After her OTT debut with Archies, Khushi Kapoor is set to make her theatrical debut in Loveyapa, opposite Junaid Khan and directed by Advait Chandan. In an exclusive conversation with Lipika Varma, she candidly answers a range of professional and personal questions.
How does it feel to be transitioning from OTT to the big screen?
It’s exciting to be starting my stint on the big screen. Besides, the process was different. Not much difference in performance – be it OTT or big screen, but the scripts are different from what I understand after shooting this film. We also have expectations at the box office when a film is released on a Friday. It’s not something I have thought of before. I think the pressure and the stress are there in the head. Both experiences are different in their way.
As a producer’s daughter, what have you learned from Boney Kapoor?
My co-actor is also a producer [smiles], but I don’t focus on that aspect. I see myself as a student on set, always eager to learn. I strive to be the best student, listening to everyone and absorbing as much as I can while working.
Why haven’t you or your siblings – Arjun, or Janhvi debuted under Boney Kapoor’s banner?
It’s not like we have to go to Papa and ask him to make a film for us. Requesting like, please- make a film for us. We have to work in this industry. I don’t think taking up the first film within the family would be the correct decision.
As reported Sridevi [mom] didn’t wish both sisters to take up filmy careers. Did she ever express this feeling to you?
Yes, casually she may have said to us -This isn’t the ideal profession for us. As an actor different factors come into being an actor, it’s not just going to the sets, shooting, and going back home. That’s the easy part of the job. Externally and mentally, it puts a lot of pressure on you if you are not equipped to handle it. Then vanity is a part of being an actor. The societal pressure and what people have to say, you have to be able to take that criticism. It’s a bit hard for someone who is not prepared for it so she was trying to safeguard us. Both Janhvi and I wanted to be in it, we were sure about it.
Would you like to do any remake of her films? Which is your favourite film of your Mom?
I would never want to remake any of her films. Those were her films and I don’t think I will be able to do justice. My favourite film of my mom’s is, ‘Sadma’. I would love to do my own films.
Would you like to do more serious roles over glamorous ones?
After doing Loveyappa I just realized, I love rona- dhona, serious and more emotional ones. Glamorous roles are fun indeed, but now, I am gravitating more toward serious roles.
Is there any sibling rivalry between you and Janhvi?
I think, even having talked about this, the thought of not being happy for each other’s success is so bizarre because it is a very common thing for people to think that two siblings in an industry sister can’t possibly have ill feelings for each other working in the same universe. It’s so bizarre for me to even think of this concept. A win for her is a win for me and vice versa. I feel wired to even grasp any kind of rivalry.
Janhvi told us in our first interaction that she always extends motherly affection towards you after the loss of your mom. How much does Janhvi advise you?
Yes, I am very close to her and always look up to my sister. She does the best for me always; we do a lot together this brings us closer to each other. She is a stylist, my manager, best friend and assistant. Sometimes I am the same.
I don’t make any decision without talking to Janhvi -Be it taking up any project, styling, or anything professional or personal. She is my go-to person.
When you sit together with all your Kapoor (Sonam, Arjun, Janhvi, and Harshvardhan) siblings, what do you discuss and who do you follow from among the siblings?
I don’t think I would like to follow anyone. This is my path so I have to pave it on my own. Everyone’s journey has to be different but it’s great to see so many different journeys from your family, of all you get a fresh perspective of things.
When we meet together, we don’t just discuss films we also talk about the happenings on the home front. Dadi is the most interesting individual in the entire ‘Kapoor” family. We are relatively a normal family that just happens to be in the public eye.
Would we see you working down in South Films?
It’s like, never say never to working down the South. Yes, if the story is good someday, I would like to work down South. However, I feel it’s too early for me to think about it.
Do you speak Tamil fluently since your mom is a Tamilian?
I can understand Tamil a little, as my mom spoke it at home. However, Mom would keep switching from Tamil to Telugu and Malayalam. I find very little difference in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam, however, I am not very fluent in speaking it.
