Annu Kapoor recalls Jaya Bachchan's faith in him, encouragement from Big B
Mumbai, June 29
Veteran actor Annu Kapoor marked 44 years in the Hindi film industry on Monday by expressing gratitude to several personalities who shaped his journey, including Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan and late Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray.
Speaking with ANI, Kapoor said the Bachchan family was among those who welcomed him with warmth, adding that Jaya Bachchan placed immense trust in him by making him a producer-director.
"I consider Jaya Bachchanji my elder sister. She was the first to trust me and make me a director and producer. I had simply narrated a story to her, but look at the faith she had in me. I will remain indebted to her for life," he said.
Kapoor recalled directing and producing the film 'Abhay', saying Jaya Bachchan supported the project and even approved an increased budget when he felt the original allocation was inadequate.
'Abhay -- The Fearless' is children's film directed by Annu Kapoor. It was an adaptation of Oscar Wilde's 1887 short story, 'The Canterville Ghost, produced by the Children's Film Society, India, and features Nana Patekar as the ghost. The film also stars Benjamin Gilani and Moon Moon Sen.
The actor also remembered his association with the Bachchan family, saying Amitabh Bachchan had always encouraged him as an artiste.
Expressing gratitude to late Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, Kapoor said the veteran leader treated him with affection and respect.
"I am deeply grateful to Balasaheb Thackeray. He gave me immense respect and love. He would invite me, have meals with me and spend time talking to me," Kapoor said.
Recalling one such meeting, Kapoor said, "Main bahut aabhari hoon Hindu Hriday Samrat Swargiya Shri Balasaheb Thackeray ka, jinhone bahut mujhe maan diya, bahut prem diya. Wo mujhe bulate the aur mere sath khana khate the aur gappe maarte the mere sath. Aap tajjub karenge. Mujhe niche kabhi baithne nahin diya unhone ( I am deeply grateful to the late Shri Balasaheb Thackeray, who gave me so much respect and love. He used to call me over, share meals with me, and chat with me...)"
Kapoor reflected on completing 44 years in Mumbai, saying he arrived in the city on June 29, 1982, and remains grateful to the film industry, the people of Mumbai and Maharashtra for accepting him as an artiste.
He also sought forgiveness from anyone he may have unintentionally hurt during his four-decade-long journey and thanked audiences for the love and respect they have shown him over the years.
On the work front, he will be next seen in the upcoming comedy 'Uttar Da Puttar'. The makers have officially unveiled the film's poster.
The newly-released poster places Annu Kapoor at the centre of the frame, seated on a toilet mounted atop a giant Vastu-inspired wheel.
The unusual visual hints at the film's offbeat premise and its humorous take on themes of destiny, faith and the search for the "right direction".
Directed by Ravinder Siwach and based on a story by producer Sandiip Kapur, 'Uttar Da Puttar' revolves around an unusual premise linked to Vastu and the idea that a person's fortunes can improve by finding the "right direction" in life.
Apart from Annu Kapoor, the film also stars Rukhsar Rehman, Brijendra Kala, Pavan Malhotra, Ishtiyak Khan, Jeeveshu Ahluwalia, Rajendra Sethi, Sumit Gulati and Nitin Arora.The film is scheduled to release in cinemas worldwide on July 24, 2026.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's beautiful to see an artiste acknowledge his roots even after 44 years. I read 'The Canterville Ghost' in school—didn't know Annu Kapoor adapted it into 'Abhay'. That's a nice piece of trivia. His bond with the Bachchans seems so genuine.
Annu ji's career is a true rags-to-riches story. From radio to films, he's done it all. But I wish he hadn't mentioned Balasaheb Thackeray as 'Hindu Hriday Samrat'—that term carries a lot of political weight and might divide opinions unnecessarily. Still, respect for his journey.
I'm always amazed by how the Indian film industry has so much cross-generational respect. Amitabh Bachchan encouraging him, Jaya trusting him as a director—that's teamwork right there. The 'Uttar Da Puttar' poster is pure gold though! 😅
Annu Kapoor's humility is rare in today's Bollywood. He acknowledges everyone from the Bachchans to Thackeray. But I do wish comments about political figures were kept separate—it can polarise fan bases. Still, he seems like a genuinely good soul. 👍
44 years in the industry is no joke! From 'Mr India' to 'Uttar Da Puttar', he's still active and experimenting. That Vastu-themed poster with a toilet is the most bizarre yet creative thing I've seen in a while. Looking forward to the movie!
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