Annu Kapoor Marks 44 Years in Film Industry with Heartfelt Gratitude

"Grateful to all who loved and accepted me": Annu Kapoor on completing 44 years in film industry

Mumbai, June 29

Reflecting on his journey, Annu Kapoor, while speaking to ANI, opened up about his modest beginnings as he expressed much gratitude.

"It's been 44 years. I was born in Bhopal, studied in Delhi, and now I work in Mumbai. I am very grateful to all those who loved me, who accepted me as an artist, and made me capable of running and building a house. I spent the journey over the past 44 years with much pride. I am equally grateful to the film industry for giving me an opportunity," Kapoor said.

The actor credited his elder brother, Ranjit Kapoor, who guided him to Mumbai and supported him in the early years.

"My elder brother, Ranjit Kapoor, brought me here. I got his message from Delhi. When I came here, I did a play with the late Om Puri. I am very grateful to my brother," he said.

Annu Kapoor went on to express gratitude to people who made special contributions to his career.

"I would like to express my gratitude to late filmmakers Shyam Benegal and Mrinal Sen, Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, the late Yash Chopra and many others. I remember them a lot today," he said.

Annu Kapoor also gave a special mention to actor Amitabh Bachchan, further describing the actor's wife and politician Jaya Bachchan as his elder sister.

"I pray for Amitabh Bachchan's long and healthy life. Jaya Bachchan, whom I consider my elder sister, trusted me and made me a director and producer. If they are listening to this program, then this is a token of gratitude," he added.

On his deep affection for the late Yash Chopra and his wife, the late Pamela Chopra, Kapoor continued, "Yashji and Pamji gave me a lot of love, especially when I was nothing. Today, I miss them a lot. I got the chance to spend a good four years with them while working on 'Meri Awaz Suno'. We were close at that time and did a good program."

Even after more than four decades, Kapoor continues to embrace new opportunities.

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