Actor Annu Kapoor expressed his gratitude to Jaya Bachchan, Amitabh Bachchan and Balasaheb Thackeray on completing 44 years in the industry. He gave special thanks to Jaya Bachchan, who trusted him and made him director-producer. He will soon be seen in the film ‘Uttar Da Puttar’.
Veteran actor Annu Kapoor completed 44 years in the Hindi film industry on Monday. On the occasion, he expressed gratitude to several personalities who shaped his journey, including Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan and late Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray.
Expressed gratitude to Jaya Bachchan and Bal Thackeray
Speaking to ANI, Kapoor said that the Bachchan family was among those who welcomed him warmly. He also said that Jaya Bachchan showed a lot of trust in him by making him producer-director. He said, “I consider Jaya Bachchan ji as my elder sister. She was the first one who trusted me and made me a director and producer. I had just told her a story, but see how much faith she had in me. I will be indebted to her for the rest of my life.”
Remembered the film ‘Abhay’
Recalling the direction and production of the film ‘Abhay’, Kapoor said that Jaya Bachchan supported the project and even approved the increased budget when she felt that the original budget was inadequate. ‘Abhay – The Fearless’ is a children’s film directed by Annu Kapoor. It was an adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s 1887 short story, ‘The Canterville Ghost’, produced by the Children’s Film Society, India. Nana Patekar played the role of a ghost in this. The film also stars Benjamin Gilani and Munmun Sen.
The actor also recalled his association with the Bachchan family and said that Amitabh Bachchan always encouraged him as an artiste. Expressing gratitude to late Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, Kapoor said the veteran leader treated him with affection and respect.
Kapoor said, “I am very grateful to Balasaheb Thackeray. He gave me a lot of respect and love. He used to call me, eat with me and spend time talking with me.” Recalling one such meeting, Kapoor said, “I am very grateful to the Hindu Hriday Samrat, late Shri Balasaheb Thackeray, who respected me a lot and loved me a lot. He used to call me and eat with me and chat with me. You will be surprised. He never let me sit down.”
Completed 44 years in Mumbai
Kapoor, who completed 44 years in Mumbai, said he came to the city on June 29, 1982 and is grateful to the film industry, the people of Mumbai and Maharashtra for accepting him as an artiste. He also apologized for inadvertently hurting anyone during his four-decade-long journey and thanked the audience for the love and respect they have shown him over the years.
Upcoming movie ‘Uttar Da Puttar’
On the work front, he will be next seen in the upcoming comedy ‘Uttar Da Puttar’. The makers have officially released the poster of the film. The newly released poster features Annu Kapoor at the center of the frame, sitting on a toilet atop a giant Vaastu-inspired wheel. This unusual scene hints at the film’s unique premise and its comedic take on themes such as destiny, faith, and the search for the “right direction” in life.
Directed by Ravinder Siwach and based on a story by producer Sandeep Kapoor, ‘Uttar Da Puttar’ revolves around an unusual premise involving Vaastu. It is based on the idea that a person’s fortunes can improve by finding the “right direction” in life.
Apart from Annu Kapoor, the film also stars Rukhsar Rehman, Brijendra Kala, Pawan Malhotra, Ishtiaq Khan, Jiveshu Ahluwalia, Rajendra Sethi, Sumit Gulati and Nitin Arora. The film is scheduled to release in theaters worldwide on July 24, 2026.
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