Anil Kapoor buys rights to remake ’24’ in India

Bollywood superstar, Anil Kapoor has confirmed he has bought the rights to remake an Indian version of hit American show ’24’.

His production company will remake the show in Hindi and will also be dubbed in various regional languages. Kapoor is already in negotiations with various channels to pick the show as its due on air next year.

Incidentally, Anil Kapoor was seen in the last series of ’24’ and this time he will step into the shoes of iconic character, Jack Bauer. Originally, Kiefer Sutherland played the lead on the show.

Anil said, “I am really happy that the makers of the show have put their faith in me for its Indian version. When I was shooting for it in the US, I kept wishing that I could take something like this to my Indian audience. Now that wish is close to getting fulfilled.”

When quizzed about stepping into Jack Bauer’s shoes, he says, “It’s a huge honour, but I am anxious as Jack is an iconic character like Jack Sparrow or Batman. He is loved all over the world. It’s a great responsibility for me as an entrepreneur and as actor. I will try my best and hope I can do even 50 per cent of what they have done. If I achieve a little of what Keifer has, I will be happy.”

’24’ was axed in America last month after eight years. The show revolves around Jack Bauer, who works for the Los Angeles-based Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU). Each episode has Jack racing against the clock as he attempts to prevent multiple terrorist plots, including presidential assassination attempts, nuclear, biological and chemical threats, cyber attacks as well as conspiracies dealing with government and corporate corruption. The show is presented in the semblance of real time, with each 24 episode season covering 24 hours in the life of Bauer.