How is it working for the popular international television series, 24?
I’ve been in the US for over a month now, shooting for 24 where I play a leader from the Middle East who is visiting the country for peace talks. We’ve already shot the first four episodes and by end of July, we’ll be done with the other two.

I’m enjoying every bit of the international exposure that shooting for 24 is giving me. I am sure I’d have never got an opportunity like this in India, especially since it’s a show with a huge following. The way the television industry operates here is also very different—the budgets, working style and professionalism involved are awe-inspiring and worth learning from.

Would you attribute this assignment to the success of Slumdog Millionaire?
Indeed. The exposure that Slumdog gave me has widened my horizons — now, the world is the arena. I have an agent in Los Angeles now and there are some good offers coming in but nothing else is concrete yet. For now, I have 24 and the Danny Boyle movie that is still being planned.

The first movie under Anil Kapoor Productions banner — Gandhi, My Father — and the second — Short Kut – The Con is On — have nothing in common. Are you not taking a risk by experimenting with genres?

But then my career’s always followed such a pattern — if I’ve done Ram Lakhan, I’ve also done Eeshwar, if I’ve done Welcome and Biwi No 1, there’s also 1942 – A Love Story. I don’t fear taking risks because every success only emboldens me and every failure helps me learn from my mistakes.

... contd.