You can’t be a hero all your life, says Sanjay on second innings
As Sanjay Kapoor graduates from being a leading man in films to more mature and characterdriven roles in his second Bollywood innings, the actor says he is happier and securer.
Kapoor, who was recently seen in films such as The Zoya Factor and Mission Mangal says he’s grateful to the filmmakers for casting him in “diverse” roles. “You can’t be a hero all your life. Everyone has to go through a transition phase where you have to do character roles. The idea is your role should have an impact, it should be pivotal to the story,” says the actor, who has been a part of hit 1990s films including Raja (1995) and Sirf Tum (1999).
He later went on to do supporting roles in Qayamat: City Under Threat (2003) and Luck By Chance (2009), among others. “I feel more secure today. I have diversified as an actor. I’m getting to play roles as an actor now. I’m grateful for the opportunities, be it from films or on the web,” says the 53-year-old actor, who was also seen in Lust Stories, a web anthology film.
Asked if he had any apprehensions about doing a cameo in an ensemble film like Mission Mangal, Kapoor says he was in fact thrilled to be part of a film that highlighted an inspiring story about India. He played Vidya Balan’s husband in the film, which also saw him dance to his song Ankhiyaan Milaoon (from Raja). “All the characters had their own special moments. When the dance sequence came up, the idea was to dance on Staying Alive from the film Saturday Night Fever (1977) as it felt that when this guy would be young in the late 70s, he also would have been influenced by John Travolta. We had actually shot on that song, as well,” he continues, “But then it was changed as the makers felt it will have more impact if my song is incorporated. When I got to know that Ankhiyaan Milaoon will be included, I was both surprised and felt privileged.”
Following in the footsteps of her father, Kapoor’s daughter Shanaya is also taking baby steps into the film industry. She worked as an assistant director with Karan Johar on the Gunjan Saxena biopic, starring actor, cousin Janhvi Kapoor. “She is learning the ropes. She is taking her acting, dance and diction classes. In our family, she has watched me, her uncle (Anil Kapoor) and cousins (Sonam k Ahuja and Janhvi) closely. She knows hard work matters. You can be anybody’s daughter or niece, but it is going to be your dedication that will take you ahead,” says Kapoor.
Everyone has to go through a transition phase where you have to do character roles. The idea is your role should have an impact, it should be pivotal to the story.
SANJAY KAPOOR ACTOR