Entertainment

20 Years and Counting: Tushar Kapoor

TUSHAR KAPOOR

Actor and producer TUSHAR KAPOOR completes twenty years in Bollywood this year.He also completes 5 years of single father-hood status to his son Lakshaya. Speaking with LIPIKA VARMA in an exclusive chat for Hashtag India, the actor discusses his experience in the industry, turning producer with Laxmi Bomb, and watching his son grow up.

What changes do you see in yourself in these 20 years?

I got more illuminated and enlightened I can say. My management skills are better now. I have stopped worrying about small things. You focus on more important things since you don’t have enough time. I have become more confident, organised and purposeful. I keep chanting a lot as I follow Buddhism.

How were the initial days of dadhood like?

My son’s birth and pre-birth phases have brought in a lot of peace, harmony and compassion. This can be noticed in our persona. I started following, Buddhism because of my friends. I started this practice just when I was getting into the process of being a father, and this happened simultaneously.

What has Buddhism taught you?

It’s about facing and cleaning your Karma. Going about in this world and realising the kalyug that it is. It’s our mission to be victorious and set an example for others so they can also be happier. It’s not about having this perfect life in the mountains, with absolutely no worries. It’s working on it and leading a happy life. So it’s no escapism. Changing philosophy increases your strength and resilience. It is beautiful. It’s definitely the most liberating practice that I have indulged in.

We don’t believe in manipulation. My father has always advised us to work hard and be patient. My mom is also focused and so are we. That’s probably how I managed to sustain in the industry for 20 years.

What changes have you seen in the industry having been here for almost 20 years?

Things have changed, but on the whole, success and failures and rules and regulations of the industry are still the same. Just the packaging has changed in many ways. OTT has gotten strong. The methods of reaching people changes. The processes of filmmaking have enhanced. But the content and the masala that people like, storytelling, performances, these are the basic ingredients, and I don’t think that changes. The grammar really changes a lot but the novelty of bringing new stories, innovative ways of presenting your films by and large needs improvement. People want entertainment. That will never change.

How much time do you spend with son Lakshaya now?

I spent a lot of time with Lakshya because we do his online studies. I also get to spend more time because my parents are with him most of the time. Everything is planned according to his time. He wishes to spend more time with his friends. He gives more importance to his friends so sometimes I feel I am doing something wrong (laughs).

It is being said that the third wave of Covid will affect kids. What sort of precautions are you planning on implementing for Lakshya?

I have taken proper precautions from the beginning of these trying times. If he is going to grandparents also we take him safely and we just take him to the neighbourhood only. We hear the third wave will affect children only, but I feel there is no such evidence. Covid has no strategy. The more we go out, we contribute to the third wave. I don’t believe we can safeguard ourselves and our kids but being fearful is good.

Usually it is said a single parent faces a lot of difficulties in bringing up kids. Any message you would like to share as you have opted to be a single father?

I don’t think there’s much of a difference. So many times either one of the parents takes things for granted. The other person does little work, thinking they’ve done their duties by being the breadwinner. It might be hard for couples too to give their kids equal love.

It’s about unconditional love, regardless of whether you are a single parent or not. At the end of the day a child should feel happy and complete.

I’m doing everything as a single parent. I can’t cheat myself. If I do less for him, I’ll be cheating myself. I’m not depending on anyone else. It’s about unconditional love, regardless of whether you are a single parent or not. 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 married. We know at times just to keep up appearances as a happy family, couples stay together.

Do you expect your son to carry your legacy in the industry?

I hope I’m alive to see that. (chuckles). 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 their milestone and not mine.

July 13, 2021

Tushar Kapoor, Tusshar Kapoor interview, Tusshar Kapoor on completing 20 years in Bollywood

Movies to Watch This August 2025

August 2025 brings a power-packed lineup of films from explosive action thrillers to heartwarming romances and long-awaited sequels. With big names, bigger budgets, and stories that promise to entertain, here’s your guide to what’s hitting the screens this month. Dhadak 2 Cast: Tripti Dimri, Siddhant Chaturvedi Director: Shazia Iqbal A socially charged romance and spiritual sequel to Dhadak (2018), this remake of Tamil cult classic Pariyerum Perumal explores caste, identity, and institutional inequality through the intense love story of law students Vidhi and Neelesh. Kingdom Cast: Vijay Deverakonda (as Suri), Satyadev, Bhagyashri BorseDirector: Gowtam Tinnanuri Kingdom is a highly anticipated pan‑India spy action drama directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri. Featuring Vijay Deverakonda in a rugged cop role, supported by Satyadev and Bhagyashri Borse, the film promises intense action and emotional depth. Originally delayed several times due to national events, it is now scheduled for a global theatrical release. War 2 Cast: Hrithik Roshan, NTR Jr., Kiara AdvaniDirector: Ayan Mukerji The next chapter in YRF’s Spy Universe, War 2, brings together two powerhouses Hrithik and NTR Jr.in a high-stakes, globe-trotting action thriller. Expect mind-blowing stunts, slick storytelling, and intense rivalries. Coolie Cast: Rajinikanth (as Deva), Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, cameo by Aamir KhanDirector: Lokesh Kanagaraj An explosive pan‑India action drama, Coolie sees Rajinikanth return in a high‑voltage gangster saga directed by celebrated filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj. Supported by a powerhouse ensemble including Nagarjuna as the antagonist and a surprise cameo from Aamir Khan, the film explores themes of crime, betrayal, and ambition. Shot across locations in Chennai, Jaipur, Hyderabad, and Bangkok, the production wrapped in March 2025. Slated for a global theatrical release on August 14, 2025, the film marks a major highlight of Rajinikanth’s 50‑year cinematic legacy and is expected to spawn impressive pre‑sales figures overseas. Son of Sardaar

Entertainment

Siddhant Chaturvedi Opens Up on Breaking into Bollywood

Siddhant Chaturvedi’s story isn’t your typical industry launchpad tale. From his small-town roots in Ballia to his breakthrough in Gully Boy, he’s carved a space for himself with grit, versatility, and quiet confidence. Ahead of the release of Dhadak 2, the actor opens up about the pressures of fame, resisting typecasting, struggling with self-styling, and how his parents’ unwavering support helped him through it all. In conversation with LIPIKA VARMA, Siddhant talks about his journey, and more. Excerpts- Do you feel pressure ahead of Dhadak 2’s release? Yes, there is pressure with every film’s release, whether it is a sequel or an independent film. But there’s more pressure with a sequel; it is not that you have to match the earlier one. There is always a desire to show something new, to show it differently, to tell a new story, because the ultimate goal is that people are entertained, and if they like something in it, they will like the film. Have you consciously chosen varied roles to avoid typecasting? Well, the work I do and at this point in time of my career, if I understand the story and I feel that this story has connected with me, then I do it. There is a conscious effort somewhere that you don’t have to do the same; you have to act in different characters, you have to present yourself in different ways, because this is the time for me. Mistakes can happen, but now I am sure I will not typecast roles. I always think that if you do one kind of thing, then that becomes your market. After doing a variety of roles, you reach a point, I have done it all, now what more? Do you believe in building a ‘market’ for yourself? I always have a goal

Entertainment

I Feel This is the Best Year of My Career- R Madhavan

R. Madhavan is back in the spotlight with Aap Jaisa Koi, a heartwarming family drama that explores love, loneliness, and rediscovery in life’s quieter chapters. As Shrirenu Tripathi a quiet, 42-year-old man who unexpectedly rediscovers love and himself Madhavan delivers one of his most layered performances yet. Directed by Vivek Soni and co-starring Fatima Sana Shaikh, the film explores emotional vulnerability, second chances, and the beauty of finding “Barabari Wala Pyaar.” In a candid chat with LIPIKA VARMA, Madhavan opens up about the film, love, ageing, and his evolving journey as an actor. Excerpts- What drew you to Aap Jaisa Koi, and what was it like playing Shrirenu? Aap Jaisa Koi is unlike any love story I’ve done before; it’s quiet, awkward, and deeply human. Shrirenu is one of the most complex characters I’ve played, someone who longs for companionship and closeness, but doesn’t quite know how to ask for it, yet he is rich with emotion underneath. This film isn’t loud or dramatic it’s patient, gentle, and deeply affecting. I was drawn to how it speaks to all the people who’ve felt overlooked in life or love. The film is a reminder that it’s never too late to start living on your own terms. It’s a story about vulnerability, rediscovery, and the idea that it’s never too late to open your heart. How has your view on romance changed over the years? Back in our day, we didn’t have apps or access to this kind of dating culture. Whatever ways romance happened was considered just okay. [hamare zamane mein choice nahi tha jo sahi tha romance mein bhi sahi mana jata hai] We didn’t have the mode to access dating apps. Therefore, if we wanted to meet a person in the city, it was difficult to meet as that

Entertainment

Tripti Dimri on Dhadak 2, Inter-Caste Love, and Negative Roles

Tripti Dimri made her debut as a leading lady in Laila Majnu (2018) and received critical acclaim for her work in Anvita Dutt’s Bulbbul (2020) and Qala (2022). She rose to fame with her scene-stealing role in the blockbuster Animal (2023) and is now one of the most talked-about names in the industry. With Dhadak 2 on the way and her recent casting in Spirit, a role that was initially set for Deepika Padukone, Tripti is clearly on a career high. In conversation with LIPIKA VARMA, Tripti talks about her upcoming films, social change through cinema, and her desire to play complex, layered roles. Tripti Simri answers a volley of questions while promoting Dhadak 2. Excerpts: How do you feel about starring in Dhadak 2? Does doing a sequel bring added pressure? I think, if you don’t take that pressure, but perform with full honesty and trust in your director and your team, that’s when magic happens. And I think that’s what Siddhanth and I and everybody else did on this project. So, we made sure not to take any pressure and just take each day as it comes. What were your inputs to the character in terms of improvisation, intensity, and spontaneity? It was a collaborative work. Every day was different. We would rehearse the scenes and then just play off each other. Siddhant has been a wonderful actor. There were a lot of scenes that were based on his reaction, even though you didn’t plan it that way. Because acting is all about reacting. The way you interact with someone day to day, naturally, your expressions come out to the best of your abilities. So, that is what happened. I think I was lucky to have good actors in this film. Everybody is just brilliant. I am happy