Anil Kapoor, who is best known to U.S. audiences for his portrayal as  game-show host Prem Kumar in the Oscar-winning film “Slumdog Millionaire” will cash in on his new-found fame by becoming a series regular on “24.”

Acccording to FOX, Kapoor will play a Middle Eastern leader who comes to the U.S. on a peacemaking mission during Season Eight.

With more than 100 credits to his name, Kapoor is a Bollywood icon and one of India’s most prominent actors. He has earned acclaim for his many award-winning performances over the past three decades. “24″ will be his first American television role.

The Emmy Award-winning series starring Kiefer Sutherland, continues its seventh season at 9 p.m. Monday, April 6 with the FBI bracing for a standoff with Starkwood, a private military firm helmed by mastermind Jonas Hodges (guest star Jon Voight). Season Seven’s two-hour finale will air at 8 p.m., Monday, May 18 on FOX.

— JDB