Slumdog's Anil Kapoor to join cast of TV hit 24

Already a star in Bollywood, actor Anil Kapoor will be getting more face-time in Hollywood after joining the upcoming season of TV counter-terrorism hit 24.

According to industry papers Variety and Hollywood Reporter, the 49-year-old Kapoor has joined the cast of the Kiefer Sutherland-led television series for the forthcoming eighth season.

Kapoor is reportedly to portray a "Middle Eastern leader" who arrives in the U.S. "on a peacemaking mission."

Though a stalwart of the Indian film industry for about 25 years and appearances in more than 100 Bollywood movies, Kapoor has attracted international stardom thanks to his recent turn as a doubtful game show host in Danny Boyle's Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire.

The seventh season of 24 is currently airing in North America.

In March, Canadian star and producer Sutherland confirmed that he would return for an eighth season as gritty counterterrorism agent Jack Bauer, but that the show's ultimate longevity rested with its writers.

Production on season eight is scheduled to begin in May.