Madhuri, Sakshi have proved me wrong: Anil Kapoor

Actor-producer Anil Kapoor says that Madhuri Dixit-Nene and Sakshi Tanwar are two actors who have proved him wrong by showcasing their versatility.

The 59-year-old is set to return to the small screen with the finite TV series "24: Season 2", also starring "Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii" fame actress Sakshi. Anil shared that he was nervous about getting her on board.

"The makers asked me as a producer and as a leading actor about casting Sakshi on '24'. I said 'Yes. Done'. I had heard of her, seen her work and seen her play 'aachi bahu' (good daughter-in-law) on TV shows. So, I was nervous about her.

"But later, I was taken aback. She plays an Anti-Terrorist Unit chief. She did that with total conviction. It's a tough role. When she acts people only concentrate on her, so I am lucky that I have less scenes with her," Anil told reporters here during promotion of the series, which is an Indian adaptation of the popular American TV show "24".

She isn't the only actress who won his confidence through pure talent.

"Two actors have proved me wrong. Apart from Sakshi, it was Madhuri Dixit. We were doing two films together. In one of them, she was playing 'aachi ladki, gao ki ladki' (good girl, village girl). I said 'Perfect'. In the other film called 'Hifazat' (released in 1987), her role was a modern one. I couldn't imagine her playing that character.

"I was doubtful and wondered whether the casting would affect my career. Then the director convinced me by saying that if I can play different characters on screen then why can't she. And she did a fantastic job," he said.

As of now, he has put in all his energy and effort on "24: Season 2", which will air on Colors from July 23 onwards.

--IANS

nn/vd