‘After Rang De... some said Kunal Kapoor is finished, has disappeared’
There are incredible shows and projects that you can do (on OTT). You can even be a part of films on these platforms. KUNAL KAPOOR, Actor
It’s a great time to be an onscreen artiste in the current scenario with multiple avenues and mediums to explore and be part of. But a couple of years back, becoming an actor, especially when you were an ‘outsider’ was tough, confesses actor Kunal Kapoor.
He reveals he was dissuaded from entering showbiz just before his bigscreen debut in 2004 with MeenaxiA Tale of Three Cities. “When I was starting off, a lot of people said ‘Don’t become an actor, because it is difficult for outsiders to get a breakthrough’. Then for a while, I was the next big thing after Rang De Basanti (2006) was released. Then they (makers) said, ‘He has disappeared; he is finished’. And now, I have a lot of filmmakers calling me to say, ‘You are such an interesting actor, we would like to do more stuff with you’. That is a fullcycle you go through as an actor,” says Kapoor.
He admits that the industry is unstable and emphasises that perceptions change quite quickly here. “A month back, there were filmmakers who didn’t think I was right for a part that they were writing. Now a couple of them have called and asked ‘Would you be interested in hearing the part?’ Perceptions change rapidly here,” reveals Kapoor.
Talking more about the insideroutsider debate, he says, “The only option you had earlier was, if you didn’t make it as the lead, then you sort of graduated to being a supporting actor, then the villain.”
However, with the entrance of OTT, things have changed. The Empire actor says, “In case, you don’t find the films you are looking for, there are incredible shows that you can do. You can even be a part of films on these platforms. This is the best time for outsiders to be actors.”
The actor, who turns 44 today, says he is “pretty neutral” about celebrating his birthday. “I don’t hate it but I don’t feel like doing cartwheels either. It’s nice to be wished and all that stuff... But there’s the pressure to have a good time.”