‘My son’s birth brought a lot of peace, compassion and enlightenment’
Tushar Kapoor talks of his 20 years in Bollywood so far, and his journey as a single dad
Actor-producer Tushar Kapoor completes 20 years of his career in Bollywood and 5 years of single-fatherhood. He talks to us about his experiences in the industry, giving his all to son Lakshya, and much more
TO SUSTAIN A BOLLYWOOD CAREER!
My father always advised us to work hard and also learn patience. Our parents advised us not to lose interest. My mom is focused, and so are we. Thus I have sustained my career for 20 years.
THE CHANGES HE’S SEEN IN HIMSELF
I have become more enlightened. My management skills are better now. I have stopped worrying about small things. You focus on the more important things, as you don’t have enough time. We become more focused, more confident, organized and purposeful. I follow Buddhism and practice chanting.
My son’s birth, and the time leading up to it, brought a lot of peace, harmony, compassion and enlightenment. I started following Buddhism just when I was getting into the process of being a father.
WHAT RENUNCIATION MEANS TO HIM
Renunciation is not a part of meditation. This is not about having a perfect life in the mountains, having no worries; rather it’s about having whatever you are destined to have as per your karma. It’s about working on it and leading a happy life. So it’s not escapism. It’s about facing things, your karma, cleaning your karma. It’s about living in this world and attaining realization. Actually, it’s about being a part of this Kaliyug World. It’s our mission to be victorious and set an example to others so that they can be happier too. It increases your strength and your resilience; it’s beautiful, it’s definitely the most liberating practice that I have indulged in.
CHANGES IN THE INDUSTRY IN 20 YEARS
There have been changes, but on the whole, the rules of success and failure and the regulations have not changed much, though the packaging has changed. Today, digital world has grown phenomenally, OTT has become strong. Earlier, the multiplexes were the in thing. The methods of reaching people and the way films are made have seen some change, but I don’t think that the content and the masala that people like, storytelling styles, performances, have changed. People want entertainment,
and that will never change.
ON SPENDING TIME WITH HIS SON
I spend a lot of time with Lakshya because he has to do online studies. Everything is planned around his needs, but I still feel I’m not doing enough. He wants to spend more time with his friends, and seems to give more importance to them, so sometimes I feel I am not doing enough for him.
CARE DURING THE PANDEMIC
I have taken proper precautions from the beginning. We observe safety rules even when Lakshya is taken to see his grandparents, or just out into the neighbourhood. There is no evidence at present that COVID-19 will affect only children, but being careful is good.
MESSAGE FOR SINGLE PARENTS
It’s not that single parents have it especially hard. It’s hard for married couples too. So many times, either the husband or the wife takes things for granted. One partner does little work, considering himself/herself the breadwinner and feels that is enough, while the other partner has to do everything else. It’s challenging for both partners to love a child, so the challenge is not only for single parents.
It’s about unconditional love for kids —couples or single parents. At the end of the day a child should feel happy and complete. If your son or daughter is happy, that’s because of your love, not just because you are a married couple. Often, to put up a front of a happy family for society, parents and children stay together. What’s important is what happens inside the family.
ON CARRYING THE LEGACY FORWARD
I hope I’m alive to see whether the boys carry our the legacy forward. I’m 45 now, and my son is 5 years old. If I’m alive, I will be sitting here and giving an interview talking about his milestones, not mine!