Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Mar 2: Veteran actor Anil Kapoor took viewers on an emotional journey down memory lane as he appeared on the gaming reality show Wheel of Fortune, sharing stories from the earliest days of his career.
In a candid conversation with host Akshay Kumar, Kapoor recalled earning his very first paycheck in 1976 from Doordarshan. He revealed that he performed at the broadcaster’s Worli studio in Mumbai and was paid Rs 250 for the appearance — a moment that marked the beginning of his journey in showbiz.
The actor fondly described the excitement of seeing himself on television for the first time and the joy it brought to his parents and friends. Despite his efforts to retrieve footage of that early performance, Kapoor admitted he has yet to find the clip, something he hopes to revisit someday.
He went on to share how theatre during his college years further shaped his ambitions. While studying at St. Xavier's College, Kapoor performed in a stage play where legendary actor Shashi Kapoor was the chief guest. Winning the Best Actor award from Shashi Kapoor’s hands proved to be a defining moment, convincing him that acting could be his true calling. Encouraged by that recognition, he formally began pursuing acting courses, crediting Shashi Kapoor as a major influence in his career.
The nostalgia continued when a puzzle on the show prompted the audience to chant the iconic song Dhak Dhak Karne Laga. Smiling, Kapoor humbly remarked that the song belonged entirely to Madhuri Dixit, joking that he merely stood by in a supporting role.
Akshay Kumar, however, was quick to remind everyone that the chartbuster was equally associated with Kapoor. Recalling the shoot, Kapoor revealed that the track was choreographed by the legendary Saroj Khan and filmed at RK Studio after the film had already been completed. The song was shot on the final day, during late-night hours, as both he and Madhuri were juggling double shifts for other films during the day.
Reflecting on that demanding schedule, Kapoor noted that the “freshness” seen in the song came despite the exhaustion of working on multiple projects simultaneously.
Wheel of Fortune airs on Sony Entertainment Television and streams on SonyLIV.