Bollywood star Anil Kapoor is making the leap to North American television.

The actor, who gained worldwide recognition as the game show host in last year’s Oscar-winning film “Slumdog Millionaire,” has joined the cast of Fox’s “24″ for its upcoming eighth season.

As a series regular, Kapoor will play a Middle Eastern leader who comes to the U.S. on a peacemaking mission. The role is the actor’s first American TV gig.

Season 7 of ’24,’ which stars Kiefer Sutherland as counterterrorism agent Jack Bauer, concludes on May 8 with a two-hour finale. Season 8 will premiere in early 2010.

“Slumdog Millionare” was the big winner at this year’s Academy Awards, scoring eight wins including best picture and best director. Although Kapoor earned North American recognition for his role, he is already a well-known figure in his native India, where he has appeared in more than 100 films over 25 years.

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3. Father Of Slumdog Millionaire Star Cleared Of Charge

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