Anil Kapoor calls working with Dilip Kumar in Karma as 'intimidating and inspiring'
Mumbai, August 8
Bollywood star Anil Kapoor turned nostalgic as the iconic patriotic action drama Karma completed 40 years on August 8.
The actor stated that the film arrived at a defining moment in his career and every day on its set was nothing short of a masterclass.
Sharing a montage of memorable moments from the 1986 blockbuster on X (formerly Twitter), Anil wrote, "Karma came at a pivotal moment in my journey, and every day on that set was a masterclass.
Working with the legendary Dilip Kumar and the incredible Nasser Saab was equal parts intimidating and inspiring. To be directed by Subhash Ji and to share the screen with such an extraordinary cast remains one of the greatest privileges of my career.
"Thank you for keeping Karma alive and cherished for four decades."
Directed and produced by Subhash Ghai under Mukta Arts, Karma hit theatres on August 8, 1986, and emerged as one of the biggest blockbusters of the year.
The action drama featured an ensemble cast led by Dilip Kumar, alongside Nutan, Naseeruddin Shah, Jackie Shroff, Anil Kapoor, Sridevi, Poonam Dhillon, Dara Singh, Anupam Kher, Tom Alter, Beena Banerjee, Paresh Rawal and Shakti Kapoor.
The film follows Jailor Rana Vishwa Pratap Singh (Dilip Kumar), whose life is shattered after dreaded terrorist Dr. Michael Dang (Anupam Kher) destroys his family. Determined to eliminate the criminal, Rana recruits three prisoners,Johnny played by Jackie Shroff), Baiju by Naseeruddin Shah and Ajju by Anil Kapoor) for a dangerous mission to take down Dang and his terror network.
Apart from its storyline and powerful performances, Karma became a musical milestone with Laxmikant-Pyarelal's chartbuster soundtrack.
Songs such as Dil Diya Hai Jaan Bhi Denge, Aye Watan Tere Liye, Na Jaiyo Pardes, Maine Rab Se Tujhe and De Daru continue to enjoy immense popularity even today.
— IANS
Reader Comments
"Intimidating and inspiring" - I think that perfectly captures what working with the legendary Dilip Kumar sahab would feel like. The man was an institution in himself. Karma had such a powerful message about patriotism and sacrifice that stays relevant even today. The music by Laxmikant-Pyarelal was pure magic! 🎵
I appreciate Anil Kapoor's respect for his seniors. Many young actors today forget the foundations of Indian cinema. Karma was a complete package - star cast, story, music, and dialogues. Subhash Ghai ji was a master at creating this larger-than-life cinema experience. We need to preserve these classics for the next generation. But I do feel many modern filmmakers don't watch these old masterpieces to learn craft.
It's amazing to see how Indian cinema from the 80s managed to blend action, drama, and family values so seamlessly. As someone not born in that era, watching Karma now feels like a history lesson in great filmmaking. The ensemble cast is truly unmatched - you don't see such heavyweight actors together in one film anymore.
Dil Diya Hai Jaan Bhi Denge is still sung at every patriotic event in India! The film's message about fighting for your country never gets old. Anil Kapoor bhai is a gem - always supporting respect for the legends that came before him. Subhash Ghai ji made such detailed films with ensemble casts. Today's cinema gives us a lot but this kind of scale and focus on the story is missing. As a proud Indian, this movie makes me emotional every time.
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