The actors of the Oscar-winning movie “Slumdog Millionaire” are enjoying big career boosts since the film became an international sensation. The latest to reap some rewards is Anil Kapoor, who portrayed the game show host of the Indian version of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” in the film. Kapoor has signed on to play a Jack Bauer-ish Indian counter-terrorist agent on the next season of FOX’s hit thriller “24.”

Anil Kapoor, the Bollywood actor best known as the Regis Philbin of India in the Oscar-winning hit “Slumdog Millionaire,” is set to join the cast of “24” next year, The Enquirer has learned.

The 49-year-old star is expected to play a counterterrorist from Mumbai who works with “24” star Kiefer Sutherland’s character to root out Southeast Asian extremists, sources say.

“The way the role is viewed now, Anil would play Jack Bauer’s counterpart in India,” a network insider divulged. “When they meet to work on a case, they don’t always see eye-to-eye. But they both have the same goal, which is to stop the bad guys before they start wreaking havoc.”

[From The National Enquirer print version, March 30, 3009]

This is cool news. As a huge fan of the show, I am beyond psyched at the rebound of this year’s season. After a dismal storyline last year, the show is back and better than ever. In fact, since this year’s action-packed, suspenseful season started, I have no fingernails! Let’s hope the final arc of this season is as strong as the first – and that the success continues next season.

Here’s Slumdog Millionaire’s child actors Rubina Ali Qureishi and Azzharruddin Ismail walking the catwalk for the Ashima Leena fashion show during Indian fashion week in New Delhi yesterday. Header of Anil Kapoor at Madeo restaurant in West Hollywood on March 3rd. Images thanks to Fame.com.