Neil returns with Anil’s 24
After his Vjing stint, Neil Bhoopalam became a popular face on television indeed. But the actor sought out mediums like theatre and films (he was seen in Bejoy Nambiar’s Shaitaan) and explored different kinds of roles. Now, the actor is returning to the small screen with Anil Kapoor’s desi version of American thriller 24.
Speaking about his character on the show, Neil says, “I play a powerful character — a prime minister (and when the story starts) my character is just about to head in to his swearing in ceremony. It’s the first time that I will be playing a politician.”
Neil professes that he enjoyed watching the original 24, that stars Kiefer Sutherland as Agent Jack Bauer, and that’s one reason why he was so excited to be part of Anil’s show. What was also exciting was the chance to share screen space with B’town veterans like Anil and Shabana Azmi.
“The plot sees three groups intersect — a political group, a terrorist group and an anti-terrorist group. Most of my scenes are with Shabana and Anil, but there are also a few friends from theatre, which is really nice,” Nail tells us, adding that it’s essential to be on his toes (figuratively of course) when actors of Anil and Shabana’s caliber are around. “When you are acting with people like them (Shabana and Anil) you have to be careful not to mess up your act!”
With the show’s shoot taking up much of his time — his birthday was also spent on the sets, which Neil says “was a good omen” — the actor is still making time for other projects. He is also shooting for Karan Johar’s Ungli. Neil says, “We started shooting last year and there was a time when I was juggling 24, Ungli and theatre — and that was crazy! But Ungli should be complete soon.”
He adds that “for some strange reason” the year has been an unusually busy one. “I’m flying to South Africa for a show soon. I’m really looking forward to a short break but don’t know when I’ll get the time off.”
As for the medium he’s enjoyed working in most this past year, Neil says, “I don’t find any difference in acting for films or TV. Of course, VJing is a different ballgame. You have to talk to the camera and make it interesting. TV, I feel, gives one more footage than films, so its good. And as always, I am also busy doing theatre.”
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