Anil won't do films without Akshaye

When it comes to Akshaye Khanna, Anil Kapoor admits he is biased. Says the actor-producer of No Problem, "I have done three movies with Akshaye and I will continue until he turns me down.



People often tell me various things about Akshaye. They say 'he doesn't do this, he won't do that, he doesn't go out, he is not a people's person'. But honestly, I don't find these things an issue. That is the kind of person Akshaye is. Once you understand him, he is the most comfortable person to work with.''

Anil explains that his dependence on Akshaye goes beyond just his personal comfort levels. Says he, "Akshaye fills the screen. He is definitely one of the greatest talents of our country. December is a crucial month for him. He has two releases in No Problem on December 10 and Tees Maar Khan on December 24. No Problem has Sanjay Dutt, Paresh Rawal, Suniel Shetty and me, but Akshaye is the romantic lead of the film. He is the young hero. I know he is underplaying the whole thing. But the fact remains that whether it is TMK or our film, I know that he is the best thing.''

Like an indulgent elder brother, Anil reveals, "Only a mad guy like him will say no to getting publicity. He is constantly saying, 'I don't want to do this, don't give my name there.' You see somewhere Akshaye is confident about himself as an actor. And only someone who is super-confident can do such a thing.''

Anil is also eternally indebted to Akshaye because he feels the young actor has been a part of the success story of his banner — Anil Kapoor Films Co Ltd. "Without his support it would not have happened,'' says the producer. "Thanks to his contribution to my films — Gandhi My Father, Short Kut — The Con and No Problem I have slept well all these years. I know I have a dependable actor, a friend and someone I can count on in him. During the making of No Problem I got close to Anees Bazmee, Rajat Rawail, Sanjay Dutt and others but everyone knows that from the whole team — Akshaye is my favourite. Of course, I want to work with the whole group, if the next script allows it, but what I share with Akshaye is certainly different."