Showing posts with label Sanjay Kapoor interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sanjay Kapoor interview. Show all posts
I belonged to a film family with strong connections and a great circle, yet I didn’t get work-Sanjay Kapoor
9:55 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; February 16, 2024)
Sanjay Kapoor’s daughter Shanaya will be stepping into the industry following cousins Sonam, Arjun, Harsh Varrdhan, Janhvi, and Khushi.
Ask Sanjay what he has advised his daughter, who will make her debut with a pan-India film, and he says, “Shanaya has grown up in a filmi family and has seen the ups and downs in my journey. I am always there for her, but she is smart enough to understand the highs and lows associated with pursuing a career in acting. I would just advise her to stay focused, keep working hard, and be sincere. That’s what I did even when I went through a low phase. I didn’t lose hope and worked even harder till things turned around.”
‘I told Shanaya that trolling happens to the greatest of actors’
Things turned around for Sanjay with the Lust Stories anthology, and after that, he has been taking on more work, especially in the OTT space. He admits that the new medium has been a challenging arena for a 90s actor like him to break into. He wishes for his daughter to hold onto one key lesson – to remain zen through the highs and lows in her career.
He elaborates, “She shouldn’t get excited about success or feel low when things don’t go in her favour. Recently, I told her, ‘A section of people would always troll you. It happens to the greatest actors. You can’t please everybody, so you should not be affected by the negativity’.”
‘Why is the nepotism debate limited to Bollywood?’
Today, star kids find themselves in the line of fire for an unfair advantage. Talking about the nepotism debate, he says, “When I started, nobody spoke about nepotism, we were judged on our talent. There are and have been so many star kids who have disappeared after doing a couple of films. Eventually, your work speaks for you. I am an example of that. I belonged to a film family with strong connections and a great circle, but I didn’t get work because of that.”
Sanjay wonders why the nepotism debate is limited to Bollywood. Pointing to the South film industry, he explains, “I am surprised that nepotism is not a topic of debate in the South. The ones who have delivered the biggest hits across India today from that industry are also film producers and actors’ children, but no one calls them nepo kids. Everybody knows that sheer hard work begets work. Yes, people recognize you even before you start acting, but no one will cast you just because you are an actor’s child.”
If you’re a 90s actor having done typical roles, it’s not easy to get a breakthrough in OTT-Sanjay Kapoor
8:55 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; September 15, 2023)
“I find myself in a good space today,” says Sanjay Kapoor, who has recently been seen in a string of interesting OTT projects. The actor seems to be in a phase where he is reinventing himself with every new project that he is doing. He talks to BT about how it took him so long to get his due and how he feels about where he is.
‘Good content needs talented artistes’
Self-admittedly, Sanjay, who will soon be seen in Sriram Raghavan’s film ‘Merry Christmas’, is in the best phase of his career with the kind of work he is doing on the OTT medium.
He says, “OTT has ushered in a great phase not just for me, but for most actors. For one, age is not a bar. Secondly, it is not dependent on the hits you’ve given. It’s no longerki ye bikta hai toh agar ye theek bhi kar lega toh chalega. It is sheer hard work, experience, and talent that will get you good projects. It’s a change that we are seeing in the film (big screen) scenario as well. Today, content is king, and good content needs talented artistes. OTT has extended the longevity of an actor as well as films. In fact, it has revived the 90s for me.”
‘I lost out on my prime years for no fault of mine’
Sanjay was once dubbed ‘the oldest newcomer’ in Bollywood when his debut film, ‘Prem’, took six years to complete. He was 30 when his first film hit the big screen.
He recalls, “Shekhar (Kapur) was to direct it before Satish Kaushik took over. It didn’t happen for some reason, and I lost out on my prime years for no fault of mine. ‘Prem’ and ‘Raja’ were released a month apart in 1995, and people rejected ‘Prem’ as it was outdated. Hurdles and long waits can make you doubt yourself. It was tough to go through that phase, but that didn’t make me disillusioned or bitter because that’s not my personality. I take the good and the bad in my stride.”
The actor, who has been a part of projects like ‘The Fame Game’, the ‘Lust Stories’ anthology, the film ‘Bloody Daddy’ and ‘Made in Heaven 2’, adds, “When people ask me for advice for aspiring actors, I say, ‘Keep on working because nobody can take away your talent from you. I’m living proof of the fact that success in this field may take time. Also, don’t sell yourself short’.”
‘A short film like ‘Lust Stories’ changed the game for me’
The actor is no stranger to the whims of showbiz, and the delay of his debut film was not the only time he saw his career slow down. “I often wonder why people didn’t sign me after my work started getting appreciated, especially after ‘Luck by Chance’ (2009). You don’t always have answers to these whys. A short film like ‘Lust Stories’ changed the game for me. I see my glass half full now,” he observes, adding, “How many actors have survived 30 years? Trust me, if you’re a 90s actor having done typical roles, it’s not easy to get a breakthrough in OTT. I got in because of my hard work, sincerity, and dedication. I was always on my toes and when I got the opportunity, I grabbed it with both hands. Many other actors who had started with me have faded into oblivion.”
‘I don’t want to be a part of a project where I am not contributing anything’
One day, a message from filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar seemed to wipe away all the questions that Sanjay may have harboured about the numerous delays and hurdles he encountered throughout his Bollywood journey. “You are the most underrated actor ever,” read the filmmaker’s message to the actor after the release of ‘Bloody Daddy’. Sanjay says, “It feels great to hear this after 30 years!”
Hailing from the illustrious Kapoor family of Bollywood, Sanjay is aware of his place in the industry. He says, “I am not living in la-la land to think all projects shall be around me. I understand that not every project can be a ‘Fame Game’ that revolves around Madhuri (Dixit-Nene) and me. While I don’t live in a fool’s paradise, I don’t want to be a part of a project where I am not contributing anything, especially when things have come to me after such a long time. I am being a little careful and taking up interesting characters that stay with the audience for long.”
It was not that I was not getting work; I was not getting exciting work-Sanjay Kapoor
8:33 AM
As he reunites with Madhuri for The Fame Game, Sanjay Kapoor on taking failure in his stride and bouncing back in the industry with OTT offerings
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; February 27, 2022)
How does it feel to reunite with a co-star after 29 years? To Sanjay Kapoor, who had shot with Madhuri Dixit-Nene in 1995 for Raja, it almost feels like a “flash forward”. “I started working with Madhuri after shooting for 15 days for Prem [1995], and she had made me feel comfortable. Even today, it felt almost the same. She is the same Madhuri—grounded, and one who makes everyone on the set comfortable. I have known her for 29 years. It feels as if [time has] flashed forward, and we are back on set,” grins Kapoor, who has teamed up with Dixit for The Fame Game.
The Netflix series sees Dixit as superstar Anamika Anand, with Kapoor playing her husband. Anamika’s seemingly perfect life comes crumbling down when she vanishes one fine day, leading the police to examine the hard truths behind the façade of glamour.
Living your life in the public eye is not easy, Kapoor knows it all too well. The actor, who debuted in 1995, had a tough run in the industry with most of his films biting the dust. How did he handle failure? “Fortunately, I was surrounded by positive people. So, I never felt that with failure, people changed around me. When your work doesn’t do well, you feel dejected because you have given it your best shot. But one has to move on. It was not that I was not getting work; I was not getting exciting work. Being a producer is in our blood, so I got into production. I had to feed my family, send my kids to school, and earn money. I couldn’t sit back and say that unless I don’t get good work, I won’t work.”
The actor powered through the hard times, and bounced back with the advent of OTT. Having played key roles in Lust Stories (2018) and The Gone Game (2020), Kapoor is satisfied to have found his place in front of the camera again. “Everything changed after I did Lust Stories. When the opportunity came again with OTT, I bounced back. People say sometimes you can be talented, but destiny plays a big part. It happened to me.”
Actors can’t face the camera with a mask-Sanjay Kapoor
8:13 AM
Sonil Dedhia (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 5, 2020)
The lockdown owing to the Coronavirus pandemic has brought life to a standstill. Shooting of films and shows have been stalled indefinitely. Actor Sanjay Kapoor, however, is not sweating too much about it as he likes to have his “own time”. However, one of things that worries him is how things are going to change once everyone gets back on the sets. “One of my biggest insecurities is getting back to work. Also, when it comes to other professions, someone can be around to take decisions, but no one else can do the job for an actor. An actor in front of the camera has to be without a mask. From action sequences to getting intimate, there is a lot of physicality involved in our job so I am wondering about how the entire film industry is going to operate. It might be the most affected.”
Being in lockdown for more than a month now, Kapoor says that his kids (Shanaya and Jahaan) have shown a lot of maturity and positivity during this trying time. “Children maybe anxious or nervous during this time. But a lot of credit goes to my kids, who have helped us by being very calm, encouraging and patient. My daughter’s friend stays across the road and owns a bungalow. She can easily go there and spend time but she has decided not to. So there is a lot of positive energy around our home which has kept us all going through this time,” says the Prem (1995) actor, who completes 25 years in the industry today.
Kapoor, who recently celebrated his wife (Maheep Kapoor)’s birthday, says it was a different experience. “For the last couple of years, Maheep would always insist on not doing anything but we would end up celebrating in a big way. This year I joked saying, ‘Tumhari bhagwaan ne sun li. Koi nahi aanewala’. It was a low-key affair with just the four of us. Later, her friends connected with her on video call and she cut a cake. So it was a unique celebration for all of us,” he concludes.
The experience at Le Bal was unbelievable; I was too overwhelmed as a father-Sanjay Kapoor
8:44 AM
Prashant Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 15, 2019)
She is yet to make her Bollywood debut, but Shanaya Kapoor has already hit headlines with her grand outing at the prestigious Le Bal des débutantes, Paris. And her father, actor-producer Sanjay Kapoor, can’t stop beaming. “The experience was unbelievable! I had heard it is spectacular and all, but once you experience it first-hand... It cannot be explained in words,” says Sanjay, who had the first dance with her at the opening of Le Bal.The “proud dad” admits it was “very overwhelming” for him and so he “can imagine what it would have been like for Shanaya”. He says, “She looked stunning. When you are young and are part of something like this, you feel great, but when you grow older and look back, you realise the magnitude of it.”
Another high point for him was meeting “many wonderful people”, but the fanboy moment was meeting veteran French actor Jean Paul-Belmondo. “I’ve been his fan since my school days; he is like the Dilip Kumar of France,” he says. While Sanjay feels he was “too overwhelmed as a father with all of it,” he says Shanaya is more focused.
He says, “She is fortunate to have got such a prestigious thing so soon in her life, and she should cherish it. Now, she should work harder. She has got a great stepping stone. But even now, she is not flying high. She is young and can get carried away but I’m fortunate that she knows there is a long way to go. Her goal was not to reach Le Bal, her goal is to be in films and be a good actor. She is very focused that way.”
Shanaya, who is an assistant director on Janhvi Kapoor-starrer Gunjan Saxena biopic, hasn’t signed any films yet. “We are open to any good offer. I am waiting for the right film to come, I think she is ready now. She has already done a lot of training and is still working very hard to be absolutely ready [for the film debut],” he says.
Any plans to launch Shanaya?
I honestly feel, nobody can plan anyone’s career. Everybody has got their own destiny and they need to work hard for it. I’m not producing any films [for her]. Tomorrow, even if I produce a film, Shanaya might not suit the part. If I’ve a choice between making a film for her and she getting an outside film, I’d choose the latter because she can’t be mollycoddled. We are waiting for the right opportunity to come by.
If the right project happens tomorrow, Shanaya is ready-Sanjay Kapoor
8:18 AM
Sanjay Kapoor on his daughter’s Bollywood launch and why she decided to work as an AD instead of going to a film school
Hiren Kotwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 8, 2019)
It’s nearly two months since Mission Mangal, in which Sanjay Kapoor stood out as a perennially pissed off husband, released, and the actor is pleased that people continue to praise his performance. After following it up with The Zoya Factor, in which he played niece Sonam Ahuja’s father, the actor is currently reading scripts, hoping to land important characters that make a difference to the story. “The length of a role never mattered to me, even when I started out. When my own brother (Boney) was producing Koi Mere Dil Se Poochhe, I wanted to play the negative role even though the character only appeared on screen at interval point,” he points out.
Boney’s daughter Janhvi made a successful debut with Dhadak last year. Now buzz is, Sanjay’s daughter Shanaya will be launched next year. She recently served as an assistant director on cousin Janhvi’s Gunjan Saxena biopic, a Karan Johar production. Will Shanaya be introduced by KJo as well? “Nothing is finalised yet. If the right project happens tomorrow, Shanaya is ready for it,” he states.
When asked why she didn’t pursue formal training at a film institute, Sanjay says his daughter was keen on hands-on experience. “Shanaya told me that going there (film school) would be a waste of three years and reasoned that most attend classes for three days and party for the rest of the week,” he reasons. “Being an AD teaches you to interact with everyone, from the spotboys to the producer, and learn to value people after becoming an actor.”
Sanjay’s last film as a producer was five years ago, the Arjun Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha and Manoj Bajpayee-starrer Tevar, and he has no plans to return anytime soon. “Right now, I’m busy as an actor,” he concludes.
I am in a great phase of my career-Sanjay Kapoor
8:12 AM
Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; August 26, 2019)
Sanjay Kapoor may have had a small role in Mission Mangal, but the actor is ecstatic with the response he has got in the hit movie. As Vidya Balan’s nagging husband and father of two, the actor had a moment on the screen when he danced to his hit number Ankhiya Milao from Raja (1995). “That got maximum claps and whistles! Initially, they were planning to take another song, Bee Gees' Staying Alive for the scene, as they didn’t want any of my tracks because it would have been obvious. Later, they zeroed in on Ankhiya Milaye and it worked out in my favour. I can say that in the era of remixes and recreations, I am the only actor to have danced to my song twice on-screen! First in 1995 with Madhuri Dixit and 24 years later with Vidya Balan. Besides, the dialogue after the song is crucial to the narrative,” Sanjay beams.
Ask him why he decided to be a part of a film that already had such big stars, and he says it was the ensemble cast that drew him to it. “Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan have got the main roles but the rest of us have our moments. It’s like Oceans 11, where George Clooney and Brad Pitt are the leads and the others have their moments,” he reasons, adding that there is no point playing a lead role in a film that won’t be seen by the audience. “I am not living in a dream world asking for lead roles. When you’re in a film with Akshay, you know it will have a wider audience,” says he.
It was his outing in the web anthology Lust Stories that impressed filmmaker R Balki to cast him in Mission Mangal. “When I met him and Jagan Shakti (director) they told me it’s a special role. They needed someone young for it as he’d burst into a dance, and not a typical husband to Vidya,” says Sanjay, who feels his character resonated with the audiences because it was real and identifiable. “On social media, a girl wrote to me saying my character reminded her of her father,” smiles the actor.
In real life, the 53-year-old is a cool dad to his son Jahaan and daughter Shanaya. Interestingly, he will be seen playing his niece Sonam Kapoor aka Sonam K Ahuja’s father in The Zoya Factor. “When we were filming it, Sonam was newly married and Anand (K Ahuja) used to come to the sets often. It was lovely working with her,” he says, adding that his bond with the actress became stronger after the film. “I share a warm and affectionate relationship with Sonam. All my scenes are with her and we used to spend 13-14 hours on the set every day. We used to share lunches and dinners and I got to know her really well. Earlier, we’d meet for family functions and festivals like Rakhi and Diwali, but for the film, we spent a lot of quality time together,” he avers.
Besides the Zoya Akhtar directorial, the Mubarakan actor will be seen in a 10-episode digital series as the main lead. “Being an actor on the big screen and simultaneously doing a web series in which I play the main lead — I am in a great phase of my career. I couldn’t have asked for better,” he says.
There is also talk about his daughter Shanaya being readied for her Bollywood debut. Is that happening anytime soon? “She is definitely training for it. So far, she has seen a life of glamour but I wanted her to experience the process of filmmaking. She had to know that it’s not just about posting pictures on social media or going to events. So, she is assisting director Sharan Sharma for the Gunjan Saxena biopic starring Janhvi (Kapoor). Karan (Johar, producer) told me it will be shot in four months and it is a small unit, so it will be best for her to work as an AD,” explains the actor.
Shanaya was in Lucknow for the shoot and the proud papa tells us that she shared a room with another assistant director instead of staying with cousin Janhvi in a hotel. “When Shanaya called to inform, I told her she is doing the right thing because Janhvi is a star. Shanaya needs to experience it from the ground and see it from close quarters, running around, interacting with spot boys, etc. These are small things but when she becomes a heroine, she will value and respect the assistants more,” he signs off.
Lust is always taken in a negative way, but it’s just another expression of love-Sanjay Kapoor
8:22 AM
Deepali Singh (DNA; June 8, 2018)
Sanjay Kapoor sounds out of breath as we start chatting with him over the phone about his upcoming anthology Lust Stories, which will be streamed on a digital platform. “Before you jump the gun and think I’m so much in character that I stay like that even during interviews, let me clarify that I’m on the cardio cycle!” he chuckles. Lust Stories has four short films on love and lust, directed by Karan Johar, Zoya Akhtar, Anurag Kashyap and Dibakar Banerjee, and Sanjay stars in the one made by the latter, which also features Manisha Koirala and Jaideep Ahlawat. Here, the actor tells us about his debut in the digital space and waiting for the right roles to come his way...
How did Lust Stories happen?
I had never met Dibakar in my life, but I had seen his work and liked it a lot. Apparently, the casting team was having a meeting at a club that I frequent. They happened to see me, felt I suited the character and got in touch with me. Then, Dibakar narrated the subject to me and I loved it. It was a great privilege to work with him.
We have never seen you attempt a bold subject like this before. Were you comfortable doing it?
Initially, this was supposed to be Bombay Talkies 2, but the title was changed later. I’ve not seen the other three stories as yet, but there is no sexuality or skin show or foul language in our plot. Lust is always taken in a negative way, but it’s just another expression of love. So, there was no question of feeling uncomfortable.
You were working with Manisha Koirala 13 years after Anjaane. How was it to re-unite with her onscreen?
I’ve done two films with Manisha, out of which Chhupa Rustam was a huge hit. So the comfort level was there. We were working together after 13 years, but nowadays, you do a lot of workshops and readings before facing the cameras. When you come on sets, you have already spent a lot of time together. Similarly, I have never worked with Jaideep (Ahlawat) before, but I did many readings with him. We are playing friends, so we needed to look the part. Due to the readings, we were comfortable when we faced the camera.
Are you excited about making your digital debut with Lust Stories?
Absolutely! You know, I was returning from London on the day of the trailer launch and I didn’t want to miss it. So, I didn’t even go home. The launch was at 4 pm and my flight landed at 2.30 pm and I went there straight from the airport. And I’m glad I did. It was an honour to be on the same dias as Karan (Johar), Zoya (Akhtar) and Dibakar (Banerjee). I realised that I have worked with all of them earlier. I was in Zoya’s Luck By Chance, I did a cameo in Karan’s Kal Ho Na Ho and Anurag (Kashyap) was one of the producers of Shaandaar. So, it’s exciting to be a part of their movie and make my digital debut with them. Digital is no longer the future, it’s the present.
So you are open to doing web series?
Hundred per cent! Main toh darwaaze ki taraf dekhta rehta hoon ki koi achcha offer aa jaye! However, now, I’m being more patient and choosy. I feel jahaan itna wait kiya hai, let’s wait for some more time. If you get such an opportunity, you can’t just take up anything for the heck of it. We all need money to survive, even I need it. But you have to be patient.
Are there any specific kind of roles that you want to take up now?
It’s no longer about your role, but the whole film. It’s extremely important to be part of the right film. There is no point thinking ‘mera role toh zabardast hai’. But if the director is not good or the subject is not going to work, then nobody will even come to watch the movie. Your role has to be important to the subject. For instance, when I was offered Luck By Chance, I was quite sceptical because that was the first time I was doing a movie with an ensemble cast. But Zoya was convinced about taking me on and she got back to me with the dialogues. When I heard them, I realised how important I was to the film. Today, when I look back, I realise Luck By Chance is one of my best experiences. When I was facing the camera, I felt I was the most important person, which was such a good feeling.
You also did a TV show, Dil Sambhal Jaa Zara, last year. How was the experience?
I had such a fantastic time. I had not realised the kind of reach television has until I got the appreciation that I did. It’s been around three-and-a-half months or so that the show has got over, but not a day goes by when I’m out and I don’t meet somebody who asks me, ‘Arey, why did your show end?’ If I do television again, it has to be a show like this one, where I could identify with the character and believe in the story.
The fact that I have been around for 22 years, and am still getting offers is enough for me-Sanjay Kapoor
7:45 AM
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; October 17, 2017)
Sanjay Kapoor may not have enjoyed the success that his brothers Anil and Boney, or niece Sonam and nephew Arjun achieved. But the actor, who made his Bollywood debut with Prem (1995), has no regrets.
“All five fingers are not the same,” Kapoor reasons, before adding, “The fact that I have been around for 22 years, and am still getting offers is enough for me. I do not harbour any negativity. My father [Surinder Kapoor] would tell me, ‘Don’t look at five people in front of you, but the 95 people behind you’. Success is a relative term. Even Anil may think he could achieve more. The same stands true for Arjun.”
For now, he is returning to the small screen with Vikram Bhatt’s show, Dil Sambhal Jaa Zara. He was earlier seen on the tube in Karishma — The Miracles of Destiny (2003), which starred Karisma Kapoor.
Ask him what prompted him to give his nod and he says, “I am playing my age. It is about an older man falling for a younger woman. There are mostly women-oriented shows on the tube with the leading men not having much to do. But this one has a compelling storyline. I am even sporting a grey beard to look my age.”
The actor, who turns 52 today, will also be seen in Dibakar Banerjee’s short film. The short is a part of the anthology that sees the reunion of Anurag Kashyap, Karan Johar, Zoya Akhtar and Banerjee after Bombay Talkies (2013). “I will be seen opposite Manisha Koirala in the film. I consider it a big deal to work with a talented director like Dibakar. Shooting with Manisha and him was an outstanding experience.”
Anil ki tamanna poori ho gayi, at least in Mubarakan I play his elder brother-Sanjay Kapoor
7:54 AM
Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; July 29, 2017)
In Anees Bazmee’s Mubarakan, it’s not just Arjun Kapoor who is sharing screen space with his chachu Anil Kapoor for the first time, it is also Sanjay Kapoor’s maiden outing with his elder brother. And that too, as Anil’s bade bhaiyya! “Yes, I play his older sibling, but have still managed to look younger than him. Anil ki tamanna poori ho gayi, at least in the movie I play his elder brother,” grins Sanjay, who has an interesting, funny scene with Anil.
After 25 years...
Despite being in the industry for over 25 years, Anil and Sanjay have never worked together. “We haven’t even done a photoshoot together, except for one where Boney, Anil and I were together on a magazine cover. Anil and I had gone on a world tour together way back in 1997 along with Amitji (Bachchan), Shilpa (Shetty) and Manisha (Koirala) where we spent quality time together. We never wanted to play our brother card, but this film required us as siblings,” elaborates Sanjay.
It was meant to be
Sanjay was in London when Anil was shooting for the film. And they needed an actor to play Arjun’s father. “Anil called me and said there’s an interesting role and you’ll like it. It will be great fun. More than anything else, I did it because the scene was with Anil. Also, Anees had directed It’s My Life that I had produced, and I share a great equation with him,” says Sanjay.
Family ties
Though he shot only for one-and-a-half day, Sanjay says he had a good time on the sets. Ask him if he felt emotional working with Anil and he says, “The entire family was together in London. We were there to celebrate Sunita’s (Kapoor) 60th birthday. Being on a holiday or working with family is always emotional.”
No screen time with Arjun
Though he plays Arjun’s father in the film, he doesn’t share screen space with his nephew as his character dies early on. “Yes, I have kept that for the future. Sabhi ek saath nahi hoga na? I have to work with Arjun, Sonam, Harshvardhan and also Mohit (Marwah). I didn’t want to give everything in the first film,” he quips.
The wife’s pleased, too
Another first for Sanjay in the film is playing a sardar. He shares, “Maheep (his wife) is a sardarni. Her father is happy that I donned a turban for the film. Now, her brother and father look up to me. They have a good-looking sardar as a son-in-law! So, I have taken care of that side of my family, too!”
I used to fire Arjun the most for being fat-Sanjay Kapoor
8:37 AM
Priya Gupta (BOMBAY TIMES; December 28, 2014)
Sanjay Kapoor, 52, is the
only one in his family who is a graduate. When Boney Kapoor got
remarried to Sridevi, Sanjay looked after Arjun just as a father would
have. Even when Arjun's mother Mona cut off her communication with
Boney's family and moved out with her two children, Arjun and Anshula,
she shared a special bond with Sanjay. In continuation of his interview
with the Bombay Times, Sanjay talks about his empathy for Arjun, his
unspoken bond with Mona and why he is happier than
both his brothers. Excerpts:
Let's talk about Boney Kapoor?
Boney should have been a hero. He is a spender. Be it his holidays or any other thing. That's his personality. When me and Anil first went abroad when I was 22, he told us, 'Main tumhare jaise bheekmango ki tarah nahi jaoonga. When I can afford it, I will go.' That time also, he would make shirts from Kachins.
You have been closest to Arjun amongst the kids in your family. Let's talk about him.
Obviously, I could not take Boney's position in his life as Boney is his father, but there was this phase of 10 years where I was the closest to what a father figure can be. When Boney got remarried to Sri, my parents told him, 'You have got remarried. But Mona and kids will continue to live here.' So, Boney shifted out, whereas they stayed back. That time, I was the only one left in the house who could have corrected Arjun. Boney had his own issues that time. I was very close to Mona also, in fact, the only one in the family who was. While we did not communicate as much, we shared a bond. Maybe it was due to how she saw me with Arjun. She had been very attached to my father till a certain time, probably till when Boney had got remarried. When she shifted out, we came to know from outside that she had cancer and that she did not want Arjun to tell us. So when my father passed away, she entered our house after 5 years. I went down to get her. When she was entering the house, I knew that she was also unwell. I held her hand and shoulder and took her up, as she had come after a long time. We didn't share too much in words, but she knew that I was there.
Between Arjun and Boney, who did you empathise with more?
With Arjun. I understand that it's not the first time that a man was getting remarried. And it was not about taking sides or anything, but I was still living with Arjun and therefore, felt for him. He was just 10 and Anshula too young, but I knew that we were there for them. We ensured that Arjun and Anshula continued to enjoy the same lifestyle. That ten years that I spent with Arjun, is what he would have normally spent with Boney. Boney would come home and everything, but it was different. Arjun was very sensitive and most lovable. I used to fire him the most for being fat. When he was older, he was not good at his studies and I took that responsibility. Boney was as it is so guilty, so he could not be strict with him. He was spending those 45 minutes with him and in that, he could not have scolded him. So there were a lot of things he couldn't do which I did. I would take him with me if I went for my shows or for holidays. Boney used to provide for him by spending on him too much and I would fire him for that, as I didn't want Arjun to get spoilt as I knew that Boney was spending that money on him out of guilt. I was the balancing factor and even now I remain so. Even during Tevar, sometimes if there was something Arjun would do wrong, I would tell Boney, 'You are not the only man to have got remarried. If you have to tell Arjun some thing, you should say it to him.' But I know that Boney still holds back. I think it was destined that my first film had to be with Arjun, as I have a special bonding with him. I was so emotional that I always wanted to make my first film with a family member. I had such a social circle, but never asked anybody. I felt that what will people say. He has a hero in the house, so why is he approaching us? I am not calculative at all. I am sensitive and smart enough to not embarrass any one and ask them to do my film.
How did you meet your wife Maheep?
I had met her in Delhi at the premiere of Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja. She is from Australia, but she used to come to Delhi for her holidays to her grandparents. She was planning to do modelling. When I started seeing her, I thought it would be a fling till we started seeing each other seriously, till we got married 5 years later.
What do you like most about her?
That besides being a hot looking girl, she is not materialistic at all. Also, her family is great. I value my parents a lot and when I met her family, I liked them a lot too.
Both your brothers have been more successful than you. Did that make you envious?
No, I used to see Boney and I would feel he has so many problems, be it financial, personal and everything, I would rather be born as Sanjay Kapoor again. In Anil's case, while he has been very successful, he was always busy with work and hardly had any friends. The best time I had with Anil was in 1997, when I had gone on a world tour with him. That was the best bond we shared for that one month and he was superb. He has been the flagship brand within our family and he became the first star to have given us the standing when we moved from Chembur. Today whatever we are, it is to do with Anil's initial success. Anil and Boney were a lethal combination and were solid together. Success is a very relative term. I feel that I live in a great house, have great children, have great parents and am happy. In fact, I feel that I am happier than both of them and I would rather be me.
Who were your parents most attached to?
They were most attached to Boney, may be because he was the oldest or due to his nature, but my dad (Surinder Kapoor), till his last, was very proud of all four of his children. He was a very content and a positive man. Amongst his grandchildren, he was most attached to Arjun. Whenever we see old pictures I see he was always holding Arjun. Even Arjun was very close to him. Mom never goes for trials. But the day dad died, she had gone to the trial of Mausam at Yash Raj. Dad was going for a walk and had gone to drop her. He came to know that Arjun too was there for some work, so he called for Arjun who said that he would take 5 more minutes to come down. Dad told the driver, 'I am getting late for my walk, I can't wait for Arjun. Let's go.' He went away and he went for a walk and felt uneasy after which he died. When Arjun returned home, he felt very guilty about missing to see his dadu. He was shattered. When I saw him, I didn't know whether I should weep over my father's death or control Arjun. Mom till today feels that had she been at home that day, she may have been able to save him. But dad lived a full life and went very peacefully.
Let's talk about Boney Kapoor?
Boney should have been a hero. He is a spender. Be it his holidays or any other thing. That's his personality. When me and Anil first went abroad when I was 22, he told us, 'Main tumhare jaise bheekmango ki tarah nahi jaoonga. When I can afford it, I will go.' That time also, he would make shirts from Kachins.
You have been closest to Arjun amongst the kids in your family. Let's talk about him.
Obviously, I could not take Boney's position in his life as Boney is his father, but there was this phase of 10 years where I was the closest to what a father figure can be. When Boney got remarried to Sri, my parents told him, 'You have got remarried. But Mona and kids will continue to live here.' So, Boney shifted out, whereas they stayed back. That time, I was the only one left in the house who could have corrected Arjun. Boney had his own issues that time. I was very close to Mona also, in fact, the only one in the family who was. While we did not communicate as much, we shared a bond. Maybe it was due to how she saw me with Arjun. She had been very attached to my father till a certain time, probably till when Boney had got remarried. When she shifted out, we came to know from outside that she had cancer and that she did not want Arjun to tell us. So when my father passed away, she entered our house after 5 years. I went down to get her. When she was entering the house, I knew that she was also unwell. I held her hand and shoulder and took her up, as she had come after a long time. We didn't share too much in words, but she knew that I was there.
Between Arjun and Boney, who did you empathise with more?
With Arjun. I understand that it's not the first time that a man was getting remarried. And it was not about taking sides or anything, but I was still living with Arjun and therefore, felt for him. He was just 10 and Anshula too young, but I knew that we were there for them. We ensured that Arjun and Anshula continued to enjoy the same lifestyle. That ten years that I spent with Arjun, is what he would have normally spent with Boney. Boney would come home and everything, but it was different. Arjun was very sensitive and most lovable. I used to fire him the most for being fat. When he was older, he was not good at his studies and I took that responsibility. Boney was as it is so guilty, so he could not be strict with him. He was spending those 45 minutes with him and in that, he could not have scolded him. So there were a lot of things he couldn't do which I did. I would take him with me if I went for my shows or for holidays. Boney used to provide for him by spending on him too much and I would fire him for that, as I didn't want Arjun to get spoilt as I knew that Boney was spending that money on him out of guilt. I was the balancing factor and even now I remain so. Even during Tevar, sometimes if there was something Arjun would do wrong, I would tell Boney, 'You are not the only man to have got remarried. If you have to tell Arjun some thing, you should say it to him.' But I know that Boney still holds back. I think it was destined that my first film had to be with Arjun, as I have a special bonding with him. I was so emotional that I always wanted to make my first film with a family member. I had such a social circle, but never asked anybody. I felt that what will people say. He has a hero in the house, so why is he approaching us? I am not calculative at all. I am sensitive and smart enough to not embarrass any one and ask them to do my film.
How did you meet your wife Maheep?
I had met her in Delhi at the premiere of Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja. She is from Australia, but she used to come to Delhi for her holidays to her grandparents. She was planning to do modelling. When I started seeing her, I thought it would be a fling till we started seeing each other seriously, till we got married 5 years later.
What do you like most about her?
That besides being a hot looking girl, she is not materialistic at all. Also, her family is great. I value my parents a lot and when I met her family, I liked them a lot too.
Both your brothers have been more successful than you. Did that make you envious?
No, I used to see Boney and I would feel he has so many problems, be it financial, personal and everything, I would rather be born as Sanjay Kapoor again. In Anil's case, while he has been very successful, he was always busy with work and hardly had any friends. The best time I had with Anil was in 1997, when I had gone on a world tour with him. That was the best bond we shared for that one month and he was superb. He has been the flagship brand within our family and he became the first star to have given us the standing when we moved from Chembur. Today whatever we are, it is to do with Anil's initial success. Anil and Boney were a lethal combination and were solid together. Success is a very relative term. I feel that I live in a great house, have great children, have great parents and am happy. In fact, I feel that I am happier than both of them and I would rather be me.
Who were your parents most attached to?
They were most attached to Boney, may be because he was the oldest or due to his nature, but my dad (Surinder Kapoor), till his last, was very proud of all four of his children. He was a very content and a positive man. Amongst his grandchildren, he was most attached to Arjun. Whenever we see old pictures I see he was always holding Arjun. Even Arjun was very close to him. Mom never goes for trials. But the day dad died, she had gone to the trial of Mausam at Yash Raj. Dad was going for a walk and had gone to drop her. He came to know that Arjun too was there for some work, so he called for Arjun who said that he would take 5 more minutes to come down. Dad told the driver, 'I am getting late for my walk, I can't wait for Arjun. Let's go.' He went away and he went for a walk and felt uneasy after which he died. When Arjun returned home, he felt very guilty about missing to see his dadu. He was shattered. When I saw him, I didn't know whether I should weep over my father's death or control Arjun. Mom till today feels that had she been at home that day, she may have been able to save him. But dad lived a full life and went very peacefully.
My 1st film Prem released when I was 31; I'd joke that I'm the oldest newcomer-Sanjay Kapoor
7:57 AM
Priya Gupta (BOMBAY TIMES; December 27, 2014)
Sanjay Kapoor, 52, got
everything late in his life, be it the release of his debut as a
hero in Prem at 31, his marriage to Maheep at 35, purchase of his own
house at 38 or producing his first film Tevar at 52, but he was born
positive and was brought up to always be content, much like his father
Surinder Kapoor. He is emotional and sensitive and his high self-respect
forbids him from asking his
high-profile friends for favours. Over an hour-long conversation in his
Juhu house over a cup of coffee, he talks to Bombay Times about his
values learnt from his father, his attachment to Boney Kapoor and why he
will never offer a film to Anil Kapoor again. Excerpts:
Talk about your family's association with Raj Kapoor's family?
We used to live in Chembur in a two-bedroom hall. We were so connected with the Kapoors that Dabboo (Randhir Kapoor) would joke that we are related via satellite. My mom and Krishna aunty were best of friends and Chimpu (Rajiv Kapoor) and I grew up together. My father, Surinder Kapoor, used to work for Shammi Kapoor and his first wife was my dad's rakhi sister. She was the one who pushed my dad to make films and so, her picture used to come in the beginning in all his films.
Even though my father had not given blockbusters, Raj Kapoor uncle used to respect him a lot due to the goodwill he enjoyed and his honesty. Chimpu had a car and would travel abroad, right from when he was a year old. But our parents brought us up in a way that we never had any complexes. I remember Chimpu became an actor very quickly. Prior to his becoming an actor, when we went out together, if he paid the bill two times, I would pay it once. But we would go to ordinary places then that both of us could afford. But after he became a star, he started going to clubs where he would have whiskey and I, beer, and the bill would come to Rs 2000. Then I could not afford it, so I would often avoid going out with him at night. We remained great friends. But I could not tell him why, but then, we started meeting for lunch as that is all that I could afford. My father had always taught us not to pile on.
Talk about your father?
There are many things that I had learnt from our father. Chimpu would always go abroad and bring us Batmans and strawberry rubbers. So when I was in class X, I took a promise from my dad that if I came first class, he would send me abroad. I studied really hard and came first class, but coincidentally, one of my dad's films did not do well at that time. He said to me, 'If I send you abroad, people will ask me how I could send you abroad when my film had not done well.' I felt bad as I could not go, but later, I realised his honesty and what he was trying to do that time. He has done that even earlier. He had seen a flat in Samudra Mahal in Worli for himself and had done the deal. He was making a film with Bhappi Sonie, who had also seen a flat in Worli, and even though my father did not owe any money to them at that time, they requested him for an advance to buy that flat. So my father gave them the money that he was to buy his own flat with and can you imagine, they bought the same flat that my father was buying. My father would tell us, 'Never see the few people ahead of you. Look at the people behind, some of who may also be more deserving than you. Be ambitious, but also be content.' Later, Bhappi Sonie went through a bad time and had to sell his flat and shift into an even smaller place than where we were staying. My father would say, 'My children are doing so well, so we are going up.' He had a lot of goodwill. He was from Peshawar and would always go and drop any guest to the car. I am a happy guy as I think like my father. And that is why I have never been bitter or ever felt frustrated. I feel I have got a lot and thank God for it.
Your first film was released when you were 31. Why so late?
Shekhar Kapur was initially supposed to direct Prem. But the problem with Shekhar is that he is a very lazy guy, which is why he has made such few films over 30 years. He never wanted to start it and that led to my frustration. We then decided on Satish Kaushik to direct it, who started the film in 1989, but then he also had to direct Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja in between, that finally released in 1993 and was a disaster. With that mind, he directed Prem that finally released after 6 years of starting it in 1995. Again in Prem, I will tell you about my father. We had signed a singer Nalin Dave and we were all convinced that since it took 6 years to make the film, his voice was not sounding young enough for me any more and we should replace it with Udit Narayan's. But my father did not change. He said, 'Just like Sanjay has waited 6 years, Nalin has also waited 6 years. Now, it is their destiny.' I was dating Tabu at that time initially, but by the end of it, we were not talking to each other. It finally released when I was 31 and would joke and say, 'I am the oldest newcomer.' But this was destiny. Prem did not work, but within 4 weeks, Raja released with Madhuri Dixit and that became a blockbuster. Madhuri was such a big star at that time that I did not get the credit for it. It was also the time when Sri was with her mother, who was not well in the US and Boney was with her. Had Boney been here, things would have been very different for me as there was nobody to take care of things as far as I was concerned.
Talk about your relationship with Boney?
Everyone would say that Boney was a manipulator, but the fact is that he has always done things without any harm to anybody. He chose and decided the price for both Anil and me. I had a bank account but till 12 years back, he managed all my money. In the beginning I did big shows and got a lot of money and he managed all of that. Lot of close friends would give me negative advice, but it did not matter to me. Both Anil and I had blind faith in him. He is like a father figure, but he has gone through this phase where he would overspend on his films. He tends to get carried away. He is not a manipulator. Even when my father was lavish. Boney's economics were wrong and so, he got into a role where his losses started. Because he was handling everything, it was affecting the whole family. It was not that he was using the money for his own benefit or anything, but it's just that he was putting it into his films.
Between Anil and Boney, who are you more attached to?
Boney, as we have done films together and he has always shown more concern where my life is concerned.
Your career did not pick up as well as it could have.
I did Auzaar, directed by Sohail Khan, that did not do as well, but I got a lot of appreciation for it. I was a hot newcomer and despite it being a negative role, I agreed to do it at once when Sohail called me. Many actors had said No. Salman was a superstar by this time and I don't know if Salman would remember this, but over a drink, he said to me at Piano Bar, 'When you become a producer, I will do your film.' They are a great family that way. When the hoardings of Auzaar came up, it had a big Salman's picture and a small picture of mine, even though I had a better role. He called up our producer TIPS and said, 'If you want to have this kind of publicity, then don't put my name also. Sanjay stood by us.' Salman made sure that my picture was more than his only and not less. That is how Salman is. Anyways, I thought to myself that I would make a film with Salman and through Arbaaz, who was very close to me, I met Salim sahab, who said a yes. But to my bad luck, my films Sirf Tum and Chhupa Rustum did well and thus, I kept looking out for acting assignments. In the meantime, Boney was making No Entry and Salman, without even reading the script, said a yes, I felt because of me, and that is how Salman came into Boney's life. For whatever, reason for a year, I did not sign any projects after this and had got married to Maheep. In 2002, I needed to buy a house for myself and that is the time to settle my family, I did TV and a host of movies just for the money.
Which was your lowest period?
There was a period when I was not doing much as an actor and was trying to become a producer. I was wanting to do a film with Anil. I spent 3-4 years discussing everything with him and even going with the director he wanted, but at the last minute, he said No. I was totally taken aback that time. I just felt that even if he felt that the film would have been a flop, he should have still done it for me. In the same period, he did Yuvvraaj and Black and White. I felt hurt as I had wasted so much time and gone with all his recommendations, including the director he wanted. Mentally, I was very low. I couldn't believe that despite he being my brother, he had said No. Rajat Rawail managed Anil's work and he told me, 'Sanjay, when you meet Anil with the script, you take the advance cheque also.' I found that very strange as he was my brother. I also felt hurt that Anil could even doubt that the money would not come. After that, there has never been a problem between Anil and me, but I never approached him again. Today at 52, I have finally turned producer with Arjun, who has been the closest kid to me in the family. I remember at the peak of my career, I got some money which I gave to a person to build a house on the beach for me. I later realised that the money I had got was not from a right person and I returned the money. My being positive has saved me. Whatever I am today is due to our parents, who I love the most in this world. And I do know that I get everything in my life, but I have always got it late.
Talk about your family's association with Raj Kapoor's family?
We used to live in Chembur in a two-bedroom hall. We were so connected with the Kapoors that Dabboo (Randhir Kapoor) would joke that we are related via satellite. My mom and Krishna aunty were best of friends and Chimpu (Rajiv Kapoor) and I grew up together. My father, Surinder Kapoor, used to work for Shammi Kapoor and his first wife was my dad's rakhi sister. She was the one who pushed my dad to make films and so, her picture used to come in the beginning in all his films.
Even though my father had not given blockbusters, Raj Kapoor uncle used to respect him a lot due to the goodwill he enjoyed and his honesty. Chimpu had a car and would travel abroad, right from when he was a year old. But our parents brought us up in a way that we never had any complexes. I remember Chimpu became an actor very quickly. Prior to his becoming an actor, when we went out together, if he paid the bill two times, I would pay it once. But we would go to ordinary places then that both of us could afford. But after he became a star, he started going to clubs where he would have whiskey and I, beer, and the bill would come to Rs 2000. Then I could not afford it, so I would often avoid going out with him at night. We remained great friends. But I could not tell him why, but then, we started meeting for lunch as that is all that I could afford. My father had always taught us not to pile on.
Talk about your father?
There are many things that I had learnt from our father. Chimpu would always go abroad and bring us Batmans and strawberry rubbers. So when I was in class X, I took a promise from my dad that if I came first class, he would send me abroad. I studied really hard and came first class, but coincidentally, one of my dad's films did not do well at that time. He said to me, 'If I send you abroad, people will ask me how I could send you abroad when my film had not done well.' I felt bad as I could not go, but later, I realised his honesty and what he was trying to do that time. He has done that even earlier. He had seen a flat in Samudra Mahal in Worli for himself and had done the deal. He was making a film with Bhappi Sonie, who had also seen a flat in Worli, and even though my father did not owe any money to them at that time, they requested him for an advance to buy that flat. So my father gave them the money that he was to buy his own flat with and can you imagine, they bought the same flat that my father was buying. My father would tell us, 'Never see the few people ahead of you. Look at the people behind, some of who may also be more deserving than you. Be ambitious, but also be content.' Later, Bhappi Sonie went through a bad time and had to sell his flat and shift into an even smaller place than where we were staying. My father would say, 'My children are doing so well, so we are going up.' He had a lot of goodwill. He was from Peshawar and would always go and drop any guest to the car. I am a happy guy as I think like my father. And that is why I have never been bitter or ever felt frustrated. I feel I have got a lot and thank God for it.
Your first film was released when you were 31. Why so late?
Shekhar Kapur was initially supposed to direct Prem. But the problem with Shekhar is that he is a very lazy guy, which is why he has made such few films over 30 years. He never wanted to start it and that led to my frustration. We then decided on Satish Kaushik to direct it, who started the film in 1989, but then he also had to direct Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja in between, that finally released in 1993 and was a disaster. With that mind, he directed Prem that finally released after 6 years of starting it in 1995. Again in Prem, I will tell you about my father. We had signed a singer Nalin Dave and we were all convinced that since it took 6 years to make the film, his voice was not sounding young enough for me any more and we should replace it with Udit Narayan's. But my father did not change. He said, 'Just like Sanjay has waited 6 years, Nalin has also waited 6 years. Now, it is their destiny.' I was dating Tabu at that time initially, but by the end of it, we were not talking to each other. It finally released when I was 31 and would joke and say, 'I am the oldest newcomer.' But this was destiny. Prem did not work, but within 4 weeks, Raja released with Madhuri Dixit and that became a blockbuster. Madhuri was such a big star at that time that I did not get the credit for it. It was also the time when Sri was with her mother, who was not well in the US and Boney was with her. Had Boney been here, things would have been very different for me as there was nobody to take care of things as far as I was concerned.
Talk about your relationship with Boney?
Everyone would say that Boney was a manipulator, but the fact is that he has always done things without any harm to anybody. He chose and decided the price for both Anil and me. I had a bank account but till 12 years back, he managed all my money. In the beginning I did big shows and got a lot of money and he managed all of that. Lot of close friends would give me negative advice, but it did not matter to me. Both Anil and I had blind faith in him. He is like a father figure, but he has gone through this phase where he would overspend on his films. He tends to get carried away. He is not a manipulator. Even when my father was lavish. Boney's economics were wrong and so, he got into a role where his losses started. Because he was handling everything, it was affecting the whole family. It was not that he was using the money for his own benefit or anything, but it's just that he was putting it into his films.
Between Anil and Boney, who are you more attached to?
Boney, as we have done films together and he has always shown more concern where my life is concerned.
Your career did not pick up as well as it could have.
I did Auzaar, directed by Sohail Khan, that did not do as well, but I got a lot of appreciation for it. I was a hot newcomer and despite it being a negative role, I agreed to do it at once when Sohail called me. Many actors had said No. Salman was a superstar by this time and I don't know if Salman would remember this, but over a drink, he said to me at Piano Bar, 'When you become a producer, I will do your film.' They are a great family that way. When the hoardings of Auzaar came up, it had a big Salman's picture and a small picture of mine, even though I had a better role. He called up our producer TIPS and said, 'If you want to have this kind of publicity, then don't put my name also. Sanjay stood by us.' Salman made sure that my picture was more than his only and not less. That is how Salman is. Anyways, I thought to myself that I would make a film with Salman and through Arbaaz, who was very close to me, I met Salim sahab, who said a yes. But to my bad luck, my films Sirf Tum and Chhupa Rustum did well and thus, I kept looking out for acting assignments. In the meantime, Boney was making No Entry and Salman, without even reading the script, said a yes, I felt because of me, and that is how Salman came into Boney's life. For whatever, reason for a year, I did not sign any projects after this and had got married to Maheep. In 2002, I needed to buy a house for myself and that is the time to settle my family, I did TV and a host of movies just for the money.
Which was your lowest period?
There was a period when I was not doing much as an actor and was trying to become a producer. I was wanting to do a film with Anil. I spent 3-4 years discussing everything with him and even going with the director he wanted, but at the last minute, he said No. I was totally taken aback that time. I just felt that even if he felt that the film would have been a flop, he should have still done it for me. In the same period, he did Yuvvraaj and Black and White. I felt hurt as I had wasted so much time and gone with all his recommendations, including the director he wanted. Mentally, I was very low. I couldn't believe that despite he being my brother, he had said No. Rajat Rawail managed Anil's work and he told me, 'Sanjay, when you meet Anil with the script, you take the advance cheque also.' I found that very strange as he was my brother. I also felt hurt that Anil could even doubt that the money would not come. After that, there has never been a problem between Anil and me, but I never approached him again. Today at 52, I have finally turned producer with Arjun, who has been the closest kid to me in the family. I remember at the peak of my career, I got some money which I gave to a person to build a house on the beach for me. I later realised that the money I had got was not from a right person and I returned the money. My being positive has saved me. Whatever I am today is due to our parents, who I love the most in this world. And I do know that I get everything in my life, but I have always got it late.
There is hardly any age difference between me & Alia Bhatt-Sanjay Kapoor
8:01 AM
Ankur Pathak (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 17, 2014)
Alia Bhatt is currently in Leeds, UK, filming Queen director Vikas Bahl's next, Shaandar, co-starring Shahid Kapoor. Keeping her company is Sanjay Kapoor who has a pivotal role in the romcom which revolves around a destination wedding. "I play the brother of the guy who is marrying Alia's sister," informs the actor, who is having a blast despite the erratic English weather. "It's a lot of fun, I didn't think I'd enjoy acting so much."
Elaborating on how the film came to him, Sanjay says, "Vikas called me during Tevar's wrap-up party and offered me the part. I had seen both the films he had directed - Queen and Chillar Party - and was kicked about being a part of his next."
Sanjay who is best remembered for Raja opposite Madhuri Dixit and Sirf Tum with Priya Gill and Sushmita Sen, has only been seen in small cameos for the past decade and was last seen in the May release Kahin Hai Mera Pyar. Asked how he feels being back in front of the camera, he reasons, "Well, I can't really say that I was away because I was busy doing other things. I was busy with Tevar. My character in Shaandar has comic elements and most of my scenes are with Alia who is a gem."
However, what has been bothering Sanjay is that the actress refers to him as 'Sanjay sir' on the sets. "I keep reminding her to drop the 'sir'," he asserts.
Does he want her to call him Sanjay uncle then? "Why uncle?," he retorts, sounding horrified. "There is hardly any age difference between us. On a serious note, I had seen Alia's films. She's one of the most talented actresses amongst the new lot."
Salman told me that whenever I turn producer, he'll do a film with me-Sanjay Kapoor
8:16 AM
Sanjay Kapoor talks about his film starring nephew Arjun Kapoor in the lead role
Upala KBR (DNA; March 15, 2014)
Sanjay Kapoor is producing Tevar, starring his nephew Arjun Kapoor and
Sonakshi Sinha. They are currently shooting in Agra. On the set, Sanjay
is a cool producer, comfortable with his unit and at ease with the cast
and crew... no sign of stress. You’d think he was a veteran producer,
instead of a first timer. He reveals that his secret is delegation. Once
everyone knows what they have to do, they handle it. This is a new
start for the youngest brother of Boney and Anil, who was a lead actor
having worked with the likes of Madhuri Dixit in her prime. Here he
talks about his new role, family and his brothers. Read on…
What made you get into production?
Well, being a producer is in our blood. Now I am producing this film but when I was acting in Boney’s films too, I was working as a producer. I have been wanting to get into production for more than 15 years. I had just completed Auzaar with Salman Khan and wasn’t happy with the kind of films that were being offered so I was toying with the idea of turning producer. I was to produce my first film with Salman but Boney got in between! (laughs wryly). I don’t even know if Salman remembers this, but once while we were at Piano Bar, he had told me that whenever I become a producer, he would do a film with me.
Then what happened...
Fortunately or unfortunately at that time Sirf Tum became a hit. Ironically, I don’t even know whether to be happy or sad because if that hadn’t worked, I would have been the producer of a Salman Khan film and by now I would have produced at least four films with him. But Sirf Tum worked and that encouraged me to continue acting. At the time i thought, ‘If I get into production at this juncture, I will be closing the chapter on acting. Also, at that time the trend of actors turning producers wasn’t such a big one as it is today. So I didn’t get into production and continued to act in films like Koi Mere Dil Se Pooche or do a negative role in Qayamat.
Please continue...
At that time Sohail and Salman had approached a couple of big stars for the film but they refused because Salman was there. I said yes and till today both haven’t forgotten that. When Salman and I started out we were on par, but by the time Auzaar released, Judwaa and his other films had become blockbusters and my Kartavya hadn’t done well. I remember when the producer put up the first hoarding of Auzaar in Juhu, it had a very big face of Salman and a comparatively smaller face of mine even though my role was bigger. I have to say this about Salman and Sohail and their family…They called the producer and said that if I wasn’t given equal importance they wouldn’t be a part for the film. These are the qualities in the Khan family, that encouraged me to go to Salman when I was toying with the idea of production. I guess that wasn’t the right time then and today it’s right because I am making a film with Arjun who is Salman’s protégé so if it’s not Salman, it has some connection to him. Maybe sometime in the future I will also do a film with Salman.
Was Boney supposed to produce Tevar?
No, but Boney will always be a part of all films that I do. He has so much knowledge and experience about filmmaking and Arjun is doing his first film with me. For Boney, this is Arjun’s first film for the family. I think it is after 20 years that I am seeing Boney so involved in a film.
Arjun was a natural choice because he is family?
This role required a young boy and when Arjun suited the role so why not him? He is perfect for this role. He’s young, extremely talented and very hard-working. The way he came down from 140 kgs to what he is now, shows he has passion for his craft and wants to do well — so why not him?
What is Tevar about?
It’s the love story of a boy from Agra and the girl from Mathura and how their love story travels. It’s a commercial yet sensible film. We have taken care of aesthetics and detailing and correct casting. Like for the negative role, we have signed a good actor like Manoj Bajpayee. It’s a fantastic role so we have not gone with the trend of signing a hero and making him into a negative character. We have been shooting in extremely difficult locations. It would have been easy to shoot at shooting-friendly locations or on the sets but the director, Amit Sharma, wanted the real locations. Though he is an ad filmmaker of Google’s 45-second ad films, his characterisation and storytelling in those few seconds is superb! We love his work and believe in him and that’s why we are going with his vision. Amit is going to be one of the names to reckon with in the future. I am extremely fortunate to have a director like him.
Will you be doing a surprise appearance in the film?
No. The three most important roles are being played by Arjun, Sonakshi and Manoj. Basically, the story revolves around the three characters and there is nothing for me to do in Tevar. I have not become a producer to promote my career as an actor. Sometimes when I see actors becoming producers I think it’s a mistake. It’s important to first establish your production house and then pick and choose your part. People like Akshay, Aamir, Shah Rukh, Ajay have established themselves first, opened production houses, and then produced films where they act also. But when people like me get into production we have to take it as an alternative career. Or people will say produce bhi aap karte ho aur act bhi khud karte ho aur picture bhi dekhte aap hi ho (laughs)!
Has acting taken a backseat completely?
No. In fact, I got so many positive reactions to my role in Luck By Chance but I am surprised that nobody offered me a role after that. A couple of years later, at a trial of Krissh, Ashutosh Gowariker took me aside and spoke to me for 15 minutes. We only spoke about my role in Luck By Chance. I am not a superstar that he has to praise me to please me. I only can do good work but if after that I have not signed a film it’s destiny. I want to act but I don’t want to do anything that comes my way. Neither am I expecting main roles to come my way. I am not expecting to do a Gunday, Dabangg or Chennai Express as I have crossed that stage. But I would have loved to do what an Irrfan did in Gunday.
Do you feel your brothers Boney and Anil could have helped your career move?
No. In the long run it never helps. I honestly think that this film industry is not a factory where you are taking over somebody’s business. In fact many people thought that being Boney and Anil’s brother I got good films like Raja and Kartavya. Today I say I am still their brother so why is my acting career still not happening today? Where Anil and me are concerned for the last five years I haven’t done even a single photo shoot with Anil, forget a film. That way I feel good and am happy that I have never piggybacked on Anil — not then and not now. Everything I have achieved is on my own.
You look fitter now than you did when you were an actor. Comment?
I am a happy and positive guy and that reflects in me and my circle. I have some great friends in the industry and because I am positive, people enjoy being with me. I don’t regret things. Nor am I bitter about anything. I take things in my stride. Though we all want to be successful and want certain things in life, I am content with what I did.
Upala KBR (DNA; March 15, 2014)
Sanjay Kapoor is producing Tevar, starring his nephew Arjun Kapoor and
Sonakshi Sinha. They are currently shooting in Agra. On the set, Sanjay
is a cool producer, comfortable with his unit and at ease with the cast
and crew... no sign of stress. You’d think he was a veteran producer,
instead of a first timer. He reveals that his secret is delegation. Once
everyone knows what they have to do, they handle it. This is a new
start for the youngest brother of Boney and Anil, who was a lead actor
having worked with the likes of Madhuri Dixit in her prime. Here he
talks about his new role, family and his brothers. Read on…What made you get into production?
Well, being a producer is in our blood. Now I am producing this film but when I was acting in Boney’s films too, I was working as a producer. I have been wanting to get into production for more than 15 years. I had just completed Auzaar with Salman Khan and wasn’t happy with the kind of films that were being offered so I was toying with the idea of turning producer. I was to produce my first film with Salman but Boney got in between! (laughs wryly). I don’t even know if Salman remembers this, but once while we were at Piano Bar, he had told me that whenever I become a producer, he would do a film with me.
Then what happened...
Fortunately or unfortunately at that time Sirf Tum became a hit. Ironically, I don’t even know whether to be happy or sad because if that hadn’t worked, I would have been the producer of a Salman Khan film and by now I would have produced at least four films with him. But Sirf Tum worked and that encouraged me to continue acting. At the time i thought, ‘If I get into production at this juncture, I will be closing the chapter on acting. Also, at that time the trend of actors turning producers wasn’t such a big one as it is today. So I didn’t get into production and continued to act in films like Koi Mere Dil Se Pooche or do a negative role in Qayamat.
Please continue...
At that time Sohail and Salman had approached a couple of big stars for the film but they refused because Salman was there. I said yes and till today both haven’t forgotten that. When Salman and I started out we were on par, but by the time Auzaar released, Judwaa and his other films had become blockbusters and my Kartavya hadn’t done well. I remember when the producer put up the first hoarding of Auzaar in Juhu, it had a very big face of Salman and a comparatively smaller face of mine even though my role was bigger. I have to say this about Salman and Sohail and their family…They called the producer and said that if I wasn’t given equal importance they wouldn’t be a part for the film. These are the qualities in the Khan family, that encouraged me to go to Salman when I was toying with the idea of production. I guess that wasn’t the right time then and today it’s right because I am making a film with Arjun who is Salman’s protégé so if it’s not Salman, it has some connection to him. Maybe sometime in the future I will also do a film with Salman.
Was Boney supposed to produce Tevar?
No, but Boney will always be a part of all films that I do. He has so much knowledge and experience about filmmaking and Arjun is doing his first film with me. For Boney, this is Arjun’s first film for the family. I think it is after 20 years that I am seeing Boney so involved in a film.
Arjun was a natural choice because he is family?
This role required a young boy and when Arjun suited the role so why not him? He is perfect for this role. He’s young, extremely talented and very hard-working. The way he came down from 140 kgs to what he is now, shows he has passion for his craft and wants to do well — so why not him?
What is Tevar about?
It’s the love story of a boy from Agra and the girl from Mathura and how their love story travels. It’s a commercial yet sensible film. We have taken care of aesthetics and detailing and correct casting. Like for the negative role, we have signed a good actor like Manoj Bajpayee. It’s a fantastic role so we have not gone with the trend of signing a hero and making him into a negative character. We have been shooting in extremely difficult locations. It would have been easy to shoot at shooting-friendly locations or on the sets but the director, Amit Sharma, wanted the real locations. Though he is an ad filmmaker of Google’s 45-second ad films, his characterisation and storytelling in those few seconds is superb! We love his work and believe in him and that’s why we are going with his vision. Amit is going to be one of the names to reckon with in the future. I am extremely fortunate to have a director like him.
Will you be doing a surprise appearance in the film?
No. The three most important roles are being played by Arjun, Sonakshi and Manoj. Basically, the story revolves around the three characters and there is nothing for me to do in Tevar. I have not become a producer to promote my career as an actor. Sometimes when I see actors becoming producers I think it’s a mistake. It’s important to first establish your production house and then pick and choose your part. People like Akshay, Aamir, Shah Rukh, Ajay have established themselves first, opened production houses, and then produced films where they act also. But when people like me get into production we have to take it as an alternative career. Or people will say produce bhi aap karte ho aur act bhi khud karte ho aur picture bhi dekhte aap hi ho (laughs)!
Has acting taken a backseat completely?
No. In fact, I got so many positive reactions to my role in Luck By Chance but I am surprised that nobody offered me a role after that. A couple of years later, at a trial of Krissh, Ashutosh Gowariker took me aside and spoke to me for 15 minutes. We only spoke about my role in Luck By Chance. I am not a superstar that he has to praise me to please me. I only can do good work but if after that I have not signed a film it’s destiny. I want to act but I don’t want to do anything that comes my way. Neither am I expecting main roles to come my way. I am not expecting to do a Gunday, Dabangg or Chennai Express as I have crossed that stage. But I would have loved to do what an Irrfan did in Gunday.
Do you feel your brothers Boney and Anil could have helped your career move?
No. In the long run it never helps. I honestly think that this film industry is not a factory where you are taking over somebody’s business. In fact many people thought that being Boney and Anil’s brother I got good films like Raja and Kartavya. Today I say I am still their brother so why is my acting career still not happening today? Where Anil and me are concerned for the last five years I haven’t done even a single photo shoot with Anil, forget a film. That way I feel good and am happy that I have never piggybacked on Anil — not then and not now. Everything I have achieved is on my own.
You look fitter now than you did when you were an actor. Comment?
I am a happy and positive guy and that reflects in me and my circle. I have some great friends in the industry and because I am positive, people enjoy being with me. I don’t regret things. Nor am I bitter about anything. I take things in my stride. Though we all want to be successful and want certain things in life, I am content with what I did.
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