Best addition to the TV series 24

When asked about the high praise, Anil says excitedly, "I was taken aback! Of course reading such a complimentary review felt good. My daughter Rhea opened the email and showed it to me. I don't have sleepless nights once when I have done my work. I have done my best and that's it." Read on for more...

It must feel great, right?
I work and then I just forget about it. I don't look back. After shooting for 24 I came back to complete the shooting of my next production No Problem in Mumbai. Of course my agents are very excited as it adds another layer to your global image.u00a0u00a0

So if this brings more work in Hollywood, you'd take it on?
Of course! You have to take it a step further. It's in the premier league and any performer would give his right arm for this kind of international platform. It increases your exposure in the international diaspora. Even for actors like Aamir and Shah Rukh Hollywood would be the next step. Who doesn't want to? Of course it's riskier and a gamble as people can make fun of you saying 'gaya tha saala Hollywood mein hero banne' but you have to be ready for that too. I came from the small suburb of Chembur to become an actor hero. Then too they laughed at me but. I have done almost 100 films in the last 30 years...

How different are the shooting styles as compared to the Hindi film industry?
They work like machines from Monday to Friday and chill on the weekends. Everything is minutely planned, discussed with detailing in every department. 24 is a huge show - every episode costs almost 20 crore (4 and half million dollars).u00a0 Everyone does his job on time. If you are late two or three times you will be thrown out by the studios. Their contracts are that strict! It's an extremely professional atmosphere. All actorsu00a0-- from the biggest to the smallest and the richest to the poorestu00a0-- are treated the same. The scripts are ready before the shoot. We complete the shooting in 5 hours sometimes what it would take us to shoot in 5 days in India.u00a0

Who will accompany you to the show's premiere on January 14?
I am going with my make-up and hair stylist for the last 30 yearsu00a0-- Deepak dada.u00a0

What's next?
I am shooting for No Problem, which should get complete by this month. My second production Ayesha, starring Sonam and Abhay Deol, is complete. I plan to start two more films this year and a third one with Sonam again. We are, at present, finalising the script.

Any last words?
I just feel you have to feel the same way about your work as when you started your career. Even today, I am as hungry, excited and thrilled about all my roles, as I was when I started acting. These days I feel things have become routine and I need to get that excitement back. I learnt a lot from Danny Boyleu00a0-- especially his enthusiasm and excitement. At the red carpet during the Oscars he spoke with equal passion and dedication to each and every channel no matter how big or small it was. I admire the grace, large-heartedness and humility of the west. You can't constantly be the centre of attraction. You have to confident about yourself and your work and not be demoralised about the rest.