As an actor, Anil has over the past twenty years carved a niche for himself as one of India’s finest.

His innings, began in the late 70s with films like Shakti, Humhare Tumhare and Hum Paanch and reached a new high with Woh Saat Din where he played the good-hearted struggling singer.

His underdog act in Yash Chopra’s Mashaal, Rajiv Rai’s Yudh, Feroz Khan’s Jaanbaaz and Sahib; his perfect comic timing in Chameli Ki Shaadi, Subhash Ghai’s Karma and Ram Lakhan; and his intense angry young man persona in Ghai’s Meri Jung, N Chandra’s Tezaab, Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Parinda proved the man’s amazing versatility.

Awards, acclaim were fittingly bestowed. But unlike other film heroes who became victims of their self-created images, Anil constantly chose to experiment with new roles like the ones in Eeshwar or Lamhe.

All this while he continued with mainstream masala potboilers -- Laadla, Beta, Loafer, Gharwali Baharwali, Biwi No 1, Virasat, Taal, Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai, Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain and Mann.

Pukar (which earned him the National Award) and the recently released Nayak and Lajja assert his fortitude as a performer. By his own account Anil says, “The highlights of my career are Woh Saat Din, Sahib, Mr India, Ram Lakhan, Tezaab, Lamhe, 1942: A Love Story, Viraasat, Eeshwar and Taal. I have been lucky, I have a few films that are timeless, which I don't feel ashamed of when they come on television. Films that I am proud of.”

On his birthday, here's taking a look at some of the milestones of Anil Kapoor’s career.

Text: Sukanya Verma