LOWS HAVE BEEN A TEACHING PHASE: ARJUN

From assisting in the direction and production of films such as Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), No Entry (2005), and Wanted, and finally making his acting debut with Ishaqzaade (2012), actor Arjun Kapoor says that his journey has, so far, been a mix of highs and lows.

Having seen success with his first film, a lukewarm response to Aurangzeb (2013), his second, to coming into his own with 2 States (2014), and being seen in box-office failures like Tevar (2015), Arjun says he has enjoyed the journey. But with just nine films to his credit in six years in the industry, is he happy with his career graph so far?

“There’s no reason to complain. There’s only excitement to do better and more. That’s the energy that keeps me going. The highs were amazing, and the lows were a teaching phase. It’s been surreal to say the least, and I hope it continues this way,” says Arjun.

When it comes to the oftendiscussed idea of competition in Bollywood, Arjun maintains a positive approach. “I think that’s the beauty. If you are doing well, as in, if you have the potential and talent, you will always get work. It’s what you do with the work that you get; you can’t always be looking over your shoulder. You can’t look both ahead and behind,” Arjun explains.

The actor vouches by the power of believing in oneself. “Put your head down and work, because it’s a long race. People tend to make it seem like it is a 100-meter dash. It’s actually a bloody marathon,” he says.

The Finding Fanny (2014) actor has just wrapped up shooting for Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar, which is directed by Dibakar Banerjee, and also features actor Parineeti Chopra, his co-star from Ishaqzaade. The actor says it was an “outstanding experience” working for the film, which has been extensively shot in Gurgaon, Pithoragarh, and New Delhi.

“It’s my 10th film. Dibakar Banerjee is an acclaimed filmmaker, and has tremendous clarity about what he wants. Some directors have this ability to articulate beautifully, and he is one of those,” said the actor, who will be portraying a Haryanvi police officer in the film.

The 32-year-old feels proud at having “come all this way” and played a gamut of characters.

What’s after Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar? “The only film I’m doing next, is Namastey Canada, which starts shooting next month,” says Arjun. The film, also starring Parineet Chopra, will be shot in Punjab and Canada.

There’s no reason to complain. There’s only excitement to do better and more. That’s the energy that keeps me going. I hope it continues this way ARJUN KAPOOR, ACTOR

Arjun Kapoor will be next seen in Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar