Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor is to launch motor racing in India in partnership with Indian-origin South African businessman Atul Gupta of Sahara Computers.

The actor's passion for motor racing has seen him become the executive director of A1 Motor Racing India.

Anil said he was looking forward to the launch of the sport in India at a gala event at the end of this month but would not give up his acting career for his new love.

"It's not a business, it's a passion - I still want to be an actor first," Anil told IANS during a quick stop over here.

The actor explained how he had initially declined to become a partner in the development of the sport in his country.

"I first said no because I felt I would not be able to handle it - because it was too big a venture and involved too much of responsibility. I told them I'm an actor, but the Gupta family came up with great support as my anchors, really."

The Guptas run one of South Africa's largest IT companies, Sahara Computers, which recently entered into a partnership with Sahara Parivar in India to launch a range of computer products there as well.

Anil said motor racing was a very new sport in India. "It is very, very infant, but it is growing every day, like football. It's catching on in a very big way. If you go to the clubs in Mumbai, you see motor racing offered all over. "

He said he wanted to put India on the map as far as motor racing goes: "I want to make it as popular as possible.

"This is not just about car against car; it's about country against country."

"In India the automotive industry is growing very fast. There are cars being bought every day and they like these monstrous machines. The sound of it is fascinating, it gives them a certain kind of kick and excitement because of its competitive element. It's like anything new - it has its own charm."

Commenting on his first visit to China during a recent visit to launch motor racing there, the actor said it has been a fascinating experience.

"We were met at the airport, and treated like state guests - not even immigration or anything. It was a great experience, with the Chinese sports minister attending as well."