four photos and then you do nothing. If you do it, you give it your all. But right now, I have so many priorities that I don’t feel like I can do it. So, I only do what I can without pretending. There are much better people than me who deserve to be in the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha,” argued Anil Kapoor.
