At FICCI’s Young Leaders Summit, Arjun Kapoor gave a glimpse into his personal battles — with grief, body image and mental health — and how he is healing. Excerpts...

Talking about his early exposure to films, the actor shared, “My father (Boney Kapoor) was making films since I remember, and my uncle (Anil Kapoor) was one of the biggest stars in the country. I grew up around cinema. My love for films was very pure. I never wanted to be an actor. I wanted to make films. I still do. I want to produce and direct films.”

Arjun said, “Acting just happened. I went for an workshop with Varun Dhawan to see how it feels to live vicariously through another character. I started enjoying being other people except myself.”

The actor also opened up about how his parents’ separation affected him. “I was not an obese kid, but then my parents split up, and I obviously looked at food for solutions. A lot of us have gone through that. I think it doesn’t matter what age you are; it depends on your emotions and mental wellbeing. I understand how obesity affects people in various ways. You can wake up and have a thin day and a fat day. I still have that,” he said.

Arjun shared, “My mother understood what I was going through. My sister and I both suffered where obesity was concerned. Mentally, I was a strong kid. I understood what my parents had been through at that point. So, I took life as it came, but the journey to lose weight took me four years. I had a solid foundation in my mother, she allowed me to take those three-and-a-half years to drop 50 kgs, also, I had professional aspirations.”

He further added, “My mental health actually was not triggered by obesity. I have a lot of self-confidence. But where mental health was concerned, it was my sister who started talking about it. I didn’t realize that the obstacles I had faced — obesity, making my career the way I did, my parents’ separation, and of course, the attention and eyeballs — had affected me. You become a star overnight, and suddenly you are scrutinized — the way you look, the way you talk, the way you express, the way you behave off camera, on camera, everything,” he recalled.

Arjun shared that therapy has helped him find a balance. “The pandemic gave me a moment of realization, and I started therapy after that because I realized I’m the big brother who’s always been there — taking care of my friends, my family, but he needs help, too. I’m a big advocate for help because I have realized its value. It’s like you declutter your mind. A lot of people don’t have that outlet and suffocate. Once you let things out of your mind and express them, you realize how smart and sensible you are. The biggest problem is that vulnerable people are looked upon as weak. I think the strongest people in this world are those who are emotional and vulnerable.”

Arjun Kapoor believes that in an industry where every Friday can change an actor’s fortunes, being resilient is what helps one navigate the ups and downs. In a conversation with us, the actor, who recently played a baddie in Singham Again, talks about how he keeps it real and finds inspiration during conflicting moments of his life.

Arjun, who doesn’t shy away from embracing his vulnerable side, feels that this has been a crucial factor in his growth. “Though most people consider it a problem, I think your vulnerability is your strength. However, being vulnerable and accepting is what helps you grow and become a better person and, therefore, allows you to make better choices. Our profession is such that it’s easy to be delusional and be in denial.”

The actor, who has seen his fair share of highs and lows in his career, believes that being an actor means you have to be ready to sign up for a long race. “I’ve always been a practical person. So, when a film doesn’t pan out the way it should have, I try to understand what I can do better next. Nobody has a 100 per cent success rate here. A lot of people don’t realize that it’s a very long race. You’re not winning, you’re not trying to win, what you are doing is you are trying to survive and create your own space. If I wasn’t practical, I wouldn’t have made such an extreme choice (being a part of Singham Again). I know my truth, I’m not chasing delusion, and I think that really helps. But yes, being resilient in this profession is important.”

While some thought that Arjun kept a low profile because his films before Singham Again didn’t do well, he thinks otherwise.

“People don’t pay much attention (to you) when your films don’t work. I always knew that. It was not like I’d run away. I’d not even switched off to that extent. However, people want to listen to you when you are doing well. And that’s normal. Success bring you more attention. Failure makes you fade from people’s memory,” he shares.

Ask Arjun how he took care of his mental well-being while he was going through a tough phase, and he says, “The reality is I didn’t speak about it then because I didn’t want to cry about it. It happens to everyone. Sometimes, it lasts a year or two, sometimes a film or two, and sometimes it extends a little longer. You are confused and conflicted, but after the darkest night comes the brightest dawn. You have to believe in that and keep working because the payoff isn’t going to be today. The idea for me to sit today and talk about the past and not celebrate the present would be terrible. Sometimes, we get too caught up in our heads and become negative. But if you look around and find inspiration, it will motivate you.”

What do Stree 2, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Singham Again have in common besides their box-office success? They are all instalments of different franchises. So, it won’t be wrong to say that franchises are the biggest success story of 2024. To Arjun Kapoor, who added a franchise film to his résumé with Singham Again, they are a safety net in current times. “Today, the theatrical business is not assured. Franchises bring a safety net [because] there is a [dedicated] audience,” he reasons.

Detractors have a common grouse against franchises—that they support formulaic storytelling, relying on an established universe. But Kapoor views it differently. To him, they offer an actor the freedom to pursue original storytelling in other projects without worrying about box-office returns. “You can create an ecosystem that allows you to make choices where you can do interesting stuff,” he points out. He also believes the industry should celebrate the art.

“The audience is enjoying franchises and we must service that. It’s not easy to make a hit franchise; there are enough that haven’t done well. We shouldn’t be apologetic about making them. We should be excited about our audience being open to them. At the same time, we must cultivate the new-age mainstream cinema audience,” he urges.

Even as more franchise films are in the pipeline, from Pushpa 2 - The Rule to Drishyam 3, Kapoor insists they haven’t replaced standalone movies. A prime example—Jawan (2023). “Franchises are keeping the churn going. At some point, the [audience] might get fatigued. Original movies also work. Last year, we had Jawan and Animal [2023].”

While Arjun Kapoor grew up watching his chachu Anil Kapoor’s masala Bollywood films like Mr India and Ram Lakhan, being an actor wasn’t on his radar. He knew that he would be associated with filmmaking but probably as a producer like his parents, Boney and Mona Kapoor. However, as fate would have it, he got an opportunity to stand in front of the camera. He made his Bollywood debut with Ishaqzaade in 2012. His decade-long journey in the industry has been a roller-coaster ride of sorts, with the actor seeing his share of box office success and failure.

Arjun says, “I feel ten years have passed by quickly, but at the same time, it’s been really slow. I’ve done a lot of work. I’ve learnt a lot of things, which I also need to forget from time to time. Sometimes you tend to overlearn, and you are over observed. The most important part is to be prepared and then let go. You need to find that thin line, where you need to follow your impulses and also try and get back to your roots – where I was in 2010-2011.”

Reflecting on the circle of success and failure, which is a constant for most actors, he shares, “It’s important to be cognizant of the situation but also be fearless to take a decision. And don’t be scared of failure. I think I would get very scared when I failed earlier on.”

Arjun adds, “I didn’t enjoy my success enough because I was always thinking of the next step. Just live in the moment and enjoy what you have. You have to be happy about the work that you are getting and learn from your failures. You have to accept that failure will happen to the best of people and also learn that you’re allowed to be happy for your success. You can’t please everyone, but you need to be as happy as possible. It’s a very fickle place and things change every Friday.”

Over the years, Arjun has learnt to enjoy the highs and navigate the lows. He says, “I have seen the highs and lows, I’ve seen stability and the chaos. I think the biggest learning is to just enjoy the moment and be. Ten years have flown by, and I’m still here, aren’t I? I plan to be here for another 100. So, you just have to sometimes live in the present rather than think about the future and worry about what you did in the past. I think I am just learning to be.”

Usually, instinct is at play when choosing films. But Arjun Kapoor has been selecting his projects carefully, after winning acclaim for his act in 'Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar' (2021). While the massy 'Ek Villain Returns' is up for release, the actor has shot for Aasmaan Bhardwaj’s 'Kuttey' and Ajay Bahl’s 'The Ladykiller'. “I am trying to strike a balance. That was what prompted me to [sign] 'The Ladykiller' and 'Kuttey'. I joke with Aasmaan, saying, ‘Baap ne Kaminey banayi, beta Kuttey bana raha hai,’” he laughs.

The shadow of director-father Vishal Bhardwaj may be looming large, but Aasmaan has a unique voice, asserts Kapoor. The actor is impressed by Aasmaan’s clarity of vision. That he has got artistes like Naseeruddin Shah, Tabu, and Konkona Sen Sharma on board speaks volumes about the film’s merit. 

“When Vishal ji and Aasmaan narrated the film, what drew me was that he wasn’t trying to ape his father. There is reminiscence of the learnings he has had from his dad. The father-son [duo] have overlapping qualities. Vishal ji has been an involved producer,” says the actor.

With the satire, Kapoor has realised his dream of being a part of a Vishal production. “I was close to working with him in the past, but it didn’t work out. His energy and atmospheric storytelling is inspirational. When you are surrounded by such people, you aspire to chase quality and not just commerce. Vishal ji is a great listener who allows a discussion and takes your inputs. He doesn’t have a chip on his shoulder.”

If the actor is attempting a black comedy in 'Kuttey', 'The Ladykiller' opposite Bhumi Pednekar has him exploring a noir thriller. His admiration for 'Section 375' (2019) and 'BA Pass' (2012) made him eager to collaborate with director Bahl. “The film deals with the toxicity of passionate relationships. It is about a Casanova, who is in a relationship that has a certain degree of combustibility. Bhumi and I have explored a different side of our personalities,” says Kapoor.

Right at the start of our conversation, Arjun Kapoor points out that his next, Ek Villain Returns, shouldn’t be labelled a sequel. “The story isn’t picking up from the last film. This has new characters. I don’t feel the pressure to match up [to Ek Villain]. It is only an asset because the world created by Mohit Suri is accepted by the masses,” he says.

After Half Girlfriend (2017), the actor is happy to reunite with director Suri, who is known to have a finger on the audience’s pulse. “He has a fan base. His connection comes from music; there is emotional depth in his songs. Ek Villain Returns has all the trappings that the [target] audience will enjoy.” 

The movie, also starring John Abraham, Disha Patani and Tara Sutaria, is gearing up for a theatrical run. Kapoor admits that at the moment, actors are feeling the pressure to draw audiences to theatres. “The films [that are releasing now] were approved in 2019 when the audience’s mindset was different. Before the pandemic, multiplex films were on strong [footing]. But now, the multiplex audiences have become OTT viewers. It has resulted in a change of taste. The films that have worked have desi content and are technically sound. Pushpa: The Rise - Part 01 [2021] is like Deewaar, following the rags-to-riches story. Gangubai Kathiawadi and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 fared well because they cater to every section of society. As a fraternity, we need to search for answers from [these films’ success]. It will take six months to a year to find that.”

As the industry is navigating an uncertain phase, he believes it is important for actors to support each other. He suggests that multi-starrers like his upcoming thriller might be the way forward. “Big set-ups, two-hero films will always excite the audience. We need to let go of perceptions as individuals, and help each other move ahead. As an actor, I am hoping to do more collaborative projects. When we did Gunday [2014], Ranveer [Singh] and I were stars with potential. There was superstar Priyanka Chopra, and Irrfan Khan. So, a producer could put in more money than he could in a solo-hero film.”

Arjun Kapoor often shares posts about his fitness journey on social media. In fact, he recently shared pictures of his physical transformation and is in a happy space where his health is concerned. However, by his own admission, it has been tough to stay on course. The fight for him is not about flaunting a chiselled physique, but to stay healthy. In a chat with Bombay Times, he spoke about being vocal about his battle with obesity, staying focused and the exciting phase ahead where his career is concerned. Excerpts:

Well, I have been battling it since I can remember...waking up for the last 20 odd years with it. It’s not really been an easy task. People assume that when you lose weight, it’s done, but the tougher part is maintaining that. It’s never over. Even today, when I wake up every morning, I have to be conscientious and aware. My battle is very deep-rooted; I fight it every day with a smile on my face. There are some really bad days also. For anybody out there who needs inspiration, I am happy that I can inspire them, but I am as vulnerable as the next person. I am somebody who can put on weight by just breathing around food, so I have to be very aware of that. More than anything, I wanted to get fitter. I think I have now got back to being fit, taking care of my body, loving myself and valuing my body. I’d lost that ability to care for myself. I was so lost in work that I thought it would take care of itself. That’s what I wanted to remind them… that even if you gain weight, you can’t stop loving yourself. You have to try to lose weight for the right reasons, it can’t just be for the superficial part, which obviously exists.

At the end of the day, when you see that a virus can trap all of us in these circumstances, you realise how important your health is. Obesity leads to sugar issues, heart problems and blood pressure… the way food is looked at in our country, there’s always an excess. You have to realise how to take care of yourself.

To spread awareness, I think you have first to be aware of yourself how much you can do and how much you can achieve. I have done it very slowly and systematically like I did the first time. I am still at it. My hashtag says work in progress, and it will continue. I feel most people are like me. I do want to do a lot more, in due course, so it’s not easy to explain. With every passing day, I want to be able to build the belief that people who follow me or watch my work, or my Instagram account, realise that this is real. This problem exists within them and me. We have to tackle it. I would like to set up something way bigger and I am working towards it. I want to do something very concrete to make sure that the awareness spreads far and wide for young kids not to be affected, perhaps the way I did unknowingly, because I didn’t have the right information.

In recent times, my mind was very restless and that is when yoga came in. Finishing work, starting new work, shutdown of work and being stuck in between… all of that took a toll. I wanted to calm myself, and yoga helped me go back to meditating, breathing and just calming my mind. Also, I overthink a lot (smiles)… that’s how I function. Yoga helped me be still, just be in the moment and be awakened and blank for a bit. That’s something we all need from time to time not to be in the past or future but to just be in the present.

Definitely! It’s my most exciting phase. A couple of years ago, I wouldn’t have imagined having such a unique mix. However, I’ve always tried to do it. When I was doing Mubarakan, I was also doing a Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar. I have always tried to mix it up. But yes, this is pushing it to a whole new level. Also, I get to work with fantastic actors like Tabu, Tara Sutaria, John Abraham, Radhika Madan, Kumud Mishra sir, Naseer sir and Bhumi Pednekar. It’s an exciting phase of collaborating with great minds, great producers, directors and actors.

Earlier, when my career began, many films that I signed were no-brainers when someone is starting out... like a double role with Aurangzeb and then movies like 2 States and Gunday. Meanwhile, Tevar was a home production. I wanted to be somebody who could dabble between a Finding Fanny and a Gunday, so I chose those. Today, when I am selecting a film, I am trying to do stuff that I have not done before, and subconsciously, in a strange sort of way, I am also trying to do things that I have got appreciation for. It’s a space where you select material where you want to push the envelope, but at the same time try to find some sort of overlap, where the audience has engaged with you in those spaces, albeit in a different story. I always liked doing all kinds of things; perhaps that’s my strength or weakness. Maybe, now I have found a slight logic behind choosing material that is unique and yet has a semblance of accepted tones.

Arjun Kapoor has been working hard for the last 15 months to acquire a well-defined physique. The actor recently shared a jaw-dropping transformation picture that got the internet talking. “When the first lockdown happened, I wondered what I could do to get out of the rut of not being able to cope, physically. I realized that I was running a rat race without taking care of myself,” says Kapoor, who is now a decade old in the industry, as Ishaqzaade (2012) turns 10.

In fact, before his debut, too, Kapoor worked hard to shed some kilos. This time, the pandemic-induced lockdown gave him time to reinvent. “Before I started out, I lost around 50 kg. I was in my 20s then. From 143 kg, I reached 93 kg. But 10 years later, my body has changed. I’ve had injuries, health issues, workload, etc. But it’s not like I’m not mentally capable. It just takes longer to do it, which is why it took me 15 months to get into shape,” says the 36-year-old.

So what motivated him to sweat it out? “I realized that the motivation comes from my work. I want to get respect and love from the audience and I’ll do anything for that,” says Kapoor, who is currently shooting for his next project in Manali (Himachal Pradesh).

He adds that people become judgemental if you are not able to work on your physique. “When you are not able to physically transform, a lot gets misconstrued. People think that he is not working hard. And that’s not true in my case. I’m very focused, otherwise you wouldn’t survive 10 years in an industry that is cut throat,” he says, adding that he is still a “work in progress”.

Motivated about continuing his fitness journey, the actor shares, “Just like most people in our country who work hard for a living, trying to find time to stay healthy and fit amid the busy schedule is not easy. You can never feel that your job is done.”

Actors Arjun Kapoor and Malaika Arora are not seeking anyone’s approval for their relationship. Having kept it under wraps for a long time, it was in 2019 that they finally made it Insta official, followed by public appearances and holidays. However, they still haven’t spoken much about it in public. On Valentine's Day, Kapoor, 36, exclusively talks to us about his relationship with Arora, 48, what it takes to stand by his ladylove, and deal with all the social media negativity that is thrown at them. Excerpts:

I didn’t think about anything except giving the relationship respect, dignity and integrity. I made peace with the fact that once you are out there for people to see or judge, you have to allow breathing room for them to absorb, and start looking at the relationship the way you want them to.

The decision to be open about our relationship just happened organically. I had to give space and respect to Malaika and her life decisions on whether she wants to make things public or give it time. There came a point when we felt solid, and steady enough to face all the speculation and conversation that’d follow. Our relationship dynamic is unique for people who have a slightly traditional outlook for love. Today, we can say we became a public couple to encourage the thought process that age doesn’t come in the way of being in a relationship. It was done respectfully. We never threw it in anybody’s face.

We’ve stood by each other facing speculation, brickbats, chatter, at times unnecessary. It was hell for us for many days. Malaika had to face so much, but I admire her for giving me and our relationship so much dignity. Standing by her never felt like something extraordinary. It just felt like the right thing to do. We’re humbled to be called torchbearers for shattering labels. We just wanted to stand by love and let people see who we were with each other.

I was prepared for the reaction to be extreme. I’ve been through situations in life that have been far worse — seeing my parents split up, losing mom, having to see the upheaval of my father, losing out on a loved one, his wife Sridevi — you do realise that life is fickle and only love is permanent. So, I let these trolls be. I guess there’s so much relevance to Malaika and my relationship that everyone has a say, and likes to talk about us.

Yes, we always make sure we take out time for each other and make the most of this day. We try to do something unique and catch each other by surprise. I love surprising Malaika and today also, there will be a surprise or two planned.

One sentence isn’t enough. I’ll get into trouble. Malaika has changed me as a person by allowing me to believe in myself even more, through my weakest moments. She has always been there, making me realise that I’m worth it. She’s made me feel that phases will pass, and these are important times when you’re going through a tricky situation personally and professionally. If I’ve to describe our relationship — we’re friends, we talk about everything, we confide in each other a lot that has allowed us to make decisions — big and small ones. And I think friendship is the key for any relationship to last.

Over the last two years, the audience has sampled content from various parts of the world and the country. Though Arjun Kapoor’s film Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar starring Parineeti Chopra, got a muted response at the box office, the film was much appreciated post its release in the digital space. The actor feels that such instances show that the audience’s viewing pattern and tastes have changed and evolved during the last two years.

He says, “The pandemic has definitely changed the way movies are being watched — whether they are regional or pan-India films. Today, releasing abroad, it releases here simultaneously. It’s also available on the digital medium, so you can revisit it. Therefore, your scale of action, adventure and storytelling stand improved. As an audience, you absorb a lot more, so you are ready for a lot more, which is where the process of evolution is evident.”

Arjun further elaborates, “Perhaps five years ago, a film like Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar wouldn’t have got the kind of reaction it did even on social media, or it would have been a smaller bunch of people watching it. Today, people are just cine-goers who are not a niche audience. We have a young audience, and it is growing up very fast. Then there is social media, OTT platforms and theatres, which now give you access to regional and world cinema.”

Talking about the kind of cinema that the audience is lapping up today, and the popularity of regional content, which has shown substantial growth during this phase, he says, “Regional cinema has often pushed the envelope. Perhaps, they understand their audience far better, while we (Bollywood) have to appeal to a bigger diaspora, hence it may take us a little bit of time. And so, it is a trial-and-error process. When you talk about regional cinema, the filmmakers there think about their audience first and then build it from there. They are so honest to their audience that others also like the content that they make. There could be some cultural differences among viewers from different regions, and therefore, some stories may appeal to a certain audience more. However, the basic human understanding of behaviour and storytelling remains the same, which is why I feel regional cinema is being appreciated more. The horizon of our audience has broadened, and full credit to them for making us push the envelope and work harder to deliver pan-India films that are entertaining and engaging at the same time.”

Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar (SAPF), Sardar Ka Grandson and Bhoot Police — actor Arjun Kapoor had a rather eventful 2021. Grateful to have received the chance to entertain audiences even during the pandemic, he says, “You have to be grateful and have humility in accepting that at a time when the world was in chaos, work was happening for me and I received love for it. It’s great to stay connected with the audience, reconnect with them and remind them that I’m here to act and earn my bread and butter by entertaining them.”

SAPF had a theatrical release and it earned him critical acclaim for his portrayal of a Haryanvi police officer. That made 2021 “a professionally satisfying year” for the actor. “My effort has been noticed by the upper echelon, who care about credible work,” says Kapoor, adding, “When Naseeruddin Shah (actor) says, ‘I saw your work and you were fantastic,’ or when Kumud Mishra (actor) says, ‘You didn’t even slip in your accent even once’, it’s an overwhelming feeling.”

The film “is still paying dividends”, admits the 36-year-old: “Even the critics have had a conversation about it. The film had its own share of ups and downs, and we had to wait a long time for its release, but eventually, it worked out.”

Apart from his work, he has also been in the news for his relationship with actor Malaika Arora. Quiz him if it bothers him and he admits, “Sometimes I feel it’s a little unfair, but it’s passable. I respect the boundary till a certain degree to which people can have an opinion, beyond which if they get too personal, I don’t enjoy it.”

Right from his first film Ishaqzaade, Arjun Kapoor has always had the image of a macho hero attached to him. However, he tells us that characters with shades of vulnerability draw him. Be it his role in 2 States, that saw him playing a leading man, who is openly devastated post his breakup, or his role as a househusband in Ki & Ka, the actor hasn’t shied away from playing characters that don’t hide their emotions.

Ask Arjun whether these choices are a reflection of his thoughts and experiences derived from his personal life, and he says, “The selection of going against patriarchy or norms is one aspect of it, while the vulnerability is another aspect, and both are subconscious because both are somewhere embedded within my system and personality. However, at the end of the day, Ki & Ka was a known selection of something that you know will make people question certain things, while something like Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar was more about the friction between the social and economic divide, and then there’s a layer of patriarchy and various other aspects.”

The actor feels that his image is largely due to his physicality. “I have never really thought about the macho image because that’s inherently come to me from my first film, it’s not something I have worked towards,”

he says, adding, “For that, I think the physicality helps along with the kind of films I was offered earlier in my career.”

Be it Ishaqzaade, Gunday or Tevar, Arjun has played the typical Bollywood hero, who throws punches and knocks out a bunch of goons within no time. This perhaps was the sort of mainstream hero he had grown up watching in Hindi films. “I built a body of work where I look like I can play that macho, mainstream hero. But there’s also a film like 2 States, which is possibly a nice example of an introverted person who is resilient enough to stay with his mother, and at the same time, has a strong reaction when he has to man up and protect her.”

Reflecting on his choices so far, he adds, “It’s interesting to realise that I have been selecting these parts, but it’s not always been a very conscious endeavour…. barring Ki & Ka, in which the whole structure around it was to create shock value.”

In his almost decade-long acting career, Arjun Kapoor believes that the Hindi film industry has been ever changing. And he points out that people now can’t just get away with making just about anything.

“The audience has never accepted mediocre content. It kept getting made because it was easy to get away… films would still do enough business to recover their money,” he continues, “But as filmmaking has become more expensive in the last decade or so, and especially in the last five years, today you’re competing with the world audience. Mediocrity won’t be available in theatres because it’s very expensive to get a film to cinemas.”

Kapoor, 36, who made his acting debut with Ishaqzaade in 2012, feels the change has been on for a while more so with OTT platforms coming in, and pushing everyone. However, he adds it won’t reflect instantly. “We need to allow a couple of years to rejig this thought process. We’re growing up with Hollywood and OTT and we’ve to give it a few more years to rejig. We’re growing up with a new wave of writers and directors,” he says.

Noting how around 2025 we might finally see changes in the film industry, the Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar actor adds, “I also feel there’ll be a slight demarcation in projects which will make it to theatres and which head the digital way.”

Kapoor’s career has also evolved, and he’s proud of each of his choices — hits and misses. “When you’re talking about your career, you’re always bound by hits and flops. It’s unfortunate, because the experience of working in a film counts for something for an actor. Growing up along the way, telling stories — those are moments that remain. I’m grateful about what I’ve had and excited about the next 10 years,” he concludes.

Being in the public eye has its own challenges, but there’s the advantage of being an inspiration. And Arjun Kapoor feels that decisions by global sporting icons, such as Naomi Osaka, Simone Biles and Ben Stokes, to prioritize their mental health, has started an essential conversation for today’s generation. The actor believes it has also highlighted the perception of one’s every action being scrutinized in a digital age.

“We’ve to encourage people who tell their story. We live in an era where we are constantly being monitored. It isn’t easy to not have any down time. So, when people like Naomi Osaka, Simone Biles and Ben Stokes speak up, we have to listen because what they are going through is reflective of what our generation is feeling,” he says.

The 36-year-old, who tackled mental health issues while fighting obesity in his formative years and was brutally trolled for the same, is grateful to these sporting stars. “These guys are legends who deal with immense pressure every single day and if they are sparking a conversation to prioritise mental health, we should listen very, very carefully. Not apples to apples at all, but when I was battling obesity, it was brushed aside as ‘just a fat guy who is privileged and he must be eating and having a good time’. No one bothered about what I was going through mentally,” the Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar actor explains.

He feels it is important to normalise these issues in society so that the youth know it is absolutely okay to not be okay. “We are surrounded by cameras and have to put up the best things for likes and comments. We hardly have time to connect with ourselves or our close ones without our phones. Plus, we have the pandemic which has us all too boxed up,” he observes.

And since it is not easy for everyone, when icons speak up, they have a huge influence on people. “Everyone should be allowed to go through their own journey because everyone has a unique journey,” he says.

He hopes society will be more caring to others’ issues. “We should aim to build an empathetic society where people love and care for each other and try and understand what the other person might be dealing with,” he adds.

Arjun Kapoor is in a happy space these days. The actor, who was appreciated for his performance in Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar, also took charge of his health during the recent months and focussed on getting fitter. In a conversation with Bombay Times, the actor speaks candidly about battling weight issues, facing body shaming on social media and his fitness journey. He shares that he has struggled with weight issues since his childhood. “Not many know, but I have been battling obesity for the longest time. I was just not a fat kid, it was a health issue. It hasn’t been easy. My underlying health condition has always made it a struggle for me to constantly stay a certain size. While I have been criticised a lot for my physique, I have taken it on the chin because people expect actors to be seen in a certain body type. I understand that. They haven’t understood the struggle that I have gone through and it’s alright. I have to only prove it to myself and to people who believe in me,” he says.

Elaborating on his continuous struggle to maintain a certain fitness level, he says, “My condition makes it difficult for me to achieve quick results. The transformation people can achieve in a month, it takes me two months to do that.”

Arjun says, “For a year, I have single-mindedly focussed on myself to achieve my current body type and I desire only to get fitter and better. This journey has shown me that nothing is impossible. I just have to keep at it. Unfortunately, shaming has become a part of our lives, and I can only hope that we get better as a society.”

The constant scrutiny, trolling and body shaming that actors face on social media makes it an uphill task to stay positive. Arjun explains, “The pressure to be relevant in the industry is immense and the negativity does get to you. When my films weren’t working to the level that I expected them to, the negativity just mounted. The triggers that had caused my health issue in the first place came back, but I tried hard to keep going and make every day count. When you are constantly engulfed in work, you don’t realise the slide that you could be going through. You could be crumbling from inside while putting on a brave face. It happened to me; it happens to a lot of people.”

However, life seems to have taken a turn for the better with the appreciation he received for Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar. “The success of this film meant a lot for me. I have been able to achieve a better physique and I credit my state of mind to be a huge factor for this. I’m happy that I’m work in progress; I think we all are. So, if people have liked that I have lost weight and am looking much better, I thank them for their encouragement. Positivity and negativity are just part of our job. As actors, we just have to accept it and move on.”

While looking good on screen has been a major motivating factor to get fit, the actor, who will next be seen in Ek Villain 2, also credits his loved one for his success in this journey. He says, “I’m fortunate to have people around me who have been pillars of strength. They made me believe in myself and feel that I deserve to be where I am. I also have to thank all my fans and the people who only sent positive vibes to me during this phase of my life, because it kept me going and made me focus on myself and my life.” 

Even as everything looked hunky dory in the beginning of 2021, it took a tumble yet again when the second wave of pandemic hit. However, in the short span of time when cinemas were open, Arjun Kapoor’s Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar managed to get a theatrical release. And now that the film has made its way to OTT, it’s being rediscovered in a whole new way.

“I’m just happy the film is getting the love and acclaim it deserves. It’s a hidden gem. It couldn’t connect with people in theatres for various reasons, but the platform has made it possible for the film to reach so many audiences,” says Kapoor, confessing that Sandeep Aur... wasn’t a film which was easy to commit to as an actor. “You really realise in retrospect, whether it’s the climax or body language or the work that I put into my character,” he adds.

Given the situation when theatres continue to remain shut, Kapoor believes that going forward also, adapting to circumstances is going to be the key. “You can’t be living in denial. You need to have an open mind and accept the uniqueness of the situation we’re in. And perhaps, it’ll continue for another three to six months. We’re relearning our audiences in theatres, and at the same time, we do know there’s an audience on the OTT, too,” notes the actor, who turns 36 today.

Kapoor asserts that as actors and entertainers, producers, directors and artistes, eventually what one craves for is the “consumption of our material that we provide.” And that’s why, with yet another recent OTT release, Sardar Ka Grandson, he says the medium no longer makes a difference. “Instead of being against it, why can’t we be collaborative and say films should work on both platforms? At the end of the day, the aim is to entertain, the platform — whether TV, OTT or theatres — shouldn’t be a concern. Our job is to get people to watch our work. The last one year has brought more understanding and acceptance of OTT platforms, so why don’t we use that to tell stories that need to be told?” he stresses.

However, Kapoor maintains that cinemas will not lose their sheen. “Of course theatres remain prime. It’s the most beautiful feeling in the world to be put on that big screen and watch yourself. It’s amazing to get into the magical world of the cinemas,” he adds.

Arjun Kapoor’s nine-year stint in Bollywood has been a roller-coaster ride of sorts. The actor has seen box-office success followed by films that failed to click. Arjun admits that he fumbled when he based his career choices on what he thought an actor is supposed to do, rather than follow his instinct. However, the release of his recent film made him look at his career path in a new light. In a conversation with BT, the actor talks about different kinds of cinema, and also highlights what he terms the ‘new commercial narrative’ that’s growing in the industry. Read on:

The endeavour is to try and do stuff that excites me at a personal level and also as a member of the audience. Sometimes, you have to be intimate about your selection, because as an actor these are the things you have craved that you would get an opportunity to do. Yes, it has been a tough act to balance because over a span of two-three years, you get masked as a mainstream commercial hero, so you aren’t given enough offers of this kind. Therefore, you have to go and seek that unique and different film rather than it coming your way organically. However, that doesn’t stop me from seeking it.

Also, the lines have blurred from 2012 to 2021, where a film like Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar (SAPF) is not looked at just as an interesting choice, or Aurangzeb and Ki & Ka aren’t looked at as offbeat films. They blend with the commercial, or rather, the new commercial narrative that’s growing, and that’s a heartening sign.

In my case, the release of SAPF was affected not once, but twice. First in March 2020, when we had the trailer out and had started the marketing, and then again in March 2021, when we were preparing once more and had to deal with the fact that there was a likelihood of another lockdown. At such a point, you just accept the fact that the film is not meant to connect with the audience in a broad spectrum and you feel it will be scattered — with the movie coming out mainly on satellite and digital. You accept that and detach yourself from the result but continue to believe that the process was worth it. You can’t get emotional about these things because they are beyond your control... it’s not like everyone else’s films were releasing.

We wanted to make sure that the film comes in theatres, and Dibakar sir (director Dibakar Banerjee) had made a film that I felt would get its due over the years to come. What I didn’t expect was this burst of love and genuine understanding of what the film speaks about, and people catching the nuances to such a level. The rekindling of the magic of Ishaqzaade that had Parineeti and me... This time around our chemistry was appreciated despite being devoid of romance. And this is where the audience wins at the end of the day. You can’t predict the audience or know them beyond a point, you can just keep your head down and work honestly and hope that the film connects with them.

People tell you that you should do films that are viable at the box office, and I have done that and enjoyed those. When I had said I fumbled, what I meant was that I got muddled in my thinking about what actors are supposed to do versus what I should do. When you look at it through the optics of what your stardom should have you doing versus what the audience or you as an actor or someone who watches films should do, sometimes you get confused. When I was offered my kind of cinema, I just grabbed it.

The material that I am doing right now is selected with an attempt to make sure that you are looking at the pan-India audience, who likes to be entertained. When I do a film with Mohit Suri, I am aware that he connects with our entire country when it comes to romance, music and action, and there’s a certain way he presents actors. At the same time, when I am doing a horror-comedy with Saif Ali Khan, I know it appeals to the audience with certain sensibilities, and mine as well. I have always wanted to be a part of a comedy with Saif, and things just fell into place and Bhoot Police took shape.

Now, I have validation that I should follow my instinct and impulse, and not worry about the box-office implications... well, right now all of that exists on paper, so you can’t tell where the situation will be one year down the line. You just have to go with your instinct and know that the audience is sensible. Right now, they are consuming material on OTT, so when they come into the theatres — and believe me, they will — they should feel respected and not taken for granted. So, the material that I am selecting now, whether it’s more mainstream or as they call it a little off-centre, there is a certain regard that I am keeping in my mind for the audience, where I myself don’t want to be taken for granted when I go to watch a film, be spoon-fed and be made to feel silly about things. I want to enjoy cinema that stimulates while entertaining me. You realise that the audience is ready to use all their might to get involved in the journey of the characters, catch on to the smaller details and make a film a bigger success. Before SAPF came on OTT, I was thinking about whether I should stick to a certain kind of cinema, but this experience has given me the confidence to dabble in both worlds and enjoy myself equally.

At the onset of our conversation, Arjun Kapoor reveals that he did Sardar Ka Grandson for his grandparents. The Netflix film revolves around Kapoor’s protagonist who arranges to have his grandmother’s ancestral home moved to Amritsar from Lahore after he is unable to take her to Pakistan.

“This film is my way of giving back to my grandparents, especially my granny who has just recovered from Covid. [It appealed to me] because I look at relationships from an emotional point of view; there is [no room for] practicality. For instance, my dadi [Nirmal Kapoor] has been asking me to come over for lunch. I keep explaining that it’s not safe, but she is driven by emotions and is not interested in the repercussions,” he shares.

The family drama, also featuring Neena Gupta and Rakul Preet Singh, may be a refreshing change of pace from the thrillers that have flooded the OTT platforms. Kapoor notes that the genre has taken a backseat in the past few years. “With new avenues opening up, many directors are exploring thrillers, horror and intense dramas. That said, Neena ji and my biggest hits have been family entertainers, Badhaai Ho [2018] and 2 States [2014]. Writers and directors are making the genre younger and cooler, and without any cliches. [You can’t give] the audience a fake, happy family. Viewers are intelligent, and you can’t lie to them. Our film is also cinematic in treatment because Amrik [his character] is trying to do the impossible. So, you have to make it cinematic yet believable.”

In having Lahore as one of the backdrops, the movie transcends borders to tell a human story. Asked about the strained relationship between India and Pakistan, he says, “We have to be humane and graceful. This film emphasises how humanity is above all else.”

Theatres have closed yet again in Maharashtra, and Delhi is in a curfew. Naturally, direct-to-OTT releases are picking up momentum again, as they did in 2020.

Now, Arjun Kapoor will make his web debut as his film, Sardar Ka Grandson, releases on an OTT platform. The actor has been in showbiz for seven years now, with each of his films getting a theatrical release, including Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar, which had finally hit theatres in March. Kapoor, however is optimistic about his latest film releasing on the digital medium. “It seems exciting to know my film will be released on a streaming platform and consumed by millions across the world. It will be an opportunity for it to be seen in different languages,” he says.

The film was meant for theatres, but the current situation has changed it all. The 35-year-old, who is in Goa to shoot for his next with Mohit Suri, adds, “It was meant to come out in theatres when I signed it and was with the emotion of being presented on the big screen. But today, the world is very different. The form of entertainment is regardless of the size of the screen. I am excited that it is going to transcend screen size...and will be a newer form for me as an actor,” says Kapoor.

What makes the actor okay with even an OTT release for his film is the fact that it will take his performance to a new audience. “I will be able to connect with far more people across the world, and not just our fans or the Indian film consumption base,” he observes.

“It opens more horizons and allows us to tell our stories to a person living in Germany or Argentina, or Africa or Egypt. They can now watch it on these platforms. It is available far more quickly and easily changes the dynamics of telling the story. It becomes much more tangible, and a human story that transcends boundaries. That is what actually our film deals with too,” Kapoor adds.