Annu Kapoor Acting:
Annu Kapoor boasts a rich and diverse acting career spanning over four decades.
Early Stage and Breakthrough:
- Started with theatre in the 1970s, performing in numerous plays.
- Film debut in 1983 with Shyam Benegal’s “Mandi.”
- Gained recognition for his comedic role in “Utsav” (1984) and a Filmfare nomination.
Versatility and Acclaim:
- Played a wide range of characters, from comedic roles in “Mr. India” (1987) to serious ones in “Raincoat” (2004).
- Won critical acclaim for his performance in “Vicky Donor” (2012) as Dr. Baldev Chaddha, earning him a National Film Award and a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Television and Game Shows:
- Found immense popularity as the host of the iconic singing game show “Close Up Antakshari” on Zee TV.
- Appeared in various television series, including the horror show “Kile ka Rahasya” (1989).
Recent Work and Continued Success:
- Remains active in films, appearing in projects like “Jolly LLB 2” (2017), “Dream Girl” (2019), and “Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari” (2020).
- Continues to showcase his versatility and talent in diverse roles.
Additional Notes:
- Known for his distinct voice, which he has lent to films and as a dubbing artist.
- Has also directed a film, “Abhay” (1994), which received a National Award.
Annu Kapoor’s career is a testament to his dedication and talent. He has consistently delivered memorable performances, establishing himself as a veteran and respected actor in Indian cinema.
Annu Kapoor As a radio presenter:
- Show Name: His radio show is called “Suhana Safar with Annu Kapoor” which translates to “Pleasant Journey with Annu Kapoor.”
- Platform: The show airs daily on 92.7 Big FM, a popular radio network in India.
- Content: Annu Kapoor takes listeners on a nostalgic trip down memory lane, focusing on the “Golden Era” of Hindi cinema, roughly between 1955 and 1985.
- Show Format: He plays the top 12 songs of a particular year, interwoven with interesting facts, trivia, and behind-the-scenes stories about the movies, music, and legendary actors of that era.
- Impact: The show has garnered immense popularity for its unique format and Annu Kapoor’s engaging narration. It has become a favorite among listeners who enjoy classic Hindi film music and the rich history of Indian cinema.
- Accolades: The show’s success is evident by its national reach and the “Golden Mike Award” it has won, a prestigious recognition in Indian radio broadcasting.
Annu Kapoor’s radio show is a testament to his passion for storytelling and his ability to connect with audiences beyond the screen. It offers a delightful escape for listeners, transporting them to a bygone era of Indian cinema.
Annu Kapoor as a Director:
- Directorial Debut: Annu Kapoor’s directorial debut came in 1994 with the film “Abhay” (also known as “Abhay: The Fearless”).
- Genre and Focus: “Abhay” is a children’s film that blends fantasy, horror, and comedy. The story revolves around a family moving into a supposedly haunted house and their interactions with the resident ghost.
- Critical Reception and Accolades: The film received positive reviews for its unique concept and engaging storytelling. It was particularly praised for its ability to entertain both children and adults. Notably, “Abhay” won two prestigious awards:
- The National Film Award for Best Children’s Film (1995)
- The V. Shantaram Award (1995)
· Limited Directing Career: Despite the success of “Abhay,” Annu Kapoor hasn’t directed any other feature films since. He has remained primarily focused on his acting career.
Annu Kapoor as a Producer:
Annu Kapoor has ventured into production as well. He produced a musical talent contest for children titled “Aao Jhoomein Gaayen” for SAB TV and a Bengali-language musical talent-hunt show, “Gaan Gaao Taaka Naao” on Rupashi Bangla TV in Kolkata. Additionally, he produced a musical in Mathura called “Ek Sunhari Shyam”. These productions highlight his passion for music and the arts, extending beyond his acting career.
Awards and nominations:
National Film Awards, India:
Annu Kapoor was honored with the Best Supporting Actor award in 2013 for his outstanding performance in “Vicky Donor.”
Filmfare Awards:
Best Supporting Actor for “Vicky Donor” in 2013.
Nominated for Best Comic Actor for “Utsav” in 1986.
Awards of the International Indian Film Academy:
The 2013 award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role was awarded to Annu Kapoor for his role in “Vicky Donor.”
Nominated for Best Comic Actor for “Vicky Donor” in 2013.
Zee Cine Awards:
Annu Kapoor was among the nominees for the Best Supporting Actor category for his role in “Dream Girl” at the 2020 awards.
Nominated for Best Negative Role for “Jolly LLB 2” in 2018.
Nominated for Best Performance in a Comic Role for “Vicky Donor” in 2013.
Apsara Film Producers Guild Awards:
For his humorous portrayal in “Vicky Donor,” Annu Kapoor was honored with the Best Actor in a Comic Role award in 2013.
Annu Kapoor’s portrayal in “Vicky Donor” earned him the accolade of Best Actor in a Supporting Role in 2013.
Indian Television Academy Awards, India:
Best Anchor – Game/Quiz Show for “Antakshari” in 2004.
Best Anchor – Music & Film based show for “Antakshari” in 2003.
Nominated for Best Actor – Web Series for “Home” in 2018.
Stardust Awards, India:
Nominated for Best Supporting Actor for “The Shaukeens” in 2014.
Times of India Film Awards:
Best Supporting Actor for “Vicky Donor” in 2013.
Nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Comic Role for “Vicky Donor” in 2013.
Dainik Bhaskar Bollywood Web Awards:
Nominated for Comic Performance of the Year for “Vicky Donor” in 2012.
Screen Awards, IN:
Best Performance by an Actor in a Comic Role for “Vicky Donor” in 2013.
Indian Telly Awards:
Nominated for Best Anchor for “Antakshari” in 2003 and 2002.
News18 REEL Movie Award:
For his performance in “Dream Girl 2,” Annu Kapoor was shortlisted for the Best Supporting Actor award in 2024.