"24 is one of the most sincere show on TV ever!"-Anil Kapoor

As the promos have already started flashing on the television, we can witness that the Indian adaptation of 24 retains all the elements of the international series, with 24 episodes capturing 24 hours of heroic Anti Terrorist Unit agent Jai Singh Rathod played by Anil Kapoor.

Talking about this grand and pulse-pounding project, Anil Kapoor says, "Some people are very fortunate as they don't really put in their best and yet turn out to be successful. Whereas in the case of 24, the series is going to be great for the audience because they will be getting something which is honest, pure and worth their while. We have put in all our heart and soul in this project to provide quality of entertainment because we love the audience and respect their sensibilities."

Adding to the list, other than Anil, there are many other renowned Bollywood actors like Anupam Kher, Shabana Azmi, Tisca Chopra, Anita Raj, Richa Chadda, Neil Bhoopalam and Rahul Khanna who will be seen delivering their spell-binding performances in 24. Talking about the cast and the entire unit of 24, the humble actor says, "Everybody is a hero on the show and the precision and technique that each one of them uses to portray their individual characters is unique. Their never-say-die attitude and the passion and enthusiasm put in by each one of them makes me want to strive harder and perform better and better."

When asked the actor, what made him come up with the concept of 24 tele-series and what is their ideal target audience, he says, "When I do a film instinctively, I never think that I have to please a particular target audience. I play the role only if it fascinates me. So when I read the script of 24, I just loved it and the first thing that came in my mind was even the Indian audience will like it. We are all basically artists. So when an artist paints his imagination on a canvas, he does not bother who will like it and who will not, he does it with lots of passion. In a similar way, I found the concept very promising so I did it."

As the original version of 24 has 8 seasons till date, on being quizzed about the further seasons on the Indian version of the show, Anil says, "We are not really thinking about the second season at the moment. Right now our focus is only the first season - 24 episodes. And it all depends on the acceptance of the people and the subsequent commercial affairs. So we are waiting for that and the day you will come to know that we are working on its second season, samajh lena ki 1^st season chal gaya."

The good thing about this show is it has got a lot of scope for people to be a part of it. We wonder if Anil's daughter, Sonam Kapoor could be a part of it? "If Sonam suits any of the character and if there is a cameo then she will definitely do it. If there is something appropriate for her, we will pitch it to her, and then it depends on her. One thing is for sure that she will not take up any project because of me, as when it comes to work, we all are professionals."

On being asked, where does television stand in Anil Kapoor's house, the handsome Bollywood actor says, "At the end of the day when we come back from our work, we sit together to watch television for probably an hour or so. Television brings the family together and it's indeed a great fun."

Hope '24' will be able to create new industry benchmarks for Indian television!

Monica Varma