Final Countdown

As 24 goes on air this weekend,Anil Kapoor shares why he adapted this iconic show for India

Written by Jaskiran Kapoor

October 1, 2013 11:38 PM IST

4 min read

When it first aired on American television in 2001,Fox Networks brand new series with an unusual title became an instant hit. It was post9/11,and 24 with its thrilling race against time plot spinning around assassination attempts,cyber attacks,biological warfare,spies and agents,government corruption and nexus,global terrorism and family ties had the country hooked. It also gave a vent to the audiences,who lapped it up and admired its unconventional hero,Agent Jack Bauer (played by Kiefer Sutherland) for eight consecutive seasons. The series not only revolutionised American television,it ended up being the longest running espionage-themed television drama ever. It has a universal format and is relevant to our country too,which is why I decided to adapt it for Indian television says Anil Kapoor,who is all set to play Jai Singh Rathod in the Indian adaptation of 24 that goes on air on Colors on October 4. In Chandigarh for the promotions,the actor-producer talks about his Indian television debut and setting a new benchmark with this series.

It was during the promotions of Slumdog Millionaire in 2008 that Fox approached Kapoor to play President Oman Hassan (of the fictional Islamic Republic of Kamistan) in the eighth season of 24. I was in two minds for I had never done television before. In India too,I keep getting offers,for reality shows,as a judge,but Ive always refused. I weighed the pros and con,took the risk,and had a blast while shooting for the international version of 24, he says The professionalism,the acting,the scale,says Kapoor,was simply terrific. Floored by the show,Kapoor decided to buy the rights. I respect copyright laws and wanted everything to be legal. I started pitching the idea to channels and here we are, says Kapoor,adding how channels want 24 to succeed because they too are looking for a change in Indian television.

Once on board,the challenge was to infuse Indian sensibilities. Internationally,the strength of 24 lay in its well fleshed out characters and writing which was edgy,gripping,moving and exciting. So,writers Rensil DSilva and Milap Zaveri were hired along with Abhinay Deo (of Delhi Belly fame) as the director. Every episode of 24 is like an hour-long film. They happen in real-time and with a regular use of split screen,a technique that showcases multiple scenes simultaneously, says Kapoor. Casting was the easy for everyone had seen it and everyone wanted to be on it. The toughest,however,was bringing to life Jai Singh Rathod,the head of the Anti-Terrorist Unit. Jack Bauer is 24 and 24 is Jack Bauer. Keifer Sutherland has done nothing else but 24 for the last nine years,and Ill be happy if I can achieve even 60 per cent of that Bauer effect, says Kapoor.

The actor went on a strict regime which included boot camp sessions,strength training,dropping seven kilos,meeting Indian agents,learning how to shoot and carrying a gun all the time to get used to it. In many ways I am similar to Jai. He is always struggling to strike a balance between work and family,and for the first 30 years of my career,I did the same. I was consumed with films till I realised family is more important. Its them whove motivated me to do 24, says Kapoor.

On the film front,Kapoor says he will be seen in interesting characters in Rajkumar Santoshis untitled film in which he plays the role of Sikandar Mirza; and as a middle-class salesman in Abhishek Sharmas Sharmaji Ka Atom Bomb. The length of the role has never mattered to me,its the impact of the role. Also,Ive been busy with 24 and Mission Impossible which is why Indian films took a backseat, he says,and adds,Ive been known as Lakhan,Prem Partap Patialewala,Mr India,Nayak,Munna,and now it will be Jai Singh Rathod.

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