Talktime | Kunal Kapoor
Having given remarkable performances in Rang De Basanti, lamhaa and others, Kapoor tells Parth Tayal why playing General Shahnawaz Khan in Raaag Desh is the most challenging role of his career
How did Raag Desh draw you inIJ
When I read the story, I was surprised why such a movie had never been made because you get to know about the antecedents of the Indian National Army (INA), the infamous Red Fort Trial, the personal lives of the three soldiers and also how it changed the course of our history. Getting to know all these things in a single movie is a great deal.
How did you get into the shoes of your characterIJ
I play Shahnawaz Khan in the movie. It is the most different and challenging role that I have played till now. Director Tigmanshu Dhulia helped me a lot and has been very supportive. He used to narrate every scene in such detail that we were transported into that zone, era and personality. Also, I read books on the incident to understand the character of Shanawaz and the scenario of that period.
How was it working with Tigmanshu DhuliaIJ
When you work with a person who knows what he wants from an artist, it builds a deep trust. You also get to learn. To see him work so hard made us give our best, so definitely the experience was great and I look forward to working with him again.
How important is it for an actor to do such kind of filmsIJ
To get a chance to act in a movie like this is a privilege. Every actor wants to do a challenging role which brings out the best in him and movies like these change an actor for good. Also as a citizen of India, I feel proud to be part of such a film.
What challenges did you face in portraying your characterIJ
People have become self-centred and nobody cares about each other. Everybody is busy in their own life, but back then, there was unity among people. There was innocence and the willingness to do something for the country and to get that into the character was really difficult.
Do you feel Bollywood is going in right directionIJ
A very small segment is progressing in the right direction and it is just a matter of time that we will start realising what we need to make and how to improve our concepts. We need to have a more realistic approach to cinema and start giving our viewers what they deserve.
What other project are you currently working onIJ
Apart from this film, I am working on a movie titled Gold which is directed by Reema Kagti. It is about the first Indian team that won a gold medal in the 1948 summer Olympics. It has stellar star cast of Akshay Kumar, Farhan Akhtar, Kiara Advani and Mouni Roy. This is slated to release in August 2018.
Your movie is going to clash with Munna Michael and lipstick Under My Burkha...
It’s not healthy to think whether we can beat others work or not because each film requires tremendous work in its making. So I wish all films do well collectively. I believe in making good movies and we have made a very good one. Many films are released every year, so it is harder to find a week for a solo release, until and unless you’re a Khan.
Why do we see so less of youIJ
I believe in quality, not quantity. I like to take up projects carefully because when I am into something, I make sure I give my best to it. When this script came to me,
I was very excited and within minutes I called Tigmanshu sir and told him I would be joining the project.
What kind of movies would you like to do in futureIJ
I am open any kind of movie with a good script. likewise, this movie was very challenging and I knew if I get to work in this film, I will garner respect as an actor.