Annu Kapoor, born as Anil Kapoor on 20 February 1956, is a versatile Indian actor, singer, director, radio disc jockey, and television presenter. He has appeared in over a hundred films and numerous television series, with a career spanning over 40 years.

Annu Kapoor is best known for hosting the popular music reality show "Antakshari" from 1993 to 2006. Born in Itwara, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India, Kapoor's father had roots in Peshawar and his mother was a Bengali Brahmin.

His father owned a travelling Parsi theatre company, and his mother was a Urdu teacher and a trained classical singer. Kapoor joined the National School of Drama (NSD) in Delhi in 1976, following his brother Ranjit Kapoor's insistence. Kapoor made his screen debut with an uncredited role in Amitabh Bachchan starrer Kaala Patthar (1979).

He got his first breakthrough with Utsav (1984), where he portrayed the role of a masseur. This performance earned him his first nomination in the Filmfare Awards in the category of Best Performance in a Comic Role.

Throughout his career, Kapoor has won numerous awards, including two National Film Awards, a Filmfare Award, and several Indian Television Academy Awards. He has also directed and produced films, further showcasing his talent and versatility in the entertainment industry. Kapoor has four children from two marriages. His wife, Anupama, is American by birth. Despite the challenges and controversies he has faced, Kapoor continues to contribute significantly to the Indian film and television industry.