Did you know that Anil Kapoor was approached by political parties after his 2001 film Nayak, one of the cult classics of his decades-long career?&nbsp;The 2001 movie is still watched in several Indian households, with viewers enjoying it with the same enthusiasm and thrill. Decades after its release, Anil revealed how people were so influenced by his performance that he even received offers to join political parties.<h2>When Anil Kapoor was approached to join a political party</h2> In the film, Anil played the role of Shivaji Rao, a journalist who becomes the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for one day. His performance was so impressive that he was offered opportunities to enter politics.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/dhurandhar-tops-the-chart-becoming-the-longest-trending-movie-on-bookmyshow-surpassing-chhaava-and-jawan-1771144368353">Dhurandhar becomes the longest trending movie, surpasses Chhaava and Jawan</a>&nbsp;Speaking to Screen, the actor shared, ''There were a few discussions, but I nipped it in the bud. They’re also very sensible. So those who offer it to you won’t do it directly. That offer comes through somebody else. You somewhere get the idea that he’s not inclined to do this job.”&nbsp;The actor did not reveal which political party approached him. &nbsp;He added that whenever he takes up any work, he does it with full dedication. He also revealed that the UN had approached him multiple times to become a brand ambassador after the release of Slumdog Millionaire.&nbsp;Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/i-m-sorry-i-m-the-next-callum-turner-breaks-his-silence-on-james-bond-casting-rumours-1771161073204"> 'I’m sorry, I’m the next...' Callum Turner breaks his silence on casting rumors</a>&nbsp;He added, “If I do it, I have to do it very sincerely and genuinely. But I don’t have it within me to give it my full commitment. I want to give my 100% to everything I do. So many times, the UN has asked me to become a brand ambassador when I was in America after Slumdog Millionaire released. Sometimes, when you’re the flavour of the season, every organization of the world wants to approach you.”<h3>About Anil Kapoor’s Nayak</h3>&nbsp;In Nayak, Anil plays Shivaji Rao, an honest television journalist who questions corruption and social issues. When he confronts the Chief Minister, Balraj Chauhan (played by Amrish Puri), during a riot and challenges his government’s failures, he is asked to take over the position for a day. Shivaji accepts the challenge and, during his 24-hour tenure, he proves himself.&nbsp;&nbsp;Directed by S.Shankar, the movie also stars Rani Mukerji, Amrish Puri, Paresh Rawal and Johnny Lever.

Anil Kapoor is one of the most-acclaimed actors of the Indian film industry, and has played several characters in the movies that went on to become cult classics. Among many, one such film is Nayak. 

Did you know that Anil Kapoor was approached by political parties after his 2001 film Nayak, one of the cult classics of his decades-long career? The 2001 movie is still watched in several Indian households, with viewers enjoying it with the same enthusiasm and thrill. Decades after its release, Anil revealed how people were so influenced by his performance that he even received offers to join political parties. When Anil Kapoor was approached to join a political party In the film, Anil played the role of Shivaji Rao, a journalist who becomes the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for one day. His performance was so impressive that he was offered opportunities to enter politics. Also read: Dhurandhar becomes the longest trending movie, surpasses Chhaava and Jawan Speaking to Screen, the actor shared, ''There were a few discussions, but I nipped it in the bud. They’re also very sensible. So those who offer it to you won’t do it directly. That offer comes through somebody else. You somewhere get the idea that he’s not inclined to do this job.” The actor did not reveal which political party approached him. He added that whenever he takes up any work, he does it with full dedication. He also revealed that the UN had approached him multiple times to become a brand ambassador after the release of Slumdog Millionaire. Also read: 'I’m sorry, I’m the next...' Callum Turner breaks his silence on casting rumors He added, “If I do it, I have to do it very sincerely and genuinely. But I don’t have it within me to give it my full commitment. I want to give my 100% to everything I do. So many times, the UN has asked me to become a brand ambassador when I was in America after Slumdog Millionaire released. Sometimes, when you’re the flavour of the season, every organization of the world wants to approach you.” About Anil Kapoor’s Nayak In Nayak, Anil plays Shivaji Rao, an honest television journalist who questions corruption and social issues. When he confronts the Chief Minister, Balraj Chauhan (played by Amrish Puri), during a riot and challenges his government’s failures, he is asked to take over the position for a day. Shivaji accepts the challenge and, during his 24-hour tenure, he proves himself. Directed by S.Shankar, the movie also stars Rani Mukerji, Amrish Puri, Paresh Rawal and Johnny Lever.

Anil Kapoor is one of the most-acclaimed actors of the Indian film industry, and has played several characters in the movies that went on to become cult classics. Among many, one such film is Nayak.&nbsp;

Did you know Anil Kapoor was approached by political parties after Nayak?

Despite being great, some movies end up as box office failures and are ignored when they make their big-screen debut, only to be rediscovered later by a new audience and become cult classics.
Here are five Bollywood films that found their audience long after leaving cinemas.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/short-hollywood-movies-that-went-from-box-office-bombs-to-cult-classics-8921558">Hollywood movies that went from box office bombs to cult classics</a>
<h2>Nayak: The Real Hero (2001)</h2>
<figure class="image"><img alt="Nayak" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x711/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/04/03/tdHpibxEbQZqmZAqXhUd.jpg" style="width: 1280px;">
<figcaption>Nayak Photograph: (X/primevideo)</figcaption>
</figure>
A remake of the Tamil blockbuster&nbsp;Mudhalvan, this movie followed a journalist who was made Chief Minister of a state for a day. It was a box office failure but later achieved cult status after its TV debut. A sequel is now in the works.
<h2>Tumbbad (2018)</h2>
<figure class="image"><img alt="Tumbbad" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x689/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/04/03/gxLj8n3TOrzYAPiUHxMC.jpg" style="width: 1280px;">
<figcaption>Tumbbad Photograph: (X/Netflix)</figcaption>
</figure>
This brilliant folk horror movie struggled at the box office due to poor marketing, its unique style, and complex themes. However, it found its audience through OTT platforms and even received a theatrical re-release, becoming the most successful re-release in Indian cinema history.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/panchayat-season-4-ott-release-date-prime-video-announces-jitendra-kumar-check-possible-plot-cast-8921732">Panchayat 4 is coming soon! Check when will Sachiv Ji will return to Phulera, release date inside</a>
<h2>No Smoking (2007)</h2>
<figure class="image"><img alt="No Smoking" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/04/03/0RjPXqRvJdQpoL07iHe4.jpg" style="width: 1280px;">
<figcaption>No Smoking Photograph: (X/ErosIntl)</figcaption>
</figure>
This thriller failed to make an impact in theatres due to mixed reviews and its dark tone, grossing only ₹3 crores ($350K) against a budget of ₹20 crores ($2.3 million). However, word of mouth helped it gain cult status, and it is now considered one of the best Indian thrillers ever made.
<h2>Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota (2018)</h2>
<figure class="image"><img alt="Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x708/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/04/03/QWwuiNuufef8oqqdnPf8.jpg" style="width: 1280px;">
<figcaption>Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota Photograph: (X/RSVPMovies)</figcaption>
</figure>
This action-comedy about a man who cannot feel pain struggled to find an audience due to poor marketing and a limited release. Despite this, it received critical acclaim and became a cult classic after its release on OTT platforms. Today, it is regarded as one of the best martial arts movies made in India.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/val-kilmer-was-confined-to-his-bed-in-his-final-years-was-very-frail-at-the-end-8920500">Val Kilmer was confined to his bed in his final years, was &lsquo;very frail at the end&rsquo;</a>
<h2>Manorama Six Feet Under (2007)</h2>
<figure class="image"><img alt="Manorama Six Feet Under" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/04/03/zZLRPHJV1IaSIDJud1AH.jpg" style="width: 1280px;">
<figcaption>Manorama Six Feet Under Photograph: (X/primevideo)</figcaption>
</figure>
Directed by Navdeep Singh, this movie follows an amateur detective investigating a murder in a remote village. Though it was critically well received, it failed to connect with audiences due to its slow pace and unconventional narrative. However, it gained cult status after airing on TV and is now widely regarded as a must-watch.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/star-trek-strange-new-worlds-season-3-teaser-ten-brand-new-adventures-teased-8921268">Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 3 teaser: Ten brand new adventures teased</a>

Discover five Bollywood films that gained popularity well after their initial release, capturing audiences' hearts long after leaving the big screen.

Despite being great, some movies end up as box office failures and are ignored when they make their big-screen debut, only to be rediscovered later by a new audience and become cult classics. Here are five Bollywood films that found their audience long after leaving cinemas. Also Read: Hollywood movies that went from box office bombs to cult classics Nayak: The Real Hero (2001) Nayak Photograph: (X/primevideo) A remake of the Tamil blockbuster Mudhalvan, this movie followed a journalist who was made Chief Minister of a state for a day. It was a box office failure but later achieved cult status after its TV debut. A sequel is now in the works. Tumbbad (2018) Tumbbad Photograph: (X/Netflix) This brilliant folk horror movie struggled at the box office due to poor marketing, its unique style, and complex themes. However, it found its audience through OTT platforms and even received a theatrical re-release, becoming the most successful re-release in Indian cinema history. Also Read: Panchayat 4 is coming soon! Check when will Sachiv Ji will return to Phulera, release date inside No Smoking (2007) No Smoking Photograph: (X/ErosIntl) This thriller failed to make an impact in theatres due to mixed reviews and its dark tone, grossing only ₹3 crores ($350K) against a budget of ₹20 crores ($2.3 million). However, word of mouth helped it gain cult status, and it is now considered one of the best Indian thrillers ever made. Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota (2018) Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota Photograph: (X/RSVPMovies) This action-comedy about a man who cannot feel pain struggled to find an audience due to poor marketing and a limited release. Despite this, it received critical acclaim and became a cult classic after its release on OTT platforms. Today, it is regarded as one of the best martial arts movies made in India. Also Read: Val Kilmer was confined to his bed in his final years, was ‘very frail at the end’ Manorama Six Feet Under (2007) Manorama Six Feet Under Photograph: (X/primevideo) Directed by Navdeep Singh, this movie follows an amateur detective investigating a murder in a remote village. Though it was critically well received, it failed to connect with audiences due to its slow pace and unconventional narrative. However, it gained cult status after airing on TV and is now widely regarded as a must-watch. Also Read: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 3 teaser: Ten brand new adventures teased

Bollywood movies that went from box office duds to cult hits

nayak

Nayak, News on Nayak, stories on Nayak, articles on Nayak, Nayak stories at Wion, Nayak news, Nayak latest news