KOLKATA: Whether it’s on the social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook, or applauds from the Hollywood counterparts, Anil Kapoor’s Hindi adaptation of the international TV series, 24 has been received quite well.

Basking in the glory of his debut television production, the actor on Wednesday said that the biggest achievement of the thriller is that it has managed to hook youngsters. “The best thing is that youngsters who never used to watch TV are hooked to it. They have something to watch now. Even men have something to watch on TV besides the family soaps. I have heard that women and kids also like it,” said Anil while addressing reporters.

“Usually my family is divided in opinion when it comes to my ventures. There is groupism in my family, but everybody loves 24,” added the 56-year-old, who was last seen in films like Shootout At Wadala and Race 2.

Directed by Abhinay Deo, 24 airs on Colors on Friday and Saturday. In the show, Anil plays the lead role of Jai Singh Rathod, the chief of an anti-terrorist unit. The show captures 24-hours of Rathod’s life where he struggles to prevent the assassination of a prime ministerial candidate and also save his daughter and wife who have been kidnapped by terrorists.

Anil cleared the air about the show being adapted to the big screen saying he had only the rights to the TV format.

When he was quizzed about not foraying on television earlier, Anil said, “I had been offered to judge reality shows, but I didn’t feel good enough. However, with 24, it felt like my calling. I have never been scared of failure and I thought the maximum that could happen was the show wouldn’t work,” he said.

On a lighter note, he expressed how he wanted the master blaster Sachin Tendulkar, who recently announced his retirement plans from Test cricket, to continue playing cricket for the rest of his life. “I wish he could go on and on for life, but Test cricket is a physical sport, and gradually youngsters have to take over. The demands are tough on the body,” he said.