Anil Kapoor feels honoured to be compared with Amitabh

Mumbai, Jul 27 (UNI) Versatile Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor, whose first home production movie''Gandhi-My Father'', based on relationship of Mahatma Gandhi with his eldest son Harilal, is slated for release shortly, Anil said he felt honoured to be compared with Amitabh Bachchan.

''I have to admit honestly that I did not surpass Amitabhji. He is one of the greatest actors and it's true I acted in several films whose screenplay was written with Amitabh ji in mind,'' the actor, whose daughter Sonam will make her debut in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's ''Saawariya'', said in an interview on private radio channel.

Anil said initially, Amitabh Bachchan was supposed to do 'Meri Jung' and 'Mr India'. ''I added my own style to these characters. Then I acted in Javed Akhtar's film, who used to write films only for Amitabh. I worked with Yash Chopra, who used to make films with Amitabhji. I consider it a honour when people compare me to Amitabh ji. I feel proud to have reached this stage where people are comparing me with Amitabh ji'', said the actor. The interview will be aired on July 29.

Anil considers himself extremely fortunate to be one of the few people who have got to the pinnacle of his career and achieved everything he desired.

Even today, despite being in his 50's he still feels that the journey has just begun.

Anil reveals that he dreamt of becoming a music director. '' I always carried harmonium with me and learnt music from Chote Iqbal Sahib in 1977-78. I made my acting debut in 'Woh Saat Din' in 1982 where I put my singing, music knowledge and acting skills to good use.'' In an extremely candid chat, the actor-producer also spoke about his early days when his parents were opposed to his wish to join films and his passion for singing.

UNI