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Anil Kapoor’s most memorable films that prove his lasting legacy in Indian Cinema

Anil Kapoor's career is a collection of iconic roles, from the energetic Mr. India to the poignant Dil Dhadakne Do. His enduring versatility and charisma have cemented his legacy as a true stalwart of Indian cinema.

October 05, 2025 / 12:30 IST
Mr. India: The Eternal Hero Playing the role of Arun Verna, a selfless man who in order to fight the evil uses an invisibility device. The actor in the film immortalised the idea of the ‘ordinary man as superhero’. After so many years of its release, Mr. India still remains the most iconic film in the Indian Cinema, with the actor’s charm and vulnerability at its heart.
1/8
Mr. India
Playing the role of Arun Verna, a selfless man who in order to fight the evil uses an invisibility device. The actor in the film immortalised the idea of the ‘ordinary man as superhero’. After so many years of its release, Mr. India still remains the most iconic film in the Indian Cinema, with the actor’s charm and vulnerability at its heart.
Tezaab Anil Kapoor plays the role of Mahesh ‘Munna’ Deshmukh in this movie. He furthers built his image as a bankable leading man. Anil's raw acting intensity combined with a wounded lover’s depth made his performance both critically powerful and critically admired. The actor also earned his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor.
2/8
Tezaab
Anil Kapoor plays the role of Mahesh ‘Munna’ Deshmukh in this movie. He furthers built his image as a bankable leading man. Anil's raw acting intensity combined with a wounded lover’s depth made his performance both critically powerful and critically admired. The actor also earned his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor.
Parinda The actor had the opportunity to explore a morally challenging role in this Vidhu Vinod Chopra directorial. Anil gave a performance that was packed with calmness and internal conflict as Kishen, the man divided between loyalty, family, and crime. His performance was a major factor in the movie's popularity, and it is frequently praised as Bollywood's first "realistic gangster drama."
3/8
Parinda
The actor had the opportunity to explore a morally challenging role in this Vidhu Vinod Chopra directorial. Anil gave a performance that was packed with calmness and internal conflict as Kishen, the man divided between loyalty, family, and crime. His performance was a major factor in the movie's popularity, and it is frequently praised as Bollywood's first "realistic gangster drama."
Taal: Stealing the Show Having a younger romantic pair in the lead roles, Anil’s performance was magnetic as he played the role of music producer Vikrant Kapoor. The actor’s layered performance and emotional depth made his character an unforgettable one while earning him yet another Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award.
4/8
Taal
Having a younger romantic pair in the lead roles, Anil’s performance was magnetic as he played the role of music producer Vikrant Kapoor. The actor’s layered performance and emotional depth made his character an unforgettable one while earning him yet another Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award.
Slumdog Millionaire Anil Kapoor’s portrayal as a sly sharp game show host named Prem Kumar, bought an international recognition to his craft. The film was well appreciated from all over the world and further went on win multiple Academy Awards, while the actor’s presence was the key in introducing him as a global Indian star.
5/8
Slumdog Millionaire
Anil Kapoor’s portrayal as a sly sharp game show host named Prem Kumar, bought an international recognition to his craft. The film was well appreciated from all over the world and further went on win multiple Academy Awards, while the actor’s presence was the key in introducing him as a global Indian star.
Dil Dhadakne Do: The Family Patriarch Playing the role as Kamal Mehta, a patriarch of a dysfunctional family, Anil Kapoor’s performance was appreciated for its complex role. The actor gave a vulnerable edge to arrogance and ambition while proving that even with a star-studded cast in the film he could dominate the screen with sheer performance.
6/8
Dil Dhadakne Do: The Family Patriarch
Playing the role as Kamal Mehta, a patriarch of a dysfunctional family, Anil Kapoor’s performance was appreciated for its complex role. The actor gave a vulnerable edge to arrogance and ambition while proving that even with a star-studded cast in the film he could dominate the screen with sheer performance.
Thar: OTT Brilliance Playing the role of cop named Surekha Singg who is chasing a mysterious case in a bleak desert town, Anil Kapoor continued to adopt and command appreciation even in the contemporary cinema as well
7/8
Thar: OTT Brilliance
Playing the role of cop named Surekha Singg who is chasing a mysterious case in a bleak desert town, Anil Kapoor continued to adopt and command appreciation even in the contemporary cinema as well
Beta For his compelling performance as Raju, a devoted son trapped in a dark web of family politics planned by his stepmother, Anil Kapoor won both his second Filmfare Award for Best Actor and broad critical acclaim. The drama was the year's biggest blockbuster because it touched a deep chord with the audience. Paired with Madhuri Dixit, his powerful and compelling performance showed his command of comedy and his powerful presence on screen.
8/8
Beta
For his compelling performance as Raju, a devoted son trapped in a dark web of family politics planned by his stepmother, Anil Kapoor won both his second Filmfare Award for Best Actor and broad critical acclaim. The drama was the year's biggest blockbuster because it touched a deep chord with the audience. Paired with Madhuri Dixit, his powerful and compelling performance showed his command of comedy and his powerful presence on screen.
first published: Oct 5, 2025 12:30 pm

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