Showing posts with label Aditya Roy Kapur interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Aditya Roy Kapur interview. Show all posts
How Aditya Roy Kapur’s Afro hairstyle earned him a VJ gig
9:49 AM
Aditya Roy Kapur’s good hair day earned him a trainee VJ gig that eventually proved a springboard to Bollywood
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 25, 2025)
There are many roads to Bollywood, some take the theatre route, others slog through auditions, and then there were the lucky few in the early 2000s who rode in on a wave of pop culture and VJ stardom. A prominent face among them was actor Aditya Roy Kapur. At 18, long before his chiselled abs and disarming smile made him a ladies’ favourite, he was a bright-eyed VJ at Channel V, standing out for his distinctive Afro hairstyle.
That hairstyle is what landed him the gig in 2003, the actor said candidly. He explained, “My brother [Siddharth Roy Kapur] had a friend, who used to work in Channel V. When she came home one day and saw that I have this Afro, she found it an interesting look and suggested that I audition for the channel. I was never interested in arts. So, I told her a hard no. But my mom kicked my a** and told me to do it. So, on a rainy evening, I grudgingly caught the train from Churchgate to Andheri,” he chuckled.
Channel V, one of the two leading music channels of India then, operated out of Split Labs in Saki Naka, Andheri East. Its popular music shows, from Very V to Basement were shot at Chandivali Studios, a stone’s throw away from the office. That is where Kapur landed. “Sarah Jane Dias, the star VJ at that time, was shooting one of those countdown shows. I reached half an hour late because of the rains, and grudgingly did that audition. They felt I had an interesting vibe, but wasn’t ready to be on screen yet. So, they made me a trainee VJ,” he recalled.
For the next month, Kapur would take the train from Churchgate to Andheri, sit in the studio, and observe what goes into the making of a show and a VJ. A month later, when Basement’s host, Juhi Pande, was travelling, he landed up on camera. And that too, with the best company — Anuradha Menon aka Lola Kutty. The two then regrouped for another show, Lola TV. “Lola Kutty is a legend. She’d train me, and then one evening, she said, ‘Let’s get on camera.’ So, the [producers] gave me a white T-shirt with ‘Trainee VJ’ written on it and cast me as an assistant to her. I would just sit in front of the camera,” he laughed.
Pakao, his first solo show as a VJ, came in 2004. Contrary to popular belief, it wasn’t where he interviewed Katrina Kaif, who would go on to become his co-star in Fitoor, in 2016. Before the Channel V interview, he had shot a Lakme ad with Kaif as well. “[The script was] that she walks by, all these boys look at her, and everyone gives a big reaction. Eleven of us boys were waiting in one room the whole day. At midnight finally, I was asked to shoot my close-up. Obviously, I didn’t meet Katrina — she had filmed her portions earlier. I told this to her later.”
Kapur has come a long way since then. Today, with hits like Aashiqui 2 (2013), Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013), and Metro... In Dino under his belt, he is among the leading actors of Bollywood. Understandably then, his first screen fame — the four-and-a-half years’ stint at Channel V — remains special to him. “We used to host in English. When Roadies and other reality TV shows became a rage, the channel pivoted to Hindi. After hosting in English for three years, suddenly they wanted us to host in Hindi. The whole syntax changed. That was tough for me as my Hindi was poor. If you ask anyone on the Channel V crew, they could never foresee me becoming a Hindi movie actor. They would’ve laughed at the thought.”
Since this is about firsts, when asked about his first splurge from his VJ job, he said, “It’s not as if I was making crazy money at the time, but at that age, I was happy with what I was getting. I remember my most expensive purchase was a Royal Enfield bike. I ride it to this day,” the actor ended. Well, dil bole vroom, vroom.
Aditya Roy Kapur with Anuradha Menon aka Lola Kutty. Pics/Channel V, Instagram
I don’t think there’s anything complex about modern day relationships-Aditya Roy Kapur
8:40 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; July 31, 2025)
While he started his career 16 years ago with supporting roles, Aditya Roy Kapur gradually moved on to playing the leading man in intense romantic dramas. Whether he’s playing a lovelorn hero in Aashiqui 2 or a brooding guy in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, the actor has often found himself at the centre of stories about complex relationships on screen. In a candid conversation with us, he shares his take on modern-day relationships and more:
‘RELATIONSHIPS ARE ALL ABOUT COMMUNICATING WITH EACH OTHER’
Despite the ever-evolving dynamics of dating, Aditya believes relationships aren’t as complicated as they’re made out to be. The actor, who was recently seen in Metro…In Dino, shares, “I don’t think there’s anything really complex about modern-day relationships. If both people are completely committed to a relationship, it should be easy. It doesn’t change with time. It’s all about communicating and spending time with each other.”
‘YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR FRIENDS CAN EASILY TAKE A BACKSEAT IF YOU DON’T NURTURE IT’
Talking about nurturing relationships amid the hectic lives that we lead, he says, “It is challenging to nurture relationships in such a fast-paced environment. It becomes difficult to stay in touch as you get older and everyone gets busy. Many people get married, have children and go on to focus on their careers. When you get older you are unable to meet your friends the way you could earlier. So, your relationship with your friends can very easily take a backseat if you don’t give it attention, nurture it and make it a point to stay in touch. I think it’s important to check on your friends from time to time.”
‘I make it a point to stay connected with my close friends’
While social media connects us, he questions whether these connections are truly meaningful. He says, “All of us now are so hyperconnected, sending each other memes, reels and random things all day. So, you think you’re connected, but you actually aren’t. Having actual conversations and spending time with each other keeps your relationship going. So, we can very easily get seduced into thinking that we all are really talking to each other, but that’s not the case. You have to be conscious about keeping up with your friends even when you’re constantly on the run. I make it a point to stay connected with my close friends.”
I won’t pass up films for some arbitrary reason like screen space or strategy-Aditya Roy Kapur
8:27 AM
As Aditya Roy Kapur gears up for the release of Metro In Dino, he says he isn’t wary of ensemble films and goes purely by the story when choosing projects
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 28, 2025)
Aditya Roy Kapur isn’t a fan of promotions. But he is having a ball promoting Metro... In Dino. The actor is enjoying getting to know his co-stars as they join forces for Anurag Basu’s romantic drama.
Tell him that the movie is a much-needed antidote to action films that are dominating the box office, and Kapur says, “A lot of people have said that a film like this is releasing after long. When it comes to choosing projects, we tend to focus on what’s in front of us. You ask yourself: does this story connect with me? Once a certain kind of film does well, it triggers a chain reaction. That’s how the business works. Hopefully, people will connect with this film, and maybe we’ll see more of these stories being made again.”
Metro… In Dino marks the actor’s second collaboration with Basu after Ludo (2020). Starring Kapur, Sara Ali Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma, Pankaj Tripathi, Neena Gupta, Anupam Kher, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Ali Fazal, the movie explores various shades of love. How easy is it to play the quintessential romantic hero? “People often underestimate how tricky it can be,” says Kapur.
“You need to lean into your own charm, make it feel current, and still keep it honest. It comes down to the writing. I don’t think Anurag sir would ever do something that feels uninspired. By now, Dada and I have developed a shorthand. There’s an instinctual understanding of what he wants. He wants his actors to be experimental; he doesn’t judge you if something doesn’t land. Also, he thrives on improvisation. He can rewrite a dialogue, change a scene, or shift the energy. Being on his set has taught me that sometimes, the takes where you feel unsure are the best ones.”
Usually stars are wary of ensemble movies. Filmmaker Rohit Shetty has often said that today’s actors are too egoistic to share screen space. But Kapur has no such qualms.
“It’s about not denying myself a good opportunity. When Dada spoke about this new story, it sounded exciting. I wasn’t going to pass it up for some arbitrary reason like screen space or strategy. I started my career doing supporting roles. In my first film [London Dreams, 2009], I played a small part. I’m happy with my path.”
I have my days when I feel unattractive-Aditya Roy Kapur
3:46 PM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; September 9, 2023)
Considered one of Bollywood’s most eligible bachelors, Aditya Roy Kapur is among the fittest actors of his generation. And while he enjoys all the attention he gets from the ladies, he admits that it isn’t easy to maintain that level of fitness, what we’d call ‘hotness quotient’. In a quick tête-à -tête, the actor reveals what goes into looking the way he does, the appreciation he got for his OTT debut and more. Excerpts...
‘I don’t have a six-pack all the time!’
While he’s undeniably good-looking and loves the compliments coming his way from fans, Aditya confesses that he’s quite critical about his own self. “We are all so critical of ourselves and we constantly feel... oh, I am fat, oh, I am this, I am that, when actually others feel that you are looking just fine. So, it is all about perspective, right? I am like anybody else. I have my days when I don’t feel good about myself or feel unattractive. I don’t have a six-pack all the time! Also, because I am tall, everything else gets distributed (on my body). I might appear very fit, but I am not that fit all the time. I am constantly feeling like I need to lose weight. I have self-doubts like anyone else has. Having said that, the compliments I get are flattering. At least all the hard work and the dieting has some upside to it (laughs)!”
‘It is tough to stay in shape, especially if you are a foodie’
Ask Aditya, if there’s anything he would like to change about his body and pat comes his reply, “I want to change my metabolism. There are some people who are blessed where they can eat whatever they want, and they don’t put on weight. Unfortunately, that’s not the case with me. If I eat, I put on weight instantly. It is tough to stay in shape, especially for someone who’s a foodie. I have to be extremely disciplined if I have to be in shape. If I lose track and cheat for 3-4 days in a row, I try and get back in shape in the next 10 days. Earlier, I used to put on 15 kilos and then get busy losing those 15 kilos. But as you get older, more than physically, it is mentally taxing to be that extreme. So, it’s better to keep a watch on my food intake.”
‘I will get bored if I have to look a certain type all the time’
As an actor, you are always under pressure to look good, but if a character demands that I have to look overweight or not flaunt a chiselled body, I am absolutely okay with it. In fact, in my repertoire of movies, I have done films that did not focus on my physical attributes like Kalank, Ludo, Daawat-e-Ishq and I definitely want to continue to do that, otherwise, I will get bored looking a certain type all the time.”
‘I have had such special projects in my career at various junctures’
The actor won a lot of praise for his OTT debut, The Night Manager, in fact, with the series he has grabbed more eyeballs than ever before. “I don’t know if it’s ‘the most’ (I’ve been appreciated), but I definitely feel appreciated. The appreciation and acclaim have been heartwarming. I feel at various junctures in your career a project comes along which cuts across and crosses over. Back in the day, a project that changed things for me was Aashiqui 2. I won a lot of love and appreciation for that film. I feel Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani was quite special too. So yes, I have had such special projects in my career, and it is really nice to savour these as an actor,” he says.
At Channel V, they laughed at me. They would say, ‘yeh actor kabhi nahin ban sakta’-Aditya Roy Kapur
3:13 PM
He’s the pin-up boy of the moment. And he knows it. But romantic icon of 2023 Aditya Roy Kapur, is so much more
Aastha Atray Banan (MID-DAY; July 30, 2023)
It's been a while since the Bollywood-loving, urban women of India have been this close to unison on a common object of desire. Ever since The Night Manager hit our mobile screens, Aditya Roy Kapur has been “the one”.
Chiselled body—flaunted amply in shirtless scenes, ambling on the beach—a shy yet enticing smile, decent acting chops, and finally a mega hit. He seems to have it all for the moment. And in an endless Instagram frenzy of curated wedding pictures, here is a leading man who is single, making him ideal fodder for fantasy.
The day we meet Kapur, it’s pouring and the IMD has instructed citizens to stay at home. He is looking out of the window of his publicist’s Bandra office, gleefully. We remind him that the weather must be very different in Spain, where he was on vacation last week. “Yes, there was a lot of sun. I was having FOMO—I didn’t want to miss the rain. I love this.”
Kapur poses for photographs while we quote from a celebrity filmy magazine interview that claimed that he was entirely unaware of the female attention. “No, no! I am aware,” he clarifies. A young woman friend wants him to record a video, saying her name; that’s it. We relay the request faithfully. He breaks into that bashful smile. “Just keep saying names, that’s all?”
He won’t talk relationships we are told, not old, or new. Only work. But, there is enough to talk about.
He is particular about how he appears in pictures, how his hair sits, and refuses a plate of carb-heavy bhutta that’s offered to him. In the next moment, he gives in: “It’s okay, I trust you,” he tells the mid-day photographer.
It’s not easy to take a poor picture of Kapur. He sits across from us, his tall relaxed frame complimenting his amiable manner; it makes it easy to talk to him. He’s not quite the star; more like, the hot, relatable boy next door.
Kapur admits that he is in a good place. “Life is good. The Night Manager did well. I am happy, and looking forward to what’s coming up. I love the monsoons—not missing the sun at all,” he repeats.
That the web series was an adaptation of the British original starring Tom Hiddleston, hasn’t taken away from his performance, which is attracting applause. The only way to attack this role would then be to do it in your own way.
“You have to be convinced of the role—as an actor, you have to find your way into the part. It can’t come from a place of imitation. I was inspired by the original performances, but what helped was that the makers did a great job with the adaption.”
We also remind him that he is yet again playing a character who suffers on the inside, but holds a stoic exterior, much like damaged Sooraj/Arjun from Gumraah (2023), the vengeful Advait in Malang (2019), melancholic Rahul in Ashiqui 2 (2013), or even the kooky but disgruntled Avinash in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013). “There has been a lot of suffering,” he laughs and agrees.
Are you like that in real life?
He gives us the “hmmm, you got me” smile, and says, “I guess, all of us are like that, no?” We say no, we are not. And he laughs again. “Honestly, I don’t know if I have all that perspective on myself. But this character had so much to unearth—there was a lot about his past. There was a lot for me to draw from.”
It’s been 10 years since Kapur’s first big film, Aashiqui 2, a musical love story starring Shraddha Kapoor. In 2009, he had starred in a bit role in London Dreams. The last decade has taught him that permanence is transient. “It’s a cliché, but clichés are true. You don’t need to get too low or too high. Stay level.”
When a film doesn’t work, he retreats and heals in a refuge. “You work so hard for so long, so it’s jarring when it doesn’t work. I need a few days to recoup, and then I go back into society.” Introvert, shall we call him? “Maybe an ambivert,” he says.
He didn’t ask for this, though. As a student at St Xavier’s College, Kapur wanted to be a cricketer. “Like the rest of India”, he quips. He also wanted to be a musician, and was the first vocalist of indie band Something Relevant. Then he went on to become a veejay on Channel V, where people appreciated his comic timing. “At Channel V, they laughed at me! They would say, ‘yeh actor kabhi nahin ban sakta’!”
And here we are sitting across one of the most desirable acting talents of Hindi cinema. “I am flattered. It is nice,” he smiles, “but I don’t dwell on it. I don’t keep it front and centre of my mind. I say, ya, ya! I don’t want it to become too much a part of how I perceive myself, or attach too much value to it. Because, it can go away very quickly.” In the end, for him, how he looks is part and parcel of the work he does. “It’s the quality of work that decides longevity or what you will do next.”
Ask him how he works on his craft, and Kapur says that it’s just about observing people, and gathering varied experiences. For now, he just tries to work on every role with as much focus as possible. “I tell myself, I can do this better, can’t I? I am never satisfied. Some directors say, ‘Yaar, tu khush nahin hota hai’.”
What he does want to do is try and play a negative character. Do we see him as a villain? Maybe. “Ya na? It could be good,” he thinks aloud.
We talk about Hollywood’s man of the moment, Ryan Gosling, who said recently that when he returned from a four-year break to acting, he realised that his work wasn’t therapy, it was just a job. “That’s the kind of clarity having a child gives you perhaps,” Kapur muses. “I have always had other interests. I stumbled into acting—I didn’t work towards this. Every role is therapeutic because I get to escape and be someone else. But it’s not everything.”
We are getting ready to say goodbye. He asks, “So, you headed back to work?” A celebrity who is not self-involved! We seem now to get the hype around this man. Before we leave, we ask, will young Aditya be happy with where older Aditya ended up.
“He would have never seen this coming. Acting in Hindi movies was not what I had thought of. I was a Hollywood action movie fan. But I have found something I actually love doing. I am happy I am doing this.”
So are we.
Family time is probably the best thing about the festive season-Aditya Roy Kapur
8:12 AM
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; October 23, 2022)
Aditya Roy Kapur has had a packed schedule this year, and he is happy to finally get some downtime during the festive season. The actor speaks to Bombay Times about what makes the festive season special and what continues to drive him. Excerpts:
Festive celebrations are back and you have been spotted at a couple of parties hosted in B-Town. But how do the Roy Kapurs celebrate Diwali?
Normally, when everyone is in town, it’s nice to spend the day together. Everyone seems to be travelling this year, so, unfortunately, I won’t be able to spend the festival with my family. Honestly, I just try to spend time with my family and friends during Diwali. But it’s nice that things are back to normal, and everyone’s out and about again. During this period, everyone gets some time off from their busy life and spends it with their friends and family, and that’s probably the best thing about this period.
It has been a packed year for you, with your web series and film projects in the pipeline. Now that the pandemic is hopefully behind us, how does it feel being in this place where there is so much work to look forward to?
It has been a pretty crazy year. Since November-December last year, I have been working back-to-back. I haven’t had much time for anything else, but I have really enjoyed it. It’s been a good year. I wanted to be back on set, especially after COVID, so this year was indeed gratifying.
Film sets are my happy place, and I got to be on the sets this entire year, and do what I love. Both the projects I did were very different from each other, which always helps. I have completed shooting for The Night Manager and Gumrah, and I am glad that I have this brief space where I don’t need to work on a new character immediately. Sometimes, disconnecting from any sort of character is also important for me.
You seem to be someone who never gets perturbed by flops or ecstatic about hits, which dictate an actor’s career. How do you ensure that none of this affects you too deeply?
It’s important to take them both in your stride. I feel experience also plays an important role. The more you’ve been around in the industry, you understand that somethings will go your way and you also understand when some things don’t go your way. It’s also important to, every now and then, put things in perspective and not take it all too seriously. It’s necessary to have other things in your life that you can do and care about. It could be something as simple as travelling or sports... having other such outlets makes you live your life lesser in the bubble that we’re all functioning in.
You’ve been in the business for about 13 years and now you are working across mediums, what continues to drive you?
The drive to keep doing things that you haven’t done. If you choose roles and projects that push you and keep you on your toes, you can’t just turn up without putting in the right homework. Also, you have to perform in front of 120 people and sometimes that itself is enough to drive you.
I believe in marriage, but it’s not something I am trying to manifest-Aditya Roy Kapur
8:09 AM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; August 3, 2022)
Bollywood has witnessed a string of star weddings lately, but there are still several eligible men and women in showbiz who fashionably wear their single status on their sleeves. Recently, in a chat with Aditya Roy Kapur, when we asked him about his thoughts on marriage now that his close friend Ranbir took the plunge in April, he said, “I absolutely believe in marriage. If it happens, it happens. It’s not something I am trying to manifest. I take each day as it comes so if marriage has to happen, it will happen. I have no concrete plans as of now and that’s for sure.”
In recent times, rumours surfaced about Aditya dating actress Ananya Panday, however, he hasn’t spoken about it. While he is focused on his career, one has never seen the actor being fiercely competitive. In fact, he’s always maintained that doing things at his own pace and in his own way gives him immense joy.
“Spending time with family, playing my guitar, playing a sport and travelling — these are things that give me peace. These are the things that you can get lost into. Like when you travel, you always come back all refreshed, with a different perspective on life. So that feels immensely peaceful,” says Aditya.
The actor further tells us how he doesn’t fall for the trappings that come with stardom, which include dressing up in a certain way or being seen at the right places. He explains, “It’s not that I am some hardcore introvert or super uncomfortable with being social. I just don’t like the pressure of having to dress up every single time I step out. I like wearing anything and my team often says, ‘Adi, wear shoes’! I don’t want to ‘have to’ wear shoes and a jacket every time I leave my house. I don’t like to take that pressure.”
The producers felt that the title, Rashtra Kavach OM, would connect more with the audience-Aditya Roy Kapur
8:13 AM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; June 26, 2022)
Rashtra Kavach OM is Aditya Roy Kapur’s first full-blown action film. In a chat with Bombay Times, the actor spoke about his action avatar, the work that went behind looking the part, lessons learnt and his admiration for Sanjay Dutt as an action hero. Excerpts:
You have been in the film industry for over a decade now and were a VJ before that. What have been your learning lessons as an actor in showbiz?
As you get older, you realise that everything is transient. You have to keep going back to work every day. Don’t fly too high when things go well and too low when they don’t. You should not allow yourself to get swayed by the ups and downs. If I were to give a message from my experience to aspiring actors, I would say, work gets you work. Don’t give up any opportunities at work. Don’t wait for that perfect time. If you have an opportunity, take it. You never know what it might lead you to.
The title of your upcoming film OM: The Battle Within has been changed to Rashtra Kavach OM barely two weeks before the film’s release. What led to this decision?
Maybe the new title is more relatable. I think the producers felt that Rashtra Kavach OM would connect more with the audience. It’s one of the two main conflicts in the film. The story is about patriotism and these are the relevant themes of it. They felt the new title would resonate more with the audience. Whether it will help or not, only time will tell.
This is your first full-blown action film. Tell us what was it about the script that struck you the most?
This film has a strong emotional anchor and that takes the story forward, that’s what struck me the most. Action is the icing on the cake and that is the beauty of the film. It’s a story about a family. It’s about the mother-son bond as well as a son looking for his father, his quest for truth and his responsibilities towards his job and the country. The story has many layers, so this was an interesting character to play. Of course, external factors like the action scenes are also there. Director Kapil Verma and producer Ahmed Khan have put in a lot of action in the film, but what drew me to the film was its emotional core.
You have always been athletic, given your football background, but action is a different beast. How tough was it to get into shape to play a para commando?
I have done the whole gym thing before. I had bulked up a lot for Malang, but this one needed me to learn action. Ahmed sir and Kapil were clear that they wanted me to do the stunts. I underwent rigorous action training for three-and-a-half months as the action had to look realistic. Interestingly, action is the antithesis of bodybuilding. You lose muscle when you do action, so I had to train accordingly. If I trained for action scenes for two hours in the morning, I had to work out for two hours in the evening to rebuild muscle. It was extra tough as I had to bulk up a bit as well. This is the most physically demanding role of my career so far.
Speaking of physically demanding roles, are you happy to be able to shed the strict diet and work discipline as soon as a film wraps up?
It is tough to maintain a strict diet beyond the shooting schedule. I like my food! Every now and then, I need to go off the rails on a three-day food bender, but not more than that. As soon as I wrapped up this film, I went to my parents’ house and had delicious mutton curry cooked by my dad. I work well when I have a goal. I put my blinkers on and focus. Once it’s done, it’s important for me to let my hair down. Earlier I used to yo-yo. I used to lose a lot of weight and then gain a lot, and that can get mentally tiring. I have reached a sort of equilibrium in the last two-three years where I am a little more consistent. I no longer allow myself to undergo three months of crash diet to get into shape. I am at a physical stage where 20 days of workout is sufficient for me. Consistency has found its way into my life.
For a major part of your career, we have seen you portraying these world-weary, intense characters that take to alcohol and drown in their sorrows. Are you happy to break away from that brooding mould and venture into an out-and-out action film with a patriotic fervour?
I don’t think I am veering too far away from the complicated characters I have played so far. Funnily, this film has patriotism and action, but my character here too has an emotional side. It has all the ingredients of my previous roles (smiles). This was also an emotionally draining film for me and it had its set of challenges. Once you see the film, you’ll realise that this character has been put through a whole set of situations that could weigh heavy on anyone. This role gave me something to sink my teeth into as well.
Do you wonder why these emotionally intense roles are offered to you when you don’t really have a brooding personality in real life...
(Laughs!) I do wonder that! Well, there have been films like Ludo, OK Jaanu and Daawat-e-Ishq where I have played lighter roles and believed in the brighter side of life. I guess the roles that stood out have been the more intense ones. As an actor, I think I have also got a chance to showcase my other side. My filmography has been fairly varied, but yes, I would like to do more comedy and varied stuff for sure. One doesn’t want to keep doing the same thing again and again.
Rashtra Kavach OM is your foray into action and comparisons with the likes of John Abraham, Tiger Shroff and Vidyut Jammwal are inevitable since they have dominated this space for a while now. How does it feel to venture into t heir territory?
I take it in a positive way because these guys have done such amazing work in this genre. This is my first step into it. It will take me a few more action films before I can be compared to these guys. If the comparisons are still made, I would be flattered by them. Who doesn’t want to be compared to something or someone good!
Growing up, who was your favourite action hero?
Sanjay Dutt’s personality is most striking. He has this aura and an edgy look. He built a great physique back in the day when it wasn’t common, and that was inspiring.
This is the first time that I have had the most number of releases in one year-Aditya Roy Kapur
8:24 AM
Thrilled to have had three releases in 2020, the actor calls this the ‘best time’
Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 20, 2020)
This year has been quite an unusual one for everyone, including the film industry because of the pandemic and life coming to a standstill. But actor Aditya Roy Kapur calls 2020 unusual for an entirely different reason. This is the first time in his career that he has had three releases in a single year.
“I know right... in all my career so far, this is the first time that I have had the most number of releases (in one year). I shot three of them last year just before it all went south. I really did enjoy working this much,” he continues, “Last year was amazing for me shooting three different films, with three different directors I love. That is what gives me a lot of happiness. And I hope going forward, I keep up the film average.”
While his first film of 2020 — Malang — released theatrically, the other two — Sadak 2 and Ludo — opted for the web route as theatres were shut due to Covid-19.
Though Kapur doesn’t wish to indulge in any debate about which medium is better, he acknowledges the contribution of OTT platforms in the realm of entertainment, this year.
“As an actor, I feel there’s so much more interesting work that’s happening. So many different stories are being told. This is one of the best times to be an actor because you have all kinds of material being made out there, and a lot of credit has to go to the OTT platforms,” says the 35-year-old.
And he foresees that these digital platforms will stay in our lives for a very long time, and play an important part in changing the game. “OTT has become such an integral part of our lives and the things we derive our entertainment from. It has become this wonderful and new way to have newer things to watch everyday. So, in that sense, as a viewer, it’s lovely because we’re spoilt for choices,” reasons Kapur.
However, the Kalank (2019) actor is quick to add that this, in no form, will take away anything from the cinema halls and their relevance. “Nothing can replace the communal experience of watching films on the big screen. It’s an experience like no other. I don’t see that going anywhere. People just have to feel safe. Once we’re past that, there’s no question that people will be thronging the theatres,” he concludes.
I don’t take all the criticism in; for me ignorance is bliss-Aditya Roy Kapur
8:17 AM
Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 28, 2020)
Criticism is something that Aditya Roy Kapur is not unfamiliar with but there was incessant trolling that happened post the release of his film, Sadak 2. But the Aashiqui 2 (2013) actor does not like to dwell on it.
“I don’t take all the criticism in. I’m technologically challenged so I don’t have social media other than Instagram. I’m not on any other stuff which is incessantly giving you that information,” he says.
Talking about the criticism that a film receives post its release, the actor says there is not much one can do about it. “Some situations are just out of control. Even a film is out of your control once you have done it. There is nothing that I am going to achieve by hemming and hawing about it when there is nothing I can do. In the case of that film ignorance was bliss,” he adds.
Enjoying the success of his latest film, Ludo, which released digitally, the actor says “it has been a good year” for him despite the negativity around the film industry and the ongoing pandemic.
The 35-year-old says the past seven months have not been that difficult for him because he wasn’t the only one sitting at home without work. “We were all going through the same problems and that gives you a certain amount of strength as well,” he says.
Kapur adds, “You’ve to look at the positive side of things rather than yearning to do something that is not possible and will get you nowhere.”
I was screaming at Salman Khan and he opened one eye-Aditya Roy Kapur
8:12 AM
As told to Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 4, 2020)
I was a VJ for over four years, and since I was somewhat of a public face, I would get calls for film auditions. Once, Amita Sehgal, a senior casting director, saw my picture in a magazine and called me. Before that, I used to skip half the audition calls anyway and would felt guilty later. Fortunately, this time I decided to go and Vipul (Amrutlal Shah, director-producer) sir thought I looked the part. I was informed that we would be shooting in London. Till then, I had travelled abroad only once, to Hong Kong, and I was 22. In London Dreams, I would be playing a guitarist—I like music—and was going to be shooting in the city for two months. It was essentially a no-brainer for me and I did it on a lark, without thinking of it as my launch.
My first shot was in a London hospital, with Rannvijay (Singh), Ajay (Devgn) sir and Salman (Khan) bhai. In the scene, Salman bhai is lying on the bed and we as fellow band members are berating him. After a point, Ajay sir walks out, leaving Rannvijay and me with him. I had to scream at Salman Khan and I was like “What!”.
I knew it was only acting but I had to muster up courage to do it. I don’t remember how many takes I gave. Fortunately, his eyes were closed, which made it somewhat easier for me. But I think I overdid it a bit because at one point, Salman bhai opened one eye, looked at me, and said, “Kya hai?” I immediately started apologising profusely and he broke into a smile, saying he was joking and that I was doing well and should go on. He had really scared me for one second, but after that, everything became easy. Ajay sir and Salman bhai made me feel comfortable as a newcomer.
Coincidentally, Vipul sir was making Action Replayy after that and he thought that I would be a good fit for that as well. When we finished shooting for London Dreams, he told me to start some dance and diction-training for the new film. It so happened that Amita ma’am was also casting for Guzaarish with Sanjay (Leela Bhansali) sir at the time. So, I met him, and he liked me. Suddenly, I had three films. That’s when it hit me; I had become an actor.
As for competition from younger actors, I will just say, ‘bring it on’-Aditya Roy Kapur
8:06 AM
Aditya Roy Kapur says that his journey until now has been ‘full of twists and turns’; adds Malang’s success has validated all his hard work
Prashant Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 26, 2020)
Like all the other cast members, Kalank’s (2019) failure came as a huge dampener for Aditya Roy Kapoor as well. But the actor has clearly kicked off 2020 on a successful note with Malang. Although he has been lapped up by the audiences in his beefed up, action-hero avatar [in Mohit Suri’s directorial], Aditya says he isn’t ready to be put in a box. “Honestly, I am in a place where I want to keep pushing myself,” says the actor, as he readies for multiple releases this year. Excerpts from an interview:
Last year, you completed a decade as an actor in Bollywood. How do you look at the journey? Has it been a fulfilling and thrilling ride?
Undoubtedly, it has been (smiles), full of twists and turns. I started out as a VJ at 18, so you could say that it’s been 15 years for me in showbiz. I must say that I’ve learnt a lot on the way, about the craft of acting and even myself. Along the way, I’ve met some amazing people and have done some very fulfilling work. But somehow, I still feel that I’m just getting started.
Talking about Malang’s success, are you kicked, considering you stepped out of the box for the film?
Absolutely! I had been wanting to step into the action space for a while now, though the opportunity hadn’t presented itself (smiles). With Malang, I knew I’d be taking quite a jump and I was also very curious to see how the audiences react. It seems they’ve accepted me in the action avatar and it’s a huge validation for the hard work that I put in. In fact, lots of people are telling me now to do more of it, even as a few have suggested that I keep up the beefed up, psycho look all the time (laughs).
Personally, how important is the film’s success at this stage of your career, considering you haven’t had a successful film for some time now, until Malang released?
I think it was very important. My last solo release was OK Jaanu (2017) which was quite some time ago. But I was also very cognizant of the fact that I wanted to offer the audiences something new — a different version of myself that they had never seen before from me. And now, I feel the success of Malang validates that thinking.
In Malang, besides your acting skills, your transformation, physique and action avatar also impressed audiences a lot. What’s your take on it?
As an actor, I’ve always tried to change myself, physically, into whatever the character demands. In the past, too, there were subtle changes [as per the parts] but that might not have come across in the way that it did with this role. Besides, I think the lure of getting all beefed up and beating up the bad guys was too good a proposition to let go of (laughs). But in all seriousness, Mohit [Suri; director] was clear from the start that he needed to see a stark difference, not only mentally but physically as well, between the two time frames. People have commented on how the two versions look nothing like each other and are equally believable, which is — very honestly — all you want to hear as an actor.
Going forward, you have an interesting line-up of with films such as Ek Villain 2, Sadak 2 and Ludo among others...
Personally, I am extremely excited. Life’s so funny sometimes, when it rains, it pours. I hadn’t done a film in two years and now I’ve three releases in six months. And the funny thing is that all of it was never planned; these opportunities just presented themselves around the same time. Getting a chance to work with such directors [Mahesh Bhatt, Anurag Basu and Mohit Suri] was something I just couldn’t have missed out on. So yes, I’m really kicked as the roles are very different from one another.
In the 11th year of your career as an actor, how do you see the coming years pan out for you?
I want to try out [parts in] different zones, experiment, and take risks. As an actor, I’m most alive when I’m unsure of the work I’m doing and I want to keep seeking that sensation, regardless of wherever it might take me. As for competition from younger actors, I will just say, ‘bring it on.’ It keeps all of us on our toes.
I don’t come across as someone who could do action, but it is my first love-Aditya Roy Kapur
8:25 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; February 5, 2020)
After being part of romances and dramas for 11 years, Aditya Roy Kapur has finally got a chance to indulge in his first love — action — with the upcoming film, Malang. Ahead of the release of the Mohit Suri-directorial, the actor talks to BT about his physical transformation, why he is not high on social media and the rumours of him dating model Diva Dhawan. Excerpts...Ever since the trailer and songs of Malang released, there has been a lot of talk about your physical transformation in the film. From a boy next door, you are now sporting six-pack abs and a sculpted body. Your character in the film, too, is bohemian — very unlike your previous portrayals. Is this makeover a conscious decision?
It wasn’t a planned move. It so happened that Mohit and I were discussing a script. Our last collaboration (Aashiqui 2, 2013) had resonated well with the audience, and we didn’t want to do something similar in our second outing together. I am glad that Mohit sees me differently and offered me Malang, which has action in it. I have grown up watching action movies. That’s my first love! I enjoy watching action stars like Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jackie Chan and Jean-Claude Van Damme. In fact, I was a karate kid, with good jumping and attacking skills. I think action is in my blood.
You started your acting career in 2009. Given your love for the genre, it’s surprising that you waited for more than a decade to be part of an action film…
Acting is something that I stumbled onto. I was a VJ, who casually auditioned for London Dreams (2009), and surprisingly, bagged the role. From then, one thing just led to another. Since I never planned to become an actor in the first place, there was no thought about genres at all. I wasn’t even sure what to pick up and what not to, I just kept taking up whatever came my way. It is only after Aashiqui 2 that I realised acting is what I want to do. The films that worked for me have been from the romance and drama genres, and so, I was offered similar films. No one ever thought that I could do action films, and personality-wise, I don’t come across as someone who could like action, so I guess I wasn’t approached for such roles. I have been waiting for an opportunity to perform action, and when Mohit offered me Malang, I jumped with joy. I needed to build my physique to look convincing on screen while beating up 30 people. I worked on it and this is the end product.
Mohit’s Aashiqui 2 established you as an actor. And now, Malang is all set to transform your onscreen image. It’s almost like he is re-launching you...
Yes, absolutely. Mohit gave me my first lead role and the character struck a chord with the audience. With Malang, he is showcasing another side of me. I think Mohit brings out these sides of me, which even I am unaware of. He is a very special person in my life.
Like your on-screen transformation, can we expect a personal transformation, too? You are an introvert, and you often get pulled up by fashion critics and your costars for being monotonous with your styling. Will this change now?
I don’t really care about fashion. I like to look good, but I end up wearing the same things. Of course, I am not saying that I will dress up like this forever, I do leave room for improvement. As far as being an introvert is concerned, I resisted social media for the longest time. I finally took the plunge after my team members told me how important it is to be active online. However, after being active initially, my interest has fizzled now. I don’t feel obligated to be active on social media, I do it when I feel like it. I am not in it for the number of followers. I am active on social media during film promotions, as it is part of my job. Being in the public eye all the time tires me. Therefore, there are times when I disappear, rejuvenate and do things I like to do, away from the public glare. I don’t know if I will ever want to give away that part of my life.
Almost all your contemporaries are active on social media, aren’t you apprehensive that being away from it could affect your popularity?
I am still trying to understand the repercussions of not being as active on social media. I would want to strike a balance. It is not that I am socially awkward, or that I have a problem talking in front of people, it’s just that I don't find myself being gregarious all the time. However, I don’t want to enter a space where my career is getting affected by it. I don’t want to be ‘out of sight, out of mind’.
In fact, your Malang co-star Anil Kapoor is quite good with social media, and he can also give youngsters a run for their money in other areas...
Working with Anil sir is like attending a master class. His energy and passion for acting are infectious. He loves working, learning and being the best version of himself. If he is working with a young team, he makes it a point to learn something from them. On the first day of the shoot, he asked me what I was eating. I was on a strict diet for this film, and when I told him that, he took the number of my caterer. The next day, he came on the set and told me, ‘Hey, I am on your diet. I am feeling much healthier’. I was surprised to see his enthusiasm. I just hope to be as dedicated as he is. Though he is a senior, he wanted to hear, rather than being heard on the set. He wanted Mohit to direct him, he wanted to be told things.
You are also shooting with the Bhatts for Sadak 2…
Now, that’s been an amazing experience. Working in a movie that has (Mahesh) Bhatt saab coming back to direction after a gap of 20 years. is surreal. The film also stars his daughters Pooja (Bhatt) and Alia (Bhatt), and even Sanjay Dutt, who is like his brother. The set feels like a sacred place. I also feel that I am a much better person and a much better actor after working with him. I joined the film after a few days after it went on floors, and Bhatt saab knew that I was jumping on a moving train as an actor. When you join in a little late, the others are already in the thick of things. However, he guided me and got me in sync with the rest of them in no time.
Moving on to the personal front, are you single? There have been rumours about you dating model Diva Dhawan. It was also reported that you plan to tie the knot soon...
Let it remain a mystery whether I am single or not (laughs!). As far as Diva is concerned, I don’t know how our meeting over dinner was taken out of context. Both of us, at different occasions, have rubbished these rumours. Following reports about my impending wedding, my mom asked me, ‘Is there something I should know?’ and I told her, ‘No!’. Diva and I have been friends for a while, but there’s nothing more to it.
I’m paranoid about using unhealthy measures to build my body-Aditya Roy Kapur
8:09 AM
Shreya Mukherjee (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 4, 2020)
Aperfectly ripped physique is something youngsters are increasingly losing sleep over, inspired a great deal by the super fit bods actors flaunt on the screen. Actor Suniel Shetty recently even spoke about how youngsters are “using external measures” to get six-pack abs and how it wasn’t the right way. Even Aditya Roy Kapur, whose muscled up ‘action hero’ look from Malang is the talk of the town, supports the senior actor and urges people to be fit in a healthy way.
“It’s a very positive thing if more people are inclined to be physically fit. But that should be done following the proper method. I’m always a little paranoid about using other measures to get that physique,” says Aditya. Even when he was tied up, as he was shooting for other films around the time he was working on Malang (the latter required him to get bulkier), he stayed true to his routine.
“I was very clear I can’t take anything unnatural, because I’ve heard it also affects your mental state. Since I never had any experience of doing this before, I did not want to do it this time too,” explains the actor. Aditya says the basic way to achieve one’s dream physique is to follow “a good diet”. He adds, “It’s all about doing it in a focused militant manner, which is what I had to do for the role. I didn’t cheat for months… That’s the only process I know.”
Aditya is not fanatical about maintaining a certain look just because it conforms to certain norms. He follows a similar approach to his career too. The one thing he wants to do now is maintain a balance between work and breaks.
Apart from Malang, Aditya’s upcoming projects include Ek Villian 2, Ludo and Sadak 2. The actor says he took a career break as he wasn’t getting the kind of stories he wanted to tell. “I feel fortunate all these films came my way in 2019… I’m getting the opportunity to work with [Mahesh] Bhatt saab, Anurag Basu and Mohit [Suri] again… While it’s essential to take breaks, recuperate and get back to work with a new zeal, at the same time you need to keep working. I know how much I missed being on the set,” he adds.
Marriage is something far fetched for me. I am in no hurry-Aditya Roy Kapur
2:16 PM
Aditya Roy Kapur on link-up rumours with Diva Dhawan; admits it’s been a tricky run at the b-o but doesn’t believe any of the films were wrong decisions
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 24, 2020)
Aditya’s first solo hit came with Aashiqui 2 in 2013. It has been a constant search for the next one ever since, but the actor doesn’t mind the wait. “Yes, it’s been a tricky run, but these things play out only over time,” he maintains. “Films are a mysterious thing. No one knows what will work, and if anyone claims they do, don’t believe them. I find it tough to analyse my failures, but I never considered them wrong decisions. I believed in those films and gave my all to each.”
Last year, he was a part of Kalank, one of the most anticipated multi-starrers of the year, but the film didn’t work. The actor doesn’t believe that his character was weakly-written. “Dev had a lot to explore within the narrative and that made the script special. Every character felt whole,” he asserts. Remind him of his Afro look from his second film, Action Replayy and Aditya bursts into laughter, “I’m proud of that look. Maybe, it wasn’t the quintessential Hindi film hero look but I enjoyed it.”
Point out that he hasn’t collaborated with filmmaker-elder brother Siddharth Roy Kapur in a long time, and other Roy Kapur says that as a family (along with actor-brother Kunaal) they ensure that their respective careers remain separate from each other. “Even the films I did for him back in the day were driven by the director, in terms of casting, and not him,” he clarifies. But Siddharth has been looking for a hero to play the lead in the Rakesh Sharma’s biopic for a while now. Insisting that he doesn’t “even know what the film is about”, Aditya elaborates, “I don’t know where he is at with that film. He has obviously got a vision, but I haven’t even read the script.”He is all praise for Anurag Basu, the director of the upcoming crime-anthology Ludo. “Working with sir is like working with a master. His understanding of filmmaking is so broad; you just submit to his world. He makes you feel like you can try anything, and that’s how great things come out,” he shares, moving on to another upcoming project, Sadak 2, with Alia Bhatt. Referring to his cameo in the actress’s 2016 release, Dear Zindagi, he reveals, “What you saw there was a starter. Now, you will have the main course.” Then, there’s another reunion with Mohit—Ek Villain 2—which, he promises, “explores a new world”.
Mention the intermittent reportage on his on-again-off-again relationship with Diva Dhawan and Aditya appears to be caught off guard. “She gave a nice statement, saying there is no truth to it and I reiterated it. I guess it gathered steam after we went out for dinner. We have been friends for years and hadn’t met in a while. But we got papped and that’s where it started from. Marriage is something far-fetched for me. I am in no hurry.”
As I was on a break for two years, I was ready to work hard-Aditya Roy Kapur
8:18 AM
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 15, 2020)
“Last year was a busy year for me. It’s been fun as I love being on set,” says Aditya Roy Kapur, who shot for three projects — Mahesh Bhatt’s Sadak 2, Mohit Suri’s Malang and Anurag Basu’s Ludo — in 2019. He worked without a single day off for a period of six months, “but as I was on a break for two years, I was ready to work hard. It was exciting as I got to experiment with genres that I have not tried before”, states Aditya.
His next release, Malang, stars him in an action role, which he was “longing” to do on screen. “I grew up watching action movies but I had never done one, so, it was thrilling to do stunts and fight sequences in the film. Basu’s film is funny and quirky; a slice-of-life story with multiple segments, which covers a lot of emotions. And shooting with Bhatt saab was an intense and enriching experience. After every interaction with him, I felt a little smarter (laughs). I have met him often but getting to know him while shooting a film led to a different equation between us,” he shares.
Aditya debuted with London Dreams in 2009, and today, looking at his career, he feels fortunate to have found something that he is good at. “When I entered films, the plan was never long-term, but acting soon became my passion. I gave an audition, did a film for that experience. While shooting my first three films, I discovered that acting was something that got me excited, passionate and interested. For me, the last 10 years have been a journey of self-realisation. I have become aware that this is something I want to do, learning on the job and, of course, making mistakes as well,” says Aditya, adding, that he wouldn’t change a thing about his career.
“I have learnt from every film and every filmmaker I have worked with. I learnt that acting is a volatile profession and uncertainty is its nature. You have to try to be unaffected by the highs and lows, and know the fact that it is all transient. One should try to maintain an equilibrium and not be too affected by failure or success. That is the learning. Moreover, in 10 years, I haven’t done that many films, which is why now, I have decided to do more films,” he signs off.
“If marriage happens organically, it will”
Talking about the rumours about his relationship and impending nuptials with alleged-girlfriend Diva Dhawan in 2020, Aditya says, “The rumour got a lot of traction, so much so, that my mother called me to ask about it. I told her there was no truth to it. I am not dating anyone. I am single.” The topic of marriage he says hasn’t really been on his mind. “I don’t plan far ahead or set rigid timelines for goals. If it happens organically, it will.”
Varun Dhawan was being a little too magnanimous-Aditya Roy Kapur
8:25 AM
Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; April 20, 2019)
At a time when every actor is a call or a text away, Aditya Roy Kapur happens to be cut off from the world. Point this out to him, and he laughs, “I think everyone, including my team, has the same complaint.” He reasons, “I believe that you should only speak when you have something to say. I have a film coming out, so here I am.” Aditya hasn’t had a release in the last two years, which explains his absence. While he agrees that he needed some time for introspection, he also feels that it has helped him realise his aashiqui with his craft. Today, he’s busier than ever before, with four films lined up in the next one-and-a-half years. We chat with him about his break, choices and life, the way he wants it.
You didn’t sign anything between OK Jaanu (2017) and Kalank. Was this a conscious break?
It just happened, actually. In some ways, it was a self-imposed sabbatical. I hadn’t signed anything around the time OK Jaanu released, and after that, I wasn’t convinced about the stuff that was coming to me. So, I didn’t take anything up and it ended up becoming a break. I was away for a year, and, I started working on Kalank in 2018. It’s been a long absence for me at the theatres.
Has it also been a time for self-analysis?
There definitely was a certain amount of self-analysis. When a film doesn’t work, everyone analyses what they could or should have done. Without that, there can be no growth. You have to be able to tell yourself certain truths, and I went through that process as well.
Did you feel dejected at any point?
I’m lucky that to me, films are just one part of my life. Usually, we get so caught up with work that we tend to neglect other parts of our life. This takes up so much time that it looks like the be-all of and end-all of things. But it’s not. There are so many other things that give me joy, meaning and purpose and I like to keep it that way. I have a friend circle that I like meeting. I enjoy travelling and sport. So, I used this time to do a lot of other things in life.
How similar or different are you from Dev, your character in Kalank?
There are many parts of Dev that one can aspire to be like. He holds his principles high up, always trying to do the right thing and stands by his country and his family. It was a challenge to play this character because I’ve never done a period film before.
What about insecurities of sharing the screen with a big star cast?
Security comes completely from the director, and what he makes you feel like. From day one, when Abhishek (Varman) came to me with the script, one could see how clear he was about portraying every character in the film, everyone’s role and how important each person is to the film’s narrative. Everyone felt like they were in safe hands, because of how passionately and stubbornly he looked at this film.
Varun said in an interview that you’re so giving that you give up on your own lines for your co-actor...
(Laughs) Acting is about giving, no? Varun was being a little too magnanimous. I’m not someone who’s going to give away all my lines. It’s because of the scene we had to do together. It had to be a synergy between those two characters. Often, when you are like that with an actor, they pick up on it and reciprocate to it. It’s important to do that because then everyone’s guards are down. It sends out a good message of teamwork. We are here to make the scenes look good and not make ourselves look better.
After Kalank, you have Anurag Basu’s next, Malang and Sadak 2. Are you enjoying being busy?
I need to learn how to multitask a little better. A part of why I love making a movie is because I treat my outdoors and my schedules almost like an escape from everyday, mundane life. I’m really happy to be working in all these films. My only fear is, I want to be able to give my best in everything I do. Certain things require preparation and time. So, I’m having to find more hours in a day to be able to do justice to my work. While I’m very excited and really happy working 18-hour-long days, I really need to put in that effort in doing the homework, too, and not let it go just because I’m tired. It’s the time where I’m having to push myself a little more than normal.
To be identified as an alcoholic is quite charming. A lot of bartenders greet me with open arms-Aditya Roy Kapur
8:00 AM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; April 16, 2019)
Aditya Roy Kapur is strikingly lean when we meet him at a suburban five star. He mentions that he has shrunk himself for an upcoming film, and given the fact that he’s a foodie, it has been a challenge. The actor took a hiatus of sorts after OK Jaanu (2017) and as fate would have it, is now swamped with work. He has four films lined up. Unlike a Varun Dhawan or Ranveer Singh, who are forever charged up, Aditya is calmer and quieter. He sits back, introspects and talks about his upcoming film Kalank, his self-imposed sabbatical, what failure at the box office taught him as an actor, why he is unlike his contemporaries and more. Excerpts...
Aditya, we haven’t seen you around for over a year after OK Jaanu. What have you been up to?I went completely off the radar, and was on a self-imposed sabbatical. I didn’t find what was coming my way to be interesting. So, I didn’t do those films and it ended up being a sabbatical of sorts. I didn’t plan it that way, but I feel that’s how an actor’s life is.
Did the box-office failure of some of your films (Daawat-e-Ishq, Fitoor and OK Jaanu), followed by the sabbatical, offer you a fresh perspective on life and career?
Some amount of learning comes with everything. I have realised that I love being on a movie set, and because of that, I am working more now and not taking as many breaks as I did earlier. My approach towards work has changed. I am happy to be in a place where I have work to think about. Lately, I have been lucky to find work that interests me as well, but I am not overthinking things now. The movies business is unpredictable and you have to take that leap of faith. What is meant to happen, will happen.
You started off with multi-starrers (like London Dreams, Action Replayy and Guzaarish),without fearing that you might get lost in the crowd. Kalank, too, has a stellar ensemble cast. You clearly don’t seem to be an actor, who wants to restrict himself to solo hero films...
The confidence comes with the director and the script. Like Kalank, multi-starrers need a script that offers everyone their place to shine. After that, you need a director who has conviction and clarity of thought. Abhishek Varman was wonderful at portraying how he was looking at this film. He made me feel comfortable and confident about how he perceived my role. In fact, he was passionate and clear about each and every character in the film. Everyone has their moment and a distinct character. Even as an audience, I enjoy watching films with multiple narratives. So, why not work in these films?
One part of an actor’s life is to make movies. The second part is to promote them, be seen, meet people, and stay active on social media. While you are good at the former, being social isn’t your thing, right?
I am still trying to gauge how important the other part is (smiles). Yes, my favourite part as an actor is to make movies. It’s definitely far above the other things that come with the job. It’s not like I hate socialising. If I thought that the rest was important, I would probably be more outgoing. Many well-meaning people around me are giving me this advice as well — ‘do more’ (laughs!).
Varun Dhawan and you are buddies, but at the same time, you have contrasting personalities. How was it working with him?
Varun and I had long sequences in Kalank. I think everyone has a personality. You can’t help but be yourself. If you are at peace with who you are, you won’t end up looking over your shoulder. Varun enjoys his stardom. He has great energy, connects with people, and is passionate about his work. He is also good with his fans. It’s lovely to see him enjoying what he has achieved. I love chilling out with him. We have common friends and we share some common interests like watching the fighting league, etc. We were joined at the hip when we worked together.
You played an alcoholic in two of your successful films — Aashiqui 2 and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (both released in 2013). Did you ever wonder why such roles keep coming your way?
I am thankful that those roles came my way, and I am remembered for them. To be identified as an alcoholic is quite charming (laughs!). A lot of bartenders greet me with open arms. Sometimes, when I am into fitness, I don’t drink and they seem very disappointed. They don’t take my word for it and say, ‘Sir, ek toh pilo’.
It was funny how many people actually believed that Aashiqui 2 inspired the Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga-starrer, A Star Is Born (2018)...
A lot of people messaged me saying how the Hollywood film was inspired by Aashiqui 2 (smiles) and how a lot of scenes were similar. I found it really funny. I loved that film, though. It was amazing how Bradley Cooper acted, sang in it and directed a new actor (Gaga). It’s a huge achievement.
You have your hands full with a slate of projects — Sadak 2, Malang and the sequel to Life In A Metro. After that brief lull, you are totally out there now...
When it rains, it pours. It’s a stark contrast to the phase that I was in before. Those were free days when I could do what I wanted, and now, I have no time to breathe. But I am happy and enjoying this hectic phase. I am excited about these films. I am getting a chance to try something different and challenge myself. I feel that as an actor, it’s scary to have found your zone…to think that you know what works for you. That’s dangerous, because you would then want to replicate it and that’s not what I am looking for. I am looking for subjects that pull me out of my comfort zone.
You are finally on Instagram, quite a late bloomer!
Varun, Alia, Shahid Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor and all my other friends kept telling me that I need to be on it. I was told that it is important today. I tried to stay away for the longest time, but finally, I succumbed, and now I am enjoying it. I don’t have a team who handles it. If it’s my account, I might as well keep it real and do it myself.
Parineeti Chopra questioned your single status on social media, recently. Are you single?
I have to call Pari and even Arjun Kapoor and ask them why they said that. The T-shirt I was wearing in the Instagram photograph (with the word ‘Single’ printed on it) was self-explanatory. I am single.
Multi starrers excite me-Aditya Roy Kapur
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Aditya Roy Kapur on working with an ensemble cast in upcoming films, a self-imposed sabbatical and his single status
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 6, 2019)
Six years after the 2013 musical-drama Aashiqui 2, you will be seen in another love story, Abhishek Varman’s Kalank, this one also featuring Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt, Sonakshi Sinha, Madhuri Dixit and Sanjay Dutt. What brings you back to this genre?
I really enjoy this space. Sometimes when filmmakers approach me, a few are 70-80 per cent ready with the script while some need changes. Abhishek’s Kalank script was ready to go on the floors the next day. The amount of work he had put into it was visible in each character. Even during the shoot, he was the most hardworking person on the set, never tired no matter how gruelling the schedules. I love ensemble films with multiple narratives.
Mohit Suri’s Malang is also a multi-starrer with Disha Patani, Anil Kapoor and Kunal Kemmu. Even Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani was about four friends but is remembered today more as a Ranbir Kapoor-Deepika Padukone film. Shouldn’t you be doing solo-hero projects?
On the contrary multi-starrers excite me. While it’s great to have a film revolving around a guy and one girl, today the audience wants to see experimental films on a large canvas. Also, it’s easier when there is a large cast as the audience comes to watch the stories of multiple people. My film with Anurag Basu also has an ensemble cast, I’m excited to work with directors I’ve admired all my life, whether it’s Bhatt Saab (Mahesh Bhatt) in Sadak 2, Mohit in Malang or Basu sir. These are opportunities I can’t think of letting go.
Is Anurag Basu’s a sequel to his 2007 musical- drama Life In A... Metro? Do all the different stories culminate in one?
It will be wrong for me to reveal as Basu sir likes to keep his stories close to his chest. However, it’s a big cast. We haven’t zeroed in on a title as yet.
Mahesh Bhatt is returning to direction 20 years after the 1999 Kartoos. He produced your biggest hit Aashiqui 2, directed by Mohit. Having worked with them earlier, do you feel you are in safe hands?
Of yes, they have given me a film that completely changed things for me and I do feel very safe in their hands. You come out of a conversation with Bhatt Saab feeling a little smarter with a better perspective on things. This is the first time that he will be directing both his daughters, Pooja and Alia. Sanjay (Dutt) sir is like his brother. I’m happy to be included in their circle. Reuniting with Mohit is amazing! It’s been six years during which we have gone out and done our thing. It feels different but familiar. We recently wrapped up the first schedule of Malang in Goa and will fly to Mauritius for the second one. We start Sadak 2 only after I have finished Malang and Basu sir’s film.
Buzz is, you play a character with grey shades in Malang. That must be a refreshing change for you.
We haven’t got to those portions yet, but it’s something I’m looking forward to. Characters with grey shades are a lot of fun as there is so much you can do with them. Yes, it is a first for me. In fact, Malang is also my first action film, a genre I have been wanting to explore for a long time and which Mohit handles well. I have grown up watching action films, Terminator 2: Judgment Day being my most favourite, and idolising Sylvester Stallone and Bruce Lee.
Your last two films, Fitoor and OK Jaanu didn’t fare well. How did you deal with the highs and the lows?
After all the ups and downs I’ve seen, I can assure you failure teaches you more than success. Yes, it did take me some time to put my head around it but I could deal with it. Ours is an unpredictable business and the sooner you make peace with it the better it is. You just have to believe that this too shall pass.
That’s easier said than done…
Yes, it requires some introspection to figure where you went wrong. Of course, there are lots of wellmeaning people ready to give you advice. You have to know what to take and what to forget. But it’s important to listen.
Was it right to go off on a self imposed sabbatical, shouldn’t you have signed some films instead?
I can’t commit to anything if I am not convinced about it as an actor. So, I went away for a while and returned clear about what I enjoy doing.
And what do you enjoy?
Being on a set… Working on a character.
Well, you recently posted a picture wearing a Tee proclaiming you are ‘Single’ but friends Arjun Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra called you out on the “lie”. What’s your real relationship status?
I am completely, absolutely single. (Laughs) I’m going to call Arjun and Pari and ask them what they think I am up to. I’m open to a relationship but I have to meet the right person first.
Neither the lull nor the storm was planned-Aditya Roy Kapur on his Instagram debut
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Deepali Singh (DNA; February 3, 2019)
After ‘relentless pressure’ from his friends, fans and manager, Aditya Roy Kapur finally made his social media debut on January 28. So, what made him succumb to it? “Succumb is the right word. Also, ‘buckled under pressure’ would be correct,” he laughed, when we spoke to him over the phone. The actor admitted that he used to check out other people’s accounts from time to time, but never downloaded the app to avoid the temptation of joining in. Giving in to it has been more of a spur-of-the-moment decision for him and he told us he has no idea what he’s going to share. “I’ve got the monkey off my back, now let’s see what happens,” he said. So, ready for the trolls? Aditya conceded that he’d find it hard not to get affected if something mean was said. “I’ve been advised to develop a thick skin, or not to read them at all, so let’s see,” he added.
Post OK Jaanu in 2017, there suddenly seems to be a barrage of films in his kitty. He wrapped up Abhishek Varman’s Kalank a few days ago and is gearing up to shoot for Anurag Basu’s next. There’s also Sadak 2 waiting to happen, with Alia Bhatt opposite him. Seems like a storm after the lull.
“Honestly, it wasn’t planned. Neither the lull nor the storm,” he laughed. Aditya shared that he wasn’t finding anything worth connecting with, therefore, the dry spell. “I was shooting for Kalank last year and these two films also happened in the last couple of months. So, though it looks like I went on a signing spree, it’s all just happened organically,” he pointed. He clammed up when we asked him about the Mohit Suri film that revolves around drug mafia and he’s supposedly doing. “There is nothing to talk about on that project. As of now, these are the three I’m doing,” he stated.
The movies and roles seem to be quite different from each other and Aditya’s happy he’s getting to do that. “It’s nice as an actor to not have something back-to-back that requires the same thing of you, because you can get repetitive in that sense,” he added. Movies such as Aashiqui 2, Fitoor and OK Jaanu have given him the image of a romantic hero, but given a chance, the actor would love to try out other spaces, especially action and comedy. “I’ve grown up on a doze of Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger movies. I think a machine gun will fit perfectly in my hands,” Aditya signed off with a laugh. Was that a hint he dropped for the drug mafia movie? Well, we’ll know soon enough!
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