Kunal Kapoor
After being a part of hits like Rang De Basanti and Bachna Ae Haseeno, Kunal Kapoor took a break. He is now in a no-spill mood about his upcoming biopic Chamkila and superhero flick Doga. He chats with Sangeeta Yadav about his journey
‘Even being Dhanno in Sholay would’ve been great’
What’s keeping you busy these daysIJ
I’m busy with a few scripts I am writing. I have always had a zen for writing and reading and now I can explore my writer’s side. After the success of luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana, I wanted to take a break from filming and do some soul searching. During this time out, I explored every little thing I have wanted to do in life. Theatre was always on the radar but I never had the time. In this break I underwent a four-month training in NK Sharma’s theatre workshop. If I’m not shooting, I prefer to do theatre. I enjoy acting to the core but I am not ready to don the hat of a director yet.
How are Chamkila and Doga shaping upIJ
It’s too early to talk about them. Both projects have not gone on the floor as yet. Chamkila is a biopic on a popular singer from Punjab who was assassinated in the 1980s. Doga is superhero film, based on Raja Comics.
How was your experience working with some of the best actors and directors of BollywoodIJ
It has been a wonderful learning experience. Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra is a dedicated filmmaker. Aamir Khan is a perfectionist. When he is in his elements, Aamir is one of the most dangerous prankster to be with on the sets. You never know, what prank he may pull out. Soha Ali Khan has a great sense of humour and is a keen observer. Abhishek Bachchan is more a friend than a co-star. I have always looked up to Madhuri Dixit. She is magical and stunning.
I have also had many tea sessions with Ranbir Kapoor and I think he is a great performer. He is a charmer too. Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap is somebody I fight a lot with. We share a love-hate relationship. Anupam Kher is a great teacher and one of the finest actors in Bollywood.
Any director or actor you would like to work withIJ
I have a long list — Zoya Akthar, Dibakar Banerjee, Anurag Basu, Vikramaditya Motwane and Shimit Amin are directors with whom I am dying to work.
Any particular film you would have liked to be a part ofIJ
I am Sholay’s biggest fan. I only wish I had been around to play a role, any role in the film. Even Dhanno, the horse Basanti rides, would’ve been enough for me to play!
What is the most challenging part of your professionIJ
For me, waiting for a shot is the most challenging part. Be it waiting for the set to be ready, or preparing a particular scene, or waiting for the other actor or actress to arrive, unnecessary waiting is a complete waste of time. Once I’m in the mood and in a space to give my best, waiting spoils the spirit. Shooting should be in a smooth flow.
What is your strengthIJ
I’m jat budhi who is a very determined to do something.
Your weaknessIJ
Mt sweet tooth. luckily, my metabolism is higher than Usain Bolt’s (laughs). People say, as we grow old, our metabolism goes down, but in my case, it’s going up.
A film that reminds you of your childhoodIJ
Jaane Bhi Do Yaron. That was the first movie I watched in a theatre with my family.
Have you ever faced a low point in your lifeIJ
When I lost my mother a year back due to illness. I was very close to her and had spent a lot of time with her.
If not an actor, what else would you beIJ
Probably a race car driver as I love cars.