The 'Most Taxing Assignment' of Anil Kapoor's Career is 24

Mumbai: Actor Anil Kapoor, who will soon be seen in the second season of the TV series 24, said that the Indian adaptation of the popular American TV show is the most taxing project for him so far.

Mr Kapoor plays Anti-Terrorism Squad agent Jai Singh Rathore in the second season of the espionage thriller.

"24 is the most taxing assignment of my career. Doing a movie is much easier as it's just one movie. This is like eight movies. Eight action films together. That's the difference," Mr Kapoor told IANS after the launch of 24 trailer.

Mr Kapoor also spoke about the stunts in the show.

"My body is all bruised. I had to go to a physiotherapist as well. In fact, some of the stuntmen also got injured but everyone is fit to work relentlessly," said Mr Kapoor.

The first season of 24, which also featured veteran actors like Shabana Azmi and Anupam Kher, was launched in India in 2013. It's an official adaptation brought to India by Mr Kapoor, who also worked in the international version of the show.

Isn't he worried that people will lose interest in the show due to such a gap in the seasons?

"When we do this kind of a show, there is a lot of recall value. You put in so much of effort and commitment and the content is so strong. Even if it comes out once in two years, people will remember it and will want it back. There are so many sequels to films. They don't come every year. Still people go to see the films," said Mr Kapoor.

"24 is more like a film. We shoot it like a film. The scale and the kind of commitment we have is no less than a film. When you do this kind of work, it doesn't have to come out every year," said Mr Kapoor.

So, is the audience ready for TV shows beyond saas-bahu soaps?

"They are ready but we have to give it (shows with different content) again and again. Whatever you do, takes time. I always believe in doing things that challenge and motivate me, which I feel passionate about," said Mr Kapoor.

"I felt challenged by 24. I loved the content. I don't care what others think. There's no time for that," said Mr Kapoor, who refused to take up "an exciting international project" due to his commitment to 24.

Mr Kapoor, who has featured in Hollywood films like Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol, has also acquired the rights of American TV series Modern Family and Prison Break for Indian TV.

"I just like the way they (people in the West) work and their work culture. The content is strong. There is discipline and professionalism. And that's what I love about them. So whatever is good, why can't I pick it up and learn from them and adapt them," said Mr Kapoor.

And how different are the two film industries?

"Their budgets are big and technically, they are much more advanced as far as special effects are concerned. For instance, a Disney film like The Jungle Book, everything was done on a computer. Besides, they prep a lot. We (Indian film industry) are also picking up," said Anil Kapoor.