Anil Kapoor’s ‘Jhakaas’ Performance: Icons Never Age

New Delhi, March 14, 2026 – Age is clearly just a number for Bollywood’s evergreen superstar, Anil Kapoor. On the second day of the India Today Conclave 2026, the veteran actor proved why he remains one of the most beloved figures in Indian cinema. Taking the stage for a session titled “The Ageless Rebel: Rewriting the Rules of Stardom,” Kapoor didn’t just talk about his four-decade-long career—he lived it, breaking into an impromptu performance of his iconic track, “My Name Is Lakhan.”

The energy in the room shifted instantly as the first few beats of the 1989 classic from Ram Lakhan filled the hall. Dressed in his signature sharp attire, the 69-year-old actor performed the legendary hook step with a level of vigor that would put stars half his age to shame. The “Jhakaas” moment sent the audience into a frenzy, reminding everyone of the enduring legacy of the character ‘Lakhan.’

Reflecting on Stardom and the “Ageless” Tag

During the session, Kapoor spoke candidly about his journey, from being rejected by film schools to becoming a global icon. He addressed the “ageless” label that has followed him for years, attributing his longevity to a mix of discipline, professionalism, and a constant hunger to learn.

“The secret isn’t in a fountain of youth,” Kapoor joked, pointing to his trademark stubble. “It’s about showing up every day with the same passion I had on day one. Stardom is not a destination; it’s a marathon where you have to keep rewriting the rules.”

Highlights from the Session:

• The Power of Royalties: In a surprising revelation, Kapoor shared that he still receives royalty checks for his role in the 2008 Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire. He revealed that a check for approximately ₹3 lakh arrived just a day before the conclave, emphasizing the long-term impact of global projects.
• Rejecting ‘Dhurandhar 2’: The actor also disclosed that he recently turned down a cameo in the upcoming sequel Dhurandhar: The Revenge due to prior commitments. He stressed that his commitment to his current projects outweighs the lure of a quick appearance, citing professionalism as his core value.
• The Iconic Stubble: Kapoor shared a witty anecdote about his early days, explaining how he used his facial hair to look older and more “macho” to secure roles when filmmakers thought he looked too young.

A Tribute to the Legends

Kapoor took a moment to credit the success of “My Name Is Lakhan” to the legends who created it. He expressed deep gratitude for the duo Laxmikant–Pyarelal, lyricist Anand Bakshi, and filmmaker Subhash Ghai. He also fondly mentioned his co-star Madhuri Dixit, noting that the song’s magic is a collective achievement that has spanned generations.

The session concluded with Kapoor discussing his latest project, Subedaar, which recently premiered on OTT. Even as he looks toward the future of digital storytelling, his performance at the Conclave served as a powerful reminder that some things—like the charm of Lakhan—are truly timeless.