Kapoor, who ruled hearts in 80s as a romantic hero, has of late played a variety of roles including that of a strict family head in 'Patiala House', a villain in 'Agneepath', a college dean in 'Student of the Year' and an ageing bachelor sporting tattoos in 'Chashme Buddoor'.
The 60-year-old is taking his second inning in films, as a challenge. "He is like put me in a situation or take me out of situations and challenge me, " Advani said. Kapoor took everyone by surprise and won acclaim for playing a baddie Rauf Lala in 'Agneepath'. This helped Advani to convince him for yet another role with grey shades, modelled on underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.
"When I met Rishiji first and discussed the role, he was like are you mad, I am not doing it. We did a look test, not to convince me, but him. He got convinced and decided to play this role, " Advani said. The trailer of D-Day shows Kapoor with a wig in suits, silk kurtas, sporting aviators and a moustache. Advani insists that his film is not inspired by any real-life incident or person.
"Our film is fictional. One might feel it is based or inspired from someone or the other but it is not. The film does draw inspiration from our history, " Advani said.
Advani previously directed Kapoor in 'Patiala House' and the director says he shares a good relation with him. "It was not intimidating for me to work with him but it was for others. He likes to intimidate people. I share a wonderful relation with him. I did two films with him. He knows what I am doing. We enjoy each other's company, " Advani said.
'D Day' features Rishi Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Irrfan Khan, Shruti Haasan and Huma Qureshi in lead roles. The action-thriller releases on July 19.