Anil Kapoor Reminisces About His Acting Journey as ‘Kahan Kahan Se Guzar Gaya’ Turns 44

Bollywood’s beloved actor Anil Kapoor recently took a moment to reflect on his long and illustrious career as his film Kahan Kahan Se Guzar Gaya celebrated its 44th anniversary. Released in 1979, the film marked the beginning of Kapoor’s remarkable journey in the Indian film industry. Though not a major box office hit, Kahan Kahan Se Guzar Gaya, directed by Basu Chatterjee, holds a special place in Kapoor’s heart as it was his first step into the world of acting. Kapoor’s portrayal of a young man navigating life’s challenges was the perfect introduction to his acting skills, which would evolve into one of Bollywood’s most versatile and celebrated careers.

In a reflective conversation, Kapoor opened up about how this early film shaped his approach to acting and the lessons he learned from his first experience in front of the camera. “When I look back at Kahan Kahan Se Guzar Gaya, I remember being full of hope, enthusiasm, and nerves. I was new to the industry and knew I had so much to learn,” Kapoor recalled. “Though it wasn’t a commercial success, the film gave me an invaluable opportunity to experience the process of filmmaking, and it laid the foundation for everything that came after.”

The actor went on to share how his early days in the industry were full of learning curves, with each film contributing to his growth as an artist. Kahan Kahan Se Guzar Gaya may not have garnered widespread attention, but it introduced Kapoor to the nuances of acting—how to build a character, bring out emotions, and connect with the audience on a deeper level. “Every role, no matter how big or small, was an opportunity to improve and develop my craft,” he added.

Kapoor also reminisced about the legendary actors who inspired him in his formative years, particularly two icons of Bollywood—Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan. Both stars, at the height of their fame in the 1970s, had a profound influence on Kapoor’s acting style. He admired Rajesh Khanna’s emotional depth and ability to captivate audiences with his performances, while Amitabh Bachchan’s intense presence and command over his roles were qualities that Kapoor aspired to embody in his own acting. “Rajesh Khanna had this natural ability to make every emotion feel real. And Amitabh Bachchan, with his towering presence, taught me the importance of bringing intensity and focus to every role,” Kapoor shared.

Looking back at his career, Kapoor marveled at how far Bollywood had come from the late 1970s. The industry, once dominated by melodramatic stories and larger-than-life heroes, has transformed into a space where actors can experiment with complex, nuanced characters. Kapoor, who effortlessly moved between commercial films and critically acclaimed roles, adapted to this shift, delivering diverse performances in films like Mr. India, Pukar, and Dil Dhadakne Do. “The Bollywood of the 70s was different from today. But what remained constant was the love for stories and performances that touch the heart,” he explained.

As he celebrated this milestone, Kapoor, now a global star with a career spanning more than four decades, acknowledged the crucial role his early films played in shaping him as an actor. Even as the world around him changed, he continued to evolve, proving that his love for acting and passion for storytelling would never fade. “I’ve learned so much over the years, and I’m still learning. The journey never stops,” Kapoor concluded.

Now, as Kahan Kahan Se Guzar Gaya turns 44, Kapoor’s reflection on his journey serves as a reminder of the humble beginnings that sparked an extraordinary career. With each new role, Anil Kapoor continues to inspire audiences and fellow actors alike, proving that perseverance and passion are key ingredients to long-lasting success.