Anil Kapoor is probably one of the more prolific actors of his time – and recently, gotten a lot of appreciation internationally as well, thanks to Slumdog Millionaire and 24. I really do thing he’s one of the best actors and I miss seeing him on screen as much as we used to. For his birthday, we’re taking a look at some of his best work throughout the years – let us know your favourites? 🙂

1. Mr. India

Prior to this film, Anil Kapoor had already done quite a bit of work and received awards for it as well. However, this is the first movie of his I properly remember watching, and boy, what a movie! It’s one of the classics even today, and this song in particular will never get old. This movie went on to be the biggest hit of the year (1987).

2. Tezaab

The next year’s biggest hit was also an Anil Kapoor starrer, this time Tezaab. It was a role that cemented the superstar status he received post Mr India, and was also the film for which he received his first Filmfare Best Actor award.

3. Lamhe

Another one of my favourite Anil Kapoor films was Lamhe. He delivered a subtle yet impactful performance in this movie, and it’s probably one of his best work till date. (Also, how good were the songs in this film?)

4. 1942 A Love Story

Speaking of good songs in a film, this one has to be mentioned – the soundtrack was absolutely fabulous and one of my favourites even today. It was also another of Anil Kapoor’s best performances, even though the film only turned out to be “average” at the box office.

5. Taal

Anil Kapoor played the role of an over-enthusiastic, crooked musical sensation in Taal. His character carried a bit of shock value with it and Anil Kapoor played it extremely well.

6. Pukar

Anil Kapoor received a National Award for Best Actor for his performance as an officer in this film. The film also had this wildly popular song in it (I still love it!).

7. Nayak

This is probably my favourite Anil Kapoor performance. What a film this was! He plays a TV cameraman who one day interviews the Chief Minister and then ends up taking his seat for 24 hours. This is a brilliant political film that was severely underrated, and features a performance by Anil Kapoor that was absolutely striking.

8. Badhaai Ho Badhaai

So I know this film completely flew under the radar and is not one of Anil Kapoor’s greatest films, but I will always remember it as this cute little movie that was a fun watch. Plus, it was his first venture as a producer, so it has to count for something. 🙂

9. Race

Anil Kapoor plays an over-the-top, fruit-loving investigator in this suspense film. His humour and mannerisms brought a much needed fun element to what was an edge-of-the-seat thriller.

10. Slumdog Millionaire

And who could forget Slumdog Millionaire? It shot Anil Kapoor to international fame, and is pretty much the reason for his appearances in 24 and Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.

Happy birthday, Anil Kapoor, from Team MissMalini! 🙂