Karma completes 40 years; Anil Kapoor recalls working with Dilip Kumar

As Karma completes 40 years, Anil Kapoor recalled working with legendary actor Dilip Kumar and director Subhash Ghai, describing the experience as “intimidating and inspiring”. He also celebrated the 1986 blockbuster's enduring popularity and musical legacy.

Mumbai: Bollywood star Anil Kapoor turned nostalgic as the iconic patriotic action drama Karma completed 40 years on August 8.

The actor stated that the film arrived at a defining moment in his career and every day on its set was nothing short of a masterclass.

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Sharing a montage of memorable moments from the 1986 blockbuster on X (formerly Twitter), Anil wrote, “Karma came at a pivotal moment in my journey, and every day on that set was a masterclass.

Working with the legendary Dilip Kumar and the incredible Nasser Saab was equal parts intimidating and inspiring. To be directed by Subhash Ji and to share the screen with such an extraordinary cast remains one of the greatest privileges of my career.

“Thank you for keeping Karma alive and cherished for four decades.”

Directed and produced by Subhash Ghai under Mukta Arts, Karma hit theatres on August 8, 1986, and emerged as one of the biggest blockbusters of the year.

The action drama featured an ensemble cast led by Dilip Kumar, alongside Nutan, Naseeruddin Shah, Jackie Shroff, Anil Kapoor, Sridevi, Poonam Dhillon, Dara Singh, Anupam Kher, Tom Alter, Beena Banerjee, Paresh Rawal and Shakti Kapoor.

The film follows Jailor Rana Vishwa Pratap Singh (Dilip Kumar), whose life is shattered after dreaded terrorist Dr. Michael Dang (Anupam Kher) destroys his family. Determined to eliminate the criminal, Rana recruits three prisoners,Johnny played by Jackie Shroff), Baiju by Naseeruddin Shah and Ajju by Anil Kapoor) for a dangerous mission to take down Dang and his terror network.

Apart from its storyline and powerful performances, Karma became a musical milestone with Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s chartbuster soundtrack.

Songs such as Dil Diya Hai Jaan Bhi Denge, Aye Watan Tere Liye, Na Jaiyo Pardes, Maine Rab Se Tujhe and De Daru continue to enjoy immense popularity even today.