Hope is a small word with the power to move mountains. It can rekindle love, make peace feel within reach, and fuel the dream of a world where women can live without fear. In 2024, while preparing Big Girls Don't Cry, filmmakers Karan Kapadia and Nitya Mehra stumbled upon an article about sexual assault, which sparked the idea for Hunkkaar - The Roar.

“The article deeply resonated with us,” Kapadia told mid-day. He said the social evil needed to be addressed, particularly by highlighting how good people come together to fight the good fight. “We also wanted to celebrate the system. There’s so much gloom around us all the time, this was a story of hope.”

The six-part JioHotstar courtroom drama follows a 17-year-old girl’s fight to bring her perpetrator, a self-styled godman, to justice. The series stars Aneet Padda, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Raghubir Yadav, and Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub.

For Mehra, it was imperative to flip the usual narrative around sexual violence, which often focuses on the survivor rather than the perpetrator. “I felt that we needed to change the narrative. [Most] headlines are about the survivor. While Karan and I are not trying to take away the horror that survivors go through, it was [imperative to focus] on the good fight,” said Mehra.

The duo knew Padda was the right choice to bring the survivor’s story to life, having watched her grow as an actor. “Once you work with her, you realize the immense talent she is,” Mehra said with pride. Kapadia revealed that he “fought” to get Padda on board. “The minute we were done writing it, I knew she had to be cast. I fought for that, and made sure that she came on board,” he shared.

With YRF Talent actor Aneet Padda reportedly being “preserved for theatricals” after her launch in ‘Saiyaara’ (2025), ‘Hunkkaar’ could be her last streaming outing for a while. But Kapadia and Mehra see no limitations.

“She is so brilliant in the show. I can’t wait for her to become the biggest theatrical heroine. She already is.” says Mehra, calling the two projects “two ends of a spectrum”. Kapadia adds, “I don’t think it [the medium] matters.”

Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 30, 2019)

It was a special Diwali for Nitya Mehra and Karan Kapadia. On Monday, the couple, who got married in 2015, welcomed a baby boy at a suburban hospital in Mumbai. Nitya who worked as an assistant director on films like The Life of Pi and The Reluctant Fundamentalist, before making her Bollywood directorial debut with the Sidharth Malhotra and Katrina Kaif starrer Baar Baar Dekho, had kept her pregnancy a closely guarded secret for nine months. It was only on Saturday that she shared her big news with a picture on her Instagram in support of breast cancer awareness.

The new parents tried to keep the media at bay after the birth, giving the mother time to recuperate. However, they were happy to have Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone visiting them. “Ranveer and Nitya are close friends and as soon as he heard the news, he rushed to the hospital with Deepika and the couple spent the day there. They came at around 8 am and stayed till around 4 pm,” a source informed Mirror, adding that Ranveer was expected to drop by on Tuesday as well.

Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; April 30, 2019)

It took Behzad Khambata, who has assisted on films like Boss and OMG – Oh My God!, 14 years to bag his first directorial venture. His movie, Blank, which features Sunny Deol and newcomer Karan Kapadia in lead roles, revolves around a suicide bomber, who loses his memory and has a bomb attached to his heart. The anti-terrorist squad has to prevent the bomb from exploding. The director spoke to Bombay Times about working with Sunny Deol in his maiden project, and the pressure of making commercial films. Excerpts:

Why did you choose a topic like terrorism for your debut as a director?
Two years ago, when we thought of this subject, a film on Uri attacks had not been made. In the last few months, there have been many movies based on patriotism and dealing with the topic of terrorism. It does get unnerving because my film also has terrorism as its backdrop. I liked the subject and the uncertainty that surrounded a guy, who has a bomb in his heart. My film is commercial, but if you are waiting for someone to break into a song, that won’t happen. It has a runtime of 100 minutes, and it goes from one scene to another and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I learnt a lot while shooting with a senior actor like Sunny Deol because some people on my team, Karan Kapadia, my assistant director and writer, were all first-timers.

Considering the fact that this is your first film, was it intimidating to direct a senior actor like Sunny?
I had many inhibitions before I started working with him, but once the shoot began everything went smoothly. He insisted that I should correct him or let him know if something goes wrong so that we don’t repent while editing the film. The role of an antiterrorist squad chief suits him. I am thankful that he agreed to do it.

You have shot the film in Mumbai. What kind of an experience did you have?
I remember we had to shoot two scenes in Mira Road. It was a crowded area and was perfect for the shot. On one particular day, after I finished filming with Karan, it was time to shoot with Ishita (Dutta). At around 1.30 pm, when we went on the location, surprisingly, the streets were completely empty. Perhaps it was Eid that day, so people had closed their shops and gone home to celebrate. I was worried as I needed a crowd for my shot. There weren’t any junior artists either. So, we had to cheat and shoot with four-five people behind Ishita. You learn to handle such situations if you have worked as an assistant director. We also shot the movie in Vasai, Dongri and on the sets.

Your first film often paves the way for you in the industry. Are you feeling the pressure?
We have stayed true to the script and given it our best shot. Now, the audiences will give its verdict. It is very tough to make a film and even tougher to release it. With this movie, I have learnt many things about filmmaking, which will be useful when I direct my next project. This is not a big bonanza movie; it revolves around a great script and performances. I am happy that two years ago, when Karan heard the script, he agreed to do it as it is a rather unconventional choice.

Do you think that today it has become easier for new directors to get a break?
Yes, I think there is a huge influx of actors and directors in the industry, and everyone has work now. I had a difficult time finding projects as an AD, but when I call people now, they seem to get work relatively easily. This motivates me. I respect makers, who make a film with all the commercial trappings because the pressure to release such a movie is very high. They have more to lose as their money and reputation are at a higher risk. When a big producer fails, it becomes public news. If my movie does not work, I will be washed away because people are skeptical about working with someone whose film has not worked, even if it had good reviews. Luckily, I had Anthony D’souza (director) who guided me. I learnt a lot from him. At the end of the day, this was a great team to work with.

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; April 28, 2019)

There’s something cool and pleasant about Karan Kapadia. He says that he’s a regular 25-year-old, who wanted to be an actor and it is was mere luck that he found an unconventional role to debut with. It took him eight years to become an actor after he decided to take the plunge. He’s been there, done that: learnt horse-riding, martial arts in Bangkok, riding a bike, acting workshops and assisted on film sets from the age of 15. “I wanted to be prepared to take on anything as part of my role,” says actress Dimple Kapadia’s nephew Karan, who will make his debut with Blank, where he plays a suicide bomber, who suffers a memory loss. Excerpts from a conversation with the debutant:

It’s somewhat strange that even though you are Dimple Kapadia’s nephew and Akshay Kumar’s brother-in-law, not everyone was aware of your acting aspirations…
Honestly, people still don’t know much about me (smiles). And that’s because I’ve led a very normal life, largely away from the spotlight. I did the Juhu routine – went to Jamnabai Narsee School and then to Mithibai College. My mother, Simple Kapadia (Dimple Kapadia’s sister), was a single parent, who raised me until I was about 11 with my grandmother. Eventually, when she fell sick, my aunt Dimple took over. The kids from film families usually have a circle of their own, but I led a life away from all of them. I didn’t have the chance to hang out with them, and I didn’t miss it either. In my friends’ circle, everyone is a professional like a chartered accountant, lawyer and doctor. The other fraternity kids have known each other for years, but all of this is new to me.

Given that my mother did some of her best work behind the scenes in the latter part of her career, I saw everything from a distance. I went to a few premieres but never tried too hard to socialise. I’ve led an aam zindagi so far. Maybe, with this film, things will change.

Your aunt Dimple, your brother-in-law, Akshay and your cousin Twinkle Khanna are all well connected. Wasn’t it hard to stay away from the limelight?
I have had a lot of anxiety issues while growing up. I wanted to act because it gives me a sense of accomplishment and I will stop acting the day I stop feeling it. I love being in front of the camera, but never in the spotlight. I was such an introvert that I couldn’t even tell my mother that I wanted to act while she was alive. I was never really tempted to break into the film circles until I felt I was ready to be an actor. Maybe, the fact that I had anxiety and suffered from lack of confidence never let me jump the gun. Today, I realise that acting is just 15 per cent of the job. There’s so much more that an actor has to do.

How involved has Akshay been with your professional decisions?
It was his idea that I should train in martial arts in Bangkok for six months. Akshay sir has never given me specific instructions, but he has his way of guiding me, and without that, I wouldn’t have been here. His advice has always been incredible. As a boy, being raised in a family full of women, he was the first male influence, which I value immensely. Even while growing up, I was a fan of his work. He doesn’t mollycoddle or hand-hold me, but I know that he has my best interest at heart. If he had to, he would have produced my first film or acted in it, or done both. He saw the rushes and decided to do a song for us, which speaks volumes. My family believes in supporting one another without spoon-feeding, because they have all led adventurous and struggle-laden lives, which taught them a great deal.

Is that why you chose an unconventional film like Blank to make your debut with?
This was the only thing offered to me, apart from another film, which I couldn’t do. I’m lucky that this movie has turned out fine. Apart from the fact that the film was intriguing, it was the lack of opportunities that made me take on this film. Honestly, I didn’t have the option of picking. This film came when I needed it. Jo mila, woh kiya. When this film came to me, I was in a phase where things were difficult, nothing was coming my way and the auditions were not working out. When Behzad Khambata (director) told me about this film, I was blown away.

Who was the first person to know you were doing this film?
My aunt! She was so excited. My aunt is my biggest fan; she just loves everything I do, including the most ridiculous short film that I have acted in. So, sometimes, I don’t trust her opinion, because I know that she will love everything. I can’t have been good at everything, right? (Laughs!) She and my sister (Twinkle) were particularly happy because they had seen my struggle, up, close and personal. My sister even asked me if I was sure about this film, as there were chances that it could become controversial. I told her, ‘Yeh nahi karun toh kya karun?’ Akshay sir had told me, ‘Kaam bada ho ya chota, you’re starting out, you should do it. Why are you even thinking? People will kill for this role.’ I just took the plunge.

Dimple Kapadia has a degree of irreverence, apart from being a supremely talented artiste. Have her personality traits rubbed off on you?
Yes, some of it has, because I was very young when I moved in with her. Initially, I was like my mother, who always called a spade a spade. But gradually, a lot of my aunt’s traits became my own. My mom was a lot like the way Twinkle is today. She was outspoken and a bit of a hot-head. My aunt is a lot calmer and it takes a lot to make her angry. Also, she is my best friend and I can talk to her about anything. She once jokingly told me that I should get laid if I wanted to get rid of the zits on my face. That’s the kind of equation we share. She and Twinkle have prepped me for my run in this film industry. Initially, when they told me that nothing will be easy and things will be hard to come by no matter who you are, I thought they didn’t support my idea of being an actor. Soon, I realised that they were right, and nothing ever comes by easily here.

Your co-star Sunny Deol and your aunt Dimple are close friends. Given their equation, was he paternal towards you? Also, your mother worked with him for a very long time…
I have been on his film set when I was a kid. My mother was his stylist. It was surreal to share screen space with him. He was the best thing that happened to Blank. His experience of 30 years has rubbed off on all of us. We’ve had to work very hard to match up to his standard. I don’t know if you can call it being paternal, but he was very caring and accommodating towards me. He’s not the laughing-joking type. As a newcomer, you need a seasoned actor who is patient with you when you ask for retakes. He was patient and didn’t get frazzled ever. On the contrary, he made sure that I was calm and I gave the shot just the way I should do it. He would have done this for anyone. Sunny sir is unlike his angry-man image. His advice to me was that I should not load my head with too many thoughts. I was very nervous shooting with him on the first day (which was an interrogation scene), in fact, I was more nervous than I was with Akshay sir. I had seen Sunny sir since my growing up years; the pressure was too much, coupled with nausea. Gradually, it became easier, but mere director ne pehle hi din, pehle scene mein rula diya.

You’re making your debut in a year which marks the entry of many promising new actors. What do you make of the competition?
It’s inevitable. The only way is to do my own thing, my way. There are such good films being made, but few promising actors. With more of us coming in, filmmakers will hopefully have more options. Healthy competition drives you and keeps you prepared. So, I welcome it. I’m not the plan A and plan B sort of a person. I only have Plan A. I don’t want to have a backup plan, which can make me complacent. Hereon, let’s see how things shape up for me.

Hiren Kotwani (DNA; April 19, 2019)

Never mind what the world says about nepotism, kids with famous surnames will always be welcomed by the film industry. And even as we look for and point out their similarities with their star parents, we also expect them to be their own people and root for them. Come May 3, another industry kid will make his debut with an action thriller, Blank. Karan Kapadia, the nephew of yesteryear diva Dimple Kapadia and son of late actress Simple Kapadia (of Anurodh fame), is making his debut. Simple, also a famous dress-designer, was Sunny Deol’s costume designer for nearly two decades.

Given that every newcomer comes prepared, Karan is no different. He went through the drill of preparing to become an actor. He also assisted director Tony D’Souza on Boss (2013), starring Akshay Kumar and acted in a short film that went to Cannes.

Next, when his friend and co-AD from Boss, Behzad Khamnata, narrated the subject of Blank, Karan not only liked it, but also became a part of its journey from the onset. Excerpts from a chat with the 25-year old debutant...

When did you realise you wanted to be an actor?
When I was about 11-12 years old. Earlier, I had a lot of anxiety issues. I wanted to take part in plays, etc but I couldn’t muster up the courage to do it. I always regretted it. So, when I act or perform on stage, there’s a feeling of personal accomplishment for me that I was able to overcome this barrier. The feeling you get when you perform in front of people is what drove me. That’s why I started coming out of my shell a lot more. I don’t know what it was in particular, but I instinctively knew this is what I wanted to do.

Would you say Blank is an unconventional debut?
Most definitely. Not many people have come out with their first film, in which they have portrayed a character where there is no specification whether he is good or bad through the trailer. There are so many shades of grey. I personally love that, there’s intrigue about the character. It’s not about me or the family I come from, it’s become about the character,  the film and the intrigue behind it. People are really liking the concept and the story.

Speaking of which, those who’ve seen the rushes say that for a first-timer, you’re quite confident. Which is hard to believe seeing you talk about anxiety.
I think it’s a great compliment that people think it doesn’t look like my first film. But I know I can grow a lot more and have the potential to do so. When you watch your work, you think you could have done this better or that differently.

That’s different. That you’ll be doing even after 100 films.
That’s inevitable because hindsight is such a thing that you’ll always feel that. But, honestly, I take pride when people say that. Obviously, I won’t let that get to my head. Though I know I have a lot more work to do and do better in terms of performances, better than what I’ve done, in future.

Talking about family, you’ve been brought up by one of the most beautiful women in the film industry.
Yes, I’m extremely fortunate that I’ve been raised by women. I always say that I was very fortunate to have two mothers. My mom (Simple) was with me till  I was 15, then my aunt (Dimple) took over and how! She’s absolutely incredible and never made me feel that I missed out on anything growing up. Even my sisters, (Twinkle and Rinke) have always been protective of me. Because of the age gap between us, there are maternal vibes. There is an age gap of nearly 18-19 years between us, as my mom got married really late.

While growing up, as a kid, I was observing all this. They set the bar so high, especially at that time, because women were not taken as seriously as they are now. I’m talking about the 1980s. So, to do things like that at that time.. of course, they’re the most inspirational people I have in my life and I couldn’t have asked for better role models.

Were you ever able to tell your mom that you wanted to be an actor?
No. The other day I told my aunt that was my only regret that I couldn’t tell my mom (that I wanted to become an actor), so I can’t gauge what her reaction would be like. My aunt said that she would be proud, but I don’t know what my mom would have made out of it. She would have been scared for me because this is a scary industry, I feel. And she was Mr Sunny Deol’s costume designer, so then to see her son in the same frame with him would have been a big thing for her.

It would have been a little overwhelming for her.
Yeah, it sort of hit me when I was doing a scene with him. I hadn’t thought of it until then. So, yeah, not being able to tell her is one of the regrets I have.

Your mom was also known to call a spade a spade.
Yeah, I liked that. She was so spunky. She was the opposite of what I am. I think I’m more like my aunt. She is calmer and believes in just staying in her space. Maybe because I’ve lived with her for so long, it has rubbed off on me. I was a very naughty child; I was quite a pain. But I’d like to think that my aunt’s personality has influenced me in so many ways.

Do you feel fortunate as an actor that you got the support of Sunny Deol in the film. Also, there’s Akshay Kumar (cousin Twinkle’s husband).
Definitely, that’s a strong support system. I’m a first-time actor, working with a debutant director as well as the DOP. To have someone who is seasoned like Mr Deol — I think it’s his 99th or 100th film — and his experience on the set, obviously, you’re grateful for the position you’re in.

On the set, we were a bunch of newcomers so much in awe of everything going on around us. He just makes everyone better. When I have a scene, I see it as a chance to try to match his level of performance. He brings out the best in the cast, crew everyone on the team. As for Akshay sir, we didn’t know he was doing the song till about two weeks before we shot it.

They’ve always been encouraging. But I think when they saw some portion of the film, they were proud and confident that we did a good job. After that, maybe it was his way of saying good luck. I’m so grateful. None of us could see it coming. I told him, now, I can’t sleep. Then, there was so much anxiety. But we’re glad everything has worked out organically.

Dimple Kapadia’s debutant nephew Karan explains why he isn’t a product of nepotism, reveals he gangs up with brother-in-law Akshay Kumar to ‘roast’ cousin Twinkle, says it was surreal to work with Sunny Deol
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 19, 2019)

In hindsight, running into Dimple Kapadia before meeting her nephew, Karan, seems only fitting. The 25-year-old aspiring actor, who is making his debut with the action-thriller Blank, has been living with his aunt since the demise of his actress-mother, Simple Kapadia, 10 years ago.

Dressed in pastels, Dimple is fussing over a large canvas, a paintbrush in her hand, as she stands in a corner of her luxurious Juhu apartment. Karan arrives minutes later, in casuals, something “his stylist usually doesn’t approve of.” As if on cue, Dimple soon exits the room, while Karan settles down for a chat.

You were 14 when you confided in your aunt and cousin (Twinkle Khanna) about your acting aspirations. What triggered it?
I suffered from anxiety growing up. While in school, I never had the courage to participate in plays even though I wanted to. When I started doing short films, it gave me a sense of accomplishment, something I wanted to feel all the time. That’s why I chose to become an actor, besides being inspired by my family members.

Were you also inspired by your brother-in-law Akshay Kumar and his Khiladi image?
I have always loved his movies, the comedies more than the Khiladi turns as I was too young during that phase. It was since the Hera Pheri films, when I really started becoming a fan. He was a major inspiration. But I want to be like him in terms of discipline and fitness and not his screen persona. Everyone is different, and I can’t do what he does even if I tried. I must make my own path.

What are your earliest memories of him?
My sister (Twinkle) and he dated for a while before getting married, so I remember the first time he had come home, I was like ‘wow Akshay Kumar is here’. I was nine when they got married (2001). He’d always play with me.We have spent a lot of time together.

Over the years, our relationship has matured. Now, we joke around and pull my sister’s leg together. She is always roasting him, so I try to support him every now and then.

Why’d you choose to play a suicide bomber in your debut?
My director Behzad (Khambata), co-writer Pranav (Adarsh) and I had met on the sets of (Akshay-starrer) Boss. We remained in touch and a few years later, Behzad reached out with the script of Blank, which I loved. He had seen my short film (Crescendo) that had gone to the Cannes Film festival and thought that I could act. I was auditioning a lot when Blank came my way, so the timing was perfect. I took it up as I found it extremely intriguing. What you see in the trailer is just a part of it, I know what happens in the film and after watching it, you’ll know why I took it up.

Your co-star in the film, Sunny Deol, has featured in several films with your aunt and they are still close. What was it like working with him?
My mom was his costume designer for over 15 years. Even when she was sick, she worked on his production Chamku that had Bobby Deol and Priyanka Chopra, with her assistants’ help. Since she was a single parent, she’d sometimes take me along to film sets and that’s when I saw him. I have been to many of his sets, including Indian and Jaal: The Trap. Working with him 20 years later is surreal. Whenever I got flustered because I wasn’t getting a scene right, he would calm me down. I was scared during our first scene together. Fortunately, it was an interrogation scene, so the nervousness helped.

You lost your mother when you were 15.
It was one of the toughest times of my life. Which is also why I am so grateful for my family and for their support. I could have gone down the wrong way. I lost one mother but found another one in my aunt. I am lucky that way.

How would you describe your equation with her?
It’s the way it was with my mother, but my aunt is my friend too, since I am a grown-up now. I can talk to her about anything. Last year, I had a bad skin breakout and a lot of zits. One day, she randomly came up to me and said, ‘you have gone to these dermatologists and tried so many creams, how about you just get laid and see if that helps’. (laughs) That’s the kind of relationship we share. Our relationship is amazing, special and unique.

Why isn’t she taking up more work? The only film she will be seen in next is Ayan Mukerji’s Brahmastra.
I tell her to do more, but it’s her decision. She wants to do something she would really enjoy. She started working when she was 14. This year, she turns 62. After so many years, its understandable if someone gets tired. She loves to travel, going to Manali, painting, listening to music and hanging out with her friends.

Speaking of relationships, are you dating anyone?
I am not. I was dating someone for a long time, but it’s been about a year since we broke up.

While you have said earlier that you don’t consider yourself a star kid, you can’t be spared from the nepotism debate...
You know, I got my first film because of my equation with Behzad, but I wouldn’t deny that I wouldn’t have been on the sets of Boss if it wasn’t for my family. Nepotism means to use one’s power to help someone out and I don’t think that’s applicable to Blank. You don’t see any of my family members’ name in the credits. No one came to the trailer launch. I always say I am not getting launched, I got a break, so where is the nepotism?

But Akshay features in a special song from the film…
That happened after we wrapped up shooting. It was also after he saw most of the film, told me that he was was proud of me and that the song was his way of wishing me luck. And as far as the support goes, if someone opens a sweet shop, won’t their family help them publicise it?

Has your cousin Twinkle’s writing talent rubbed off on you?
I have been writing a sci-fi script with Behzad and Pranav for almost two years now. I never fancied myself a writer, but I thought this idea had potential and began developing it. It’s not about flying cars but it’s a humane story. We will pitch it to a digital platform as its very detailed and can’t fit in two and a half hours. I am excited about it.


Then and now: After meeting Sunny Deol on film sets as a kid, Karan shares screen space with the actor in his action-thriller

Actor shot for a special song with his brother-in-law for the latter’s launch vehicle at a suburban studio on Monday
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 9, 2019)

After assisting Tony D’souza on the 2013 actioner Boss, which was headlined by Akshay Kumar, the late actress Simple Kapadia’s son Karan is sharing screen space with the actor for a special number in his debut, Blank. The Behzad Khambata-directed action thriller revolves around the life of a suicide bomber, which is essayed by the debutant. In keeping with the film’s title, Karan was spotted arriving for its trailer launch last week with his face covered.

The duo who is related through Twinkle Khanna—Akshay’s actress-turned-author wife is Karan’s cousin—shot for the high-energy number, which is composed by Arko, on Monday at a suburban studio. Confirming the news, Akshay told Mirror, “Karan has chosen an unconventional route for his debut and I am extremely proud of him. Doing this song is my way of wishing him all the best.” B Praak, who has lent his voice to “Teri Mitti” from a recently released historical-drama featuring Akshay, has given playback for the new song.

Akshay goes on to add that he is impressed by the debutant, saying, “The boy has genuine acting skills. I first saw the spark in a short film that he did (Crescendo, 2014) which even went to the Cannes Film Festival. With Blank, Karan has gone several notches up in terms of acting and performance.”

In an earlier interview to Mirror (December 27, 2017), Karan had revealed that his actress-aunt Dimple Kapadia, with whom he lives, and Twinkle were initially surprised when he told them about his acting aspirations. “They eventually understood that having grown up around their film sets as a child, it was inevitable that I’d want to follow in their footsteps. They pointed out the risks involved and told me that I should be ready to work hard… they have been supportive and helped me get ready for the road ahead,” Karan had said.

After learning acting at the Jeff Goldberg Studio, he trained in horse-riding. A six-month course in martial arts followed in Bangkok. Blank, produced by Dr Shrikant Bhasi, Nishant Pitti, Tony D’souza and Vishal Rana, als o features Sunny Deol in a pivotal role. 

Karan Kapadia, nephew to Dimple Kapadia and Akshay Kumar's brother-in-law, on foraying into Bollywood on his own merit
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; April 5, 2019)

At a time when nepotism continues to be a subject of debate in the industry, another star kid, Karan Kapadia, makes his debut with the thriller, Blank. However, the newbie - nephew to Dimple Kapadia and Akshay Kumar's brother-in-law - asserts that he bagged his launch vehicle on his own merit.

"I've never used my extended family's surname to bag a meeting. I decided to sign this film and then, told my folks about it. I didn't specifically go to Akshay sir to seek his advice. My family was happy that the entire process happened organically," says the youngster.

Kapadia served as an assistant director on Kumar's film Boss (2013) to learn the nitty-gritty of the job. "It gave me the privilege to watch seasoned actors at their job, which helped a lot, since this craft is a lot about observation. I didn't ask him questions about the craft because his approach would be different from mine."

He considers himself fortunate to share screen space with Sunny Deol, a close friend of his mother Simple Kapadia. "My mother was his costume designer for over a decade, and as a kid, I would often visit his sets. So, I was nervous being in front of the camera with him. But after the first shot, I was at ease."

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; October 17, 2018)

While Tanushree Dutta has been fighting a sexual harassment battle against Nana Patekar, spearheading the #MeToo Movement in India, her sister Ishita Dutta Sheth has strangely maintained a radio silence on the issue. Apart from one interview in which she reminisced the trauma they had gone through, the Drishyam actress hasn’t been forthcoming. After a lot of persuasion, Ishita agreed to speak to us. Excerpts:

While a lot of people have come out in support of Tanushree, you have chosen to stay away from it. Is it a deliberate call?
It’s not deliberate, but I have been with her all these years and seen whatever has happened in her life. It is a sensitive issue. When I saw the videos, again, and watched my father and sister, I relived the pain and trauma. I felt bad that they had to go through that. It angered me, too.

I was in college then, but I remember that day very clearly. It was traumatic for all of us in the family. We, of course, supported her, but it is something that scars you for life. She had spoken about it in 2008 also, and I am just happy that she finally got heard. The problem is that a lot of people ask ridiculous questions, which makes me angry and I don’t know how to react to it. That is one reason I stayed away. Moreover, I don’t need to show my support for her on social media. She is next to me, she is my sister, why should I put out a story on social media? I can tell her directly. Every day at home we are discussing things, what is happening, etc. My parents are there, my dad is doing all the legal paperwork and whatever else is required. Why do people expect us to show support on social media?

Tanushree has become the torchbearer for the #MeTooMovement in India. What do you feel about it?
It takes a lot for one person to stand up and speak and I am really proud of her. My sister kind of gave courage to a lot of other women who are speaking today. Hats off to her and all the women who are opening up (about sexual harassment) because it is not an easy fight. It is not just about talking, but what follows. People say a lot of bad as well as good things about you. For any person to talk about the traumatic incident and read nasty comments on social media is upsetting. I have been reading not just about my sister, but also others, where either they are disregarded or dubbed as untrue. I feel really sad, especially when I read comments implying that they are doing it for publicity. Some women who are on top of their game have come out in the open about sexual harassment, what publicity do they require? It is easy for people to sit behind their laptops and assassinate somebody’s character. Sadly, even women are doing it.

Despite what your sister went through, you entered the industry. Weren’t your parents apprehensive?
No, my parents allowed us to do what we wanted to and I appreciate them so much for it. I came into the industry much after my sister quit. Not once did she demotivate me. It is not just in this industry, it (sexual harassment) is happening in every field. Wherever there are men and women working, this dynamic is there. One can’t sit at home because of that. Fortunately for me, maybe I was extra careful or blessed, but I worked with good people. I have not faced something like this.

What are you shooting for currently?
I am doing this film called Setters, which is about agencies conducting examinations and papers getting leaked. It is about the racket that takes place. I can’t talk much about my role in it now.
After Drishyam, there were a lot of expectations from your next release Firangi with Kapil Sharma.

What went wrong?
I feel a lot of people were confused about the dates. At that time, if you remember there was some issue going on with the censorship of films and movies were not getting censored for some reason. Our film got pushed two-three times. After it was released, people were asking me when is it coming in the theatres! And, a lot was happening then with Kapil Sharma, too and the controversies did affect the movie. I feel bad because people didn’t give it a chance. Having said that, these things happen, it is not in our hands.

What’s next?
I will soon start shooting for Blank with Sunny sir (Deol). It launches Karan Kapadia and I am playing the female lead. We shot for it at the beginning of the year, but then it got delayed because of date issues. However, I got a call yesterday that we will be resuming the shoot in November and the film will release in January.

Recently, you did a mini-series Kaun with Vatsal Sheth...
Yes, the fact that it was a finite series appealed to me. And the fact that I was acting with Vatsal was exciting. We had met each other when we did a show long ago, but we never thought that after marriage we will get an opportunity to share screen space so soon. Also, the supernatural genre was something we hadn’t done before, so it all just fell into place.

Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 5, 2018)

Late actress-designer Simple Kapadia’s son Karan will be making his Bollywood debut in Behzad Khambata’s action-packed entertainer in which he plays a 26-year-old boy trying to find his way in the world. Sunny Deol will also feature in the film.

Confirming the news Tony D’Souza who is jointly producing the film with Shrikant Bhasi, Nishant Pitti and Vishal Rana says that when Behzad finished the script, he felt Sunny was apt for a particular role. “It’s very different from his current lot of films, including Poster Boys and Yamla Pagla Deewana Phir Se and takes him back to the action genre. He is in the forces and will start shooting by the end of this month,” informs Tony.

Sunny has done many films with Karan’s aunt Dimple, including David Dhawan’s Aag Ka Gola, N Chandra’s Narsimha and Rahul Rawail’s Arjun. He has also worked with the debutant’s brother-in-law Akshay Kumar in Rajkumar Kohli’s Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani. “Behzad is a huge fan of Mr Deol and has grown up watching his films. The first time we went to meet him, he was so nervous to meet the actor who he has worshipped all his life that he was almost speechless. He told me later that all through the meeting the dialogues of Ghayal kept playing in his head,” chuckles Tony.

Karan will start shooting for the film from today and Tony adds that while launching a new boy is a tough job, more so when he comes from a lineage of actors like Karan, they are all excited. “We are nervous but we trust Behzad. The entire film is set in Mumbai and we plan to wrap up the entire shoot by April-end,” Tony signs off.

Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 29, 2017)

Simple Kapadia’s son Karan was 14 when he confided in his actress-aunt Dimple Kapadia and cousin Twinkle Khanna that he wanted to act too. “They were initially surprised but understood that having grown up around their sets as a child, it was inevitable that I’d want to follow in their footsteps. They pointed out the risks involved and warned me I should be ready to work hard. And since then they have been very supportive and helped me get ready for the road ahead,” informs the 24-year-old actor-to-be.

He also reveals that he had earlier been obese at 112 kg but following regular gymming, he is now a fit and healthy 88. “I’ve learnt to ride a horse and the bike, I’ve been swimming and I trained in martial arts for six months in Bangkok,” informs Karan, who having learnt acting at the Jeff Goldberg Studio is now gearing up for his Bollywood debut to be directed by Behzad Khambata. It will be an action-packed entertainer, produced by Shrikant Bhasi, Nishant Pitti, Vishal Rana and Tony D’Souza. Karan had assisted Tony on the 2013 Akshay Kumar-starrer Boss.

He knew Tony was working on this film but was shocked when he approached him to play the protagonist a few months ago. “I have known Tony and his team for a while now. Working with people you’ve known for a long time is great. I play a 26-year-old boy who is trying to find his way in the world. As soon as I heard the script, I knew I wanted to be a part of it,” says Karan who starts shooting in January.

The debutant lives with his aunt Dimple who has been both a mom and a dad to him. “I lost my mom when I was 15 but I feel extremely lucky to have two moms. I can talk to my aunt-mom about my girlfriends, fights with my friends and work too,” he says.

Prod him about his mother who succumbed to cancer when she was 51 in November 2009 and Karan says emotionally, “She was amazing, the toughest person I’ve seen. To date when I’m on a film set, people come up to me and start talking about my mom. She spread love and happiness around and left an impression.”

Karan is also “super close” to his cousin Twinkle who turns 43 today. “She lives a minute away so we see each other all the time. She’s awesome and was destined to be a famous writer. She’s killing it!” he gushes, as connected with Rinke too, noting that being almost 20 years older that him, they organised his birthday parties, took him for meals, swimming and movies.

Twinkle is in Cape Town with actor-husband Akshay Kumar to ring in the New Year. “I couldn’t join them as I am busy with prep but I will Skype to wish her,” he smiles, admitting the best tip came from Akshay who told him that no work is big or small. “Work is work.”

As Simple’s son gears up for B-Town debut, aunt, brother-in-law set to make cameo appearances in his launchpad
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; September 18, 2017)

Last week, mid-day broke the news about Dimple Kapadia’s nephew and Simple Kapadia’s son Karan making his acting debut in a Tony D’Souza production. Karan had told mid-day how his aunt as well as his brother-in-law Akshay Kumar rallied behind him in his Bollywood dreams. He had said, “They were extremely supportive [of his decision to join the movies]. They both warned me that it won’t be an easy journey ahead.”

Now, we hear both Kapadia and Kumar will be seen making cameo appearances in the film. A romance drama, the movie will be produced by Ranjeet Sharma and D’Souza will serve as the creative director. While the director is yet to be finalised, debutant Ashima Sharma has been roped in to play the female lead.

A source close to the project says, “Akshay and the whole family are supporting the film in every way possible. In fact, it was Akshay who had introduced Karan to Tony at his party. Tony knows how much this film means to the superstar, so, he is going the extra mile to ensure Karan makes a promising start in Bollywood.”

Well-versed with the ways of the industry, Kumar is lending his star support to make sure his brother-in-law’s launchpad generates buzz among the audience. “Akshay will announce the film on his social media handle, so that it grabs maximum eyeballs,” adds the source. The project is slated to go on floors in October. “The first schedule will last for 15 days. The team has decided to kickstart the film after Navratri, as it is an auspicious period.”

D’Souza says, “I am producing a film with Karan, the modalities are still being worked out. I will focus on it only after my directorial, Captain Nawab, is completed.”

The film is expected to release sometime in May-June next year.

Upala KBR (DNA; September 11, 2017)

Their love for acting runs in the family. Dimple Kapadia has proved her acting prowess time and again — much like her late husband Rajesh Khanna, who was the original superstar of Hindi cinema. While Kapadia’s daughter Twinkle too had her brush with Bollywood, her son-in-law Akshay Kumar has sealed his place as one of the biggest stars of B-Town today. Kapadia’s late sister Simple dabbled in acting as well as designing.

Now, the youngest kid of the Kapadia family is set to take the lineage ahead. Simple’s son Karan Kapadia, 24, is set to foray into Bollywood with Tony D’Souza’s production next year. Kumar shares a close association with D’Souza — the two worked together in Blue (2009) and Boss (2013). It was at one of his dos that the actor introduced the filmmaker to his brother-in-law, a chance meeting that set the ball rolling.

Having harboured acting ambitions since his childhood, Karan says that both Kumar and his aunt Dimple Kapadia were surprised when he, only 14 then, told them about his aspirations. “They didn’t see it coming because I have always been an introvert. But, once I told them, they were extremely supportive. They both warned me that it won’t be an easy journey ahead. At the time, I was this chubby kid who thought I only had to lose weight and bagging films thereafter won’t be too tough,” he says with a sardonic smile.

Their words of wisdom rang in his ears as he started his Bollywood journey, a few years later. Having studied acting at the Jeff Goldberg Studio in Mumbai, Karan landed screen tests for films. “I have gone out there for auditions, I have been rejected and been told already by a few people that they don’t see any spark in me,” he laughs before adding, “However, most said that I do have potential. So, it’s good that I have been exposed to rejection early in my career.”

At a time when nepotism is a raging debate in the industry, Karan agrees that as a star kid, he does enjoy certain advantages, but adds that his family “never had to make a phone call to any producer” for him. “When you come from the kind of family that I do, you obviously have access to certain people that you wouldn’t have otherwise. But, I do as much as I can on my own.”

The youngster is currently working on his physique for his debut project with D’Souza. About launching Karan, D'Souza confirms, “Yes, we will make a film with Karan, but it is too early to say anything. I intend to produce films, but that will happen only after I have wrapped up my directorial Captain Nawab.”

The actress is celebrating “homecoming week”
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 25, 2017)

Priyanka Chopra, who successfully crossed over to Hollywood in 2015 with the primetime TV show, Quantico, has been routinely returning home during work breaks. She’s now down in Mumbai for three weeks before she jets back to promote her big screen debut, Baywatch. Ever since the 34-year-old actress touched down on Saturday, there have been speculations aplenty of her signing multiple films, including Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s next production, the Sahir Ludhianvi biopic, and the Kalpana Chawla biopic to be helmed by debutante director Priya Mishra. However, the actress’s spokesperson insists the actress has only been catching up with family and friends, determined to celebrate her “homecoming week”, and will only start fi alising projects in the coming week.

On Saturday, she was at a house party by producer-friend Ritesh Sidhwani and his wife, Dolly. Other guests included Ranveer Singh, Farhan Akhtar, his sister Zoya and their filmmaker friend Nitya Mehra, directors Karan Kapadia, Homi Adajania with stylist wife, Anaita Shroff, and photographer Abheet Gidwani. Ranveer shared an elevator selfie with his two faves, Zoya and PeeCee, and captioned it – ‘Mama Zo and Madame Mercurial’.

After partying through Saturday, Priyanka had a slumber party of sorts at her Andheri home with one of her oldest besties, Tamanna Sharma Dutt. Today, she is hosting a bash with producer mom, Madhu Chopra, at a popular Khar watering hole to celebrate the success of her Marathi production, Ventilator, which bagged three National Awards for Best Director, Best Editing and Best Sound Mixing. The guest list includes Ventilator director Rajesh Mapuskar and the cast, including Ashutosh Gowariker and Boman Irani. Teams of their three productions, Bam Bam Bol Raha Hai Kashi, Sarvann and Pahuna, will also attend.

Tushar Joshi (DNA; May 21, 2014)

Ranveer Singh is currently on a cruise ship in Barcelona, shooting for Zoya Akhtar’s film. He reunites with Anushka Sharma, with whom he made his debut, in this film. Before that, he sat down for a tete-a-tete. We talked about everything from being an outsider to the two million-plus views for his condom ad, from sex, to being open to full frontal nudity. And it is all in the Singh ishtyle — ballsy and brawny. Excerpts from the conversation...

How different is the Ranveer of 2014 from the one who made his debut four years ago?
In my first year I had no idea how to be. I wasn’t raised around anyone who is famous, I didn’t know who to be or what to say. It wasn’t just the first year, it was well into the second year as well. It took me around two years to get used to it. I am still very open, honest and frank. I don’t mince words, but I do understand that there is a level to which you can speak your mind. Ninety per cent of the time I am pretty honest, it’s that 10 per cent you don’t want to ruffle any feathers as it will create nuisance, it is that 10 per cent that people use and twist and turn and they create misunderstanding. So there is a 10 per cent tact that has come into my way of being. I am very happy about it as God knows I needed it. With successful films a bit of self confidence has also come. I had to hit the ground so to speak when it came to coping with fame. I can’t put up a public image and be someone I am not. But now I am slowly getting used to becoming a public figure.

Do you still feel like an outsider?
Yes, I am not from a film family, so I will always feel like an outsider. I am an outsider by my fundamental constitution. The industry has been very warm and accepting and that’s based on my ability. Yes, I have a lot of friends and wonderful personal equations with people in the industry, but I am still not a filmi kid. I don’t go back many years with anyone. I was born and raised in Mumbai so I do know some people, but for the most part I am first generation. God willing if I have kids someday and they get into the industry, then they will be filmi kids.

Your condom commercial is as big a hit as your last film...
I always thought that the Do the Rex video would become really big or we would get a big jhaap on our faces. I was totally invested in it from start to finish because it was my idea. I was out daydreaming one day while promoting Ram Leela and thought, ‘Yaar apne desh main koi condom kyu nahi promote karta?’. I was passing by a small town somewhere in the North and I saw all these hoardings; somebody was endorsing toothpaste and someone was selling fairness creams. I thought the one product that really needs to be promoted in our country is condoms. We have so many sex-related problems. So I told my people to check if Durex wants to tie up because I have been using that brand all my life. They came up with this idea and then my best friend Karan Kapadia and I got together and made it. When it was ready I was shit scared and I didn’t know how people would take it. But the day it released my phone went crazy as if a hit film of mine had released on a Friday. Bosco, who choreographed it, said he has never got such a reaction to even his songs and I felt the same way: That I haven’t got such massive reaction for any of my films.

Why do you think it took so long for an actor to endorse safe sex?
It took me three-and-a-half-years. I was offered many endorsements before and I said no to staggering amounts of money, I feel like whatever I do becomes part of my equity. So I am very hung up on creatives being a former copy writer myself. It’s put me over the moon when it did so well. It’s because traditionally we have unnecessarily been making so much noise about the forbiddeness of sex, it’s taboo, that’s why rapes happen and it’s terrible.

You remember the first time you discussed sex?
I was an early bloomer in that sense. I got into pornography earlier than everybody, I lost my virginity at an early age, I was at that point considered to be a corrupt influence on other kids. I was always ahead of my times. I have also been raised with a very liberal outlook. I have lived in America so that has had a great influence on my mindset and am very comfortable with my sexuality and I guess it comes from a lack of insecurity. I am not afraid to talk about sex. People say such a bold move, it takes guts, but I have always been like this.

Your thoughts on frontal nudity? Would you do it if offered a part that required you to go bare?
I am not closed to doing anything. I am perfectly fine with it. I am comfortable in my own skin, and I work very hard to maintain my body. I have no qualms about doing a nude scene, if I believe in the director’s vision and if I am convinced that it is required in a scene, I’d even do full frontal nudity. I have said in my first year, I have no issues with showing my body whatsoever. For me being physically naked is not a big thing at all, because I as an actor let people into a much more personal space. I am baring my deepest emotions to an audience for me that’s the most naked I can possibly be. If I am crying or emoting, I am letting you into my heart. If I can be that naked then this physical nudity is not a big deal at all.

Now that you are active on social media, how do you deal with negative comments?
If I read anything negative on my timeline, I just block them. Fortunately, 90 per cent of all the messages I get are all positive. But yes there is a section of people who say nasty things, and I don’t have time for them so I just instantly block them. I will block people with negative tweets because I have the option to do it.

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; May 5, 2014)

In an industry where friendships are fragile and competition is fierce, it’s hard to be buddies. But Karan Kapadia and Ranveer Singh’s dosti has survived for 20 years! If Durex is the first product that Ranveer has endorsed, it’s also the first big ad directed by Karan. Here the filmmaker talks about his friendship with the Ram Leela actor, and how the equation remains unchanged despite Ranveer’s star status.

You and Ranveer are best buddies?
That’s right. We go back 20 years. We weren’t studying together — Ranveer had come to our school for an elocution and drama competition. He actually started seeing my best friend and that’s how we got to know each other. What’s more, I always wanted to be a director and he wanted to be an actor.

Ranveer tells us you are like a second son to his parents...
That’s absolutely true. Ever since we became friends, I have been regularly spending nights in his house. Ranveer has become a star but for me he’s still the same — my buddy, my brother. We still talk a lot of shit with each other and do a lot of masti together. For me nothing has changed except for the fact that Ranveer’s dream has come true. I still find it hard to believe the kind of adulation he gets. It’s great for him.

This is your first ad film?
This is my first big ad film. I have done a couple of other commercials. I have shot the entire Prithvi Theatre Festival with Kunal Kapoor, their promos, also shot for a brand called Fuschia Tree — small stuff. The Rex ad is actually the first big ad film.

Tell me about your background?
I quit college when I was in London. I started working as an assistant director to ad filmmaker Ram Madhvani. After that I did six films and a couple of small ones like Little Zizou and The Other End Of The Line. Zoya Akhtar’s Luck By Chance was my first big film where I assisted. Then I assisted Mani Ratnam on Raavan. I was with him for two years and he was the one who made me into a filmmaker. After that, I was Reema Kagti’s first AD (assistant director) on Talaash. That is the last film I did.

How did the ad happen?
Ranveer and I had been discussing for a long time about what he wanted to endorse as his first brand. He wanted something that will not only create an impact but will send some kind of a social message. He didn’t want to endorse something like fairness cream or a generic brand. We waited, and in between had started work on another product, but it didn’t happen. That was a year ago. Ranveer then came up with this idea.

He said, listen bro what do you think of endorsing a condom ad? I said it’s great, nobody has done it. In a country where everyone feels sticky talking about it, it was not only a mature thought, but a great move. He got in touch with Durex and we had our first meeting. They didn’t have a clue how to go about it because they had never done a condom ad. We presented the concept and the creative script. They gave us one line, around which we had to work — When you have great sex, do the Rex.

Why is Ranveer the best choice for the ad?
Because I don’t think anyone else can pull it off. Everybody is too conscious of their image. Ranveer is also conscious about his image but he is smart, intelligent, very mature. He doesn’t carry any baggage with him. Really good actors endorse few brands. For example, Rajinikanth doesn’t endorse any brand, Amitabh Bachchan endorses anything. Ranveer comes from a space where he believes in what he is doing. No other actor in our country has the ability to make fun of himself in a charming way, and find that balance. They need to stop taking themselves so seriously.

Any doubts while making the ad?
There were thousands of doubts, and apprehensions. We really didn’t know how people would react. The response has been so positive that we are humbled. Within a week, it has had close to 1.8 million hits. The industry has been calling and congratulating me and Ranveer. This is even without it being launched on TV as yet! Here’s an ad that has people talking openly about having sex and simultaneously sharing this social message ‘have sex but please use condom’. It’s definitely important in a country like ours.

Very unusual for a condom ad, right?
It’s unusual for an agency which was not involved in the initial stages. They approved our idea. Also, let me tell you that the lyrics are written by Ranveer who has rapped it himself. I had dummy lyrics so that we could get the tune right. Ranveer was working on it and cracked it a day before the shoot. We recorded it and then shot.

A lot of people feel he is too loud. What does his closest buddy think?
I keep telling him, tone it down, tone it down! Ranveer’s got so much energy and burning passion inside him. I constantly bring him down and tell him to play it subtle. Sometimes it’s too overwhelming and you want to see a controlled performance. He is definitely working on it. He is a versatile actor and with a good director he will be able to do it.

You have used that aspect of his personality for the Do the Rex video...
The energy of the ad is such that for certain things we have retained his over-the-top exuberance and for certain things we have kept it subtle. His first expression after he has great sex is natural. It’s an expression of what the f*** has happened to me! But when he is rapping, he is cool and while dancing he’s over-the-top because it’s a celebration. He has varied it quite well in the film while retaining himself.

The best thing about Ranveer?
His dedication. He is so serious and passionate about his work that even if he doesn’t agree with you, he will listen. If you ask him to just sit for 20 hours he will do so without any nakhras. His work ethic can’t be challenged. That quality will take him beyond any other actor.

And finally, which is your favourite part of the video?
There is a lot of it that I like, but the part I like the most is the second rap — Iss tale ki chabi tu jeb mein rakh, tujhe kya pata kab lag jaye tera luck... Though it’s cocky, it’s still got a meaning, and it’s flowing. I haven’t had to cut the shot — it’s a single shot.