“Ishaqzaade was my school and Aurangzeb is my graduation” – Arjun Kapoor

By Devansh Patel -

May 17, 2013 - 12:51 PM IST

The last time I met Arjun Kapoor, his roasted grilled chicken didn't turn up on time. But this time around it was a different story - actually, a delicious one to be honest. Arjun Kapoor is dressed in his blue linen shirt with orange buttons, ruffled hair and at his usual - laid back attitude. He's a dude, a chiller, a friend you'd want to hang out with and talk cinema for hours. Arjun likes the vibe around him and of course, his chicken salad that he orders. But before the tempting healthy food arrived, this happened - "Can I eat in front of you while you interview me? Is that ok with you?", asks Arjun. I couldn't say 'No' knowing the last time he has missed out on his meal. Growing up in a family of working actors has truly given this Kapoor lad a true appreciation for the patience and work ethic needed to succeed in Bollywood. Though I find that he has this unique wide ranging curiosity that'll take him places, Arjun wants to keep learning the craft and be normal. Yes, being normal and grounded is the most difficult thing an actor can possess, until I met the actor at YRF Studios and found out that 'normal' and grounded' is his second nature.

“Ishaqzaade was my school and Aurangzeb is my graduation” – Arjun Kapoor

Son, Brother, Successor, Emperor - what was the most difficult role to play?

The emperor was the most challenging one to play. Ajay who is the prodigal son returns to his throne and Vishal who is the reluctant emperor, both were unique and two dynamically different portrayals. What's interesting is the title of the film - Aurangzeb - goes with all other characters in the film. All have the thirst for the power. What extent will you go to, to reach to the top is what Aurangzeb is all about.

Being one film old, would you also experiment with a deaf and mute character or something that drastic in a movie?

I would love to play and deaf and mute character but then I'll make sure I do it different from Barfi. The idea is to interpret something new in your character. That's why people like you. I am a switch on and switch off kind of a person. I am not bound by any image because I am just one film old. I can afford to experiment and that is what I am planning to do. I've done two very different portrayals - the one in Ishaqzaade and the one in Aurangzeb. In Aurangzeb he is dark. He is high on cocaine, debauched, kills people anytime of the day and greedy. You will find boys like this in certain parts of India. I like different personalities that I can put into my roles.

Did you have any reference point while going into your character for Aurangzeb? I mean, did you see Devil's Double to get inspired for your role?

Aurangzeb isn't inspired from Devil's Double nor have I got inspired from Dominic Cooper's character from the same film. I don't watch movies for referencing mainly because both the characters are different. Dominic Cooper has no redemption by the end of the film. He spends time with his look alike throughout the film. So really nothing is fresh if I see any English movie. The behavioural patterns are different. I've spent time with my director and studied the nuances of my characters and that's my study.

You aren't one of those actors, who would not take a bath for days to look the part, are you?

(Laughs) I am not one of those actors who wouldn't take a bath for days to look his part. I still have to live my life normally. I still go to eat food outside. I can't start misbehaving with girls if Ajay's part in Aurangzeb is like that. I can't keep wearing my suit and go for other narrations. But yes, there is a preparation that goes into making the character believable. It's called acting. I don't take myself too seriously. Even the finest actor from our industry, Aamir Khan doesn't stop behaving normally. There is a boundary to acting.

Don't you get a certain 'kick' and 'high' by being around actors who've defined our cinema - Amrita Singh, Jackie Shroff, Rishi Kapoor?

You subconsciously just become a better actor around them. You elevate your game without even realising because they bring that energy. They listen to their directors and that's the best part about Jackie Shroff, Amrita Singh and Rishi Kapoor. The control over their craft is remarkable. The casting of Aurangzeb is bang on. We have stalwarts in the film. Good actors make you believe in everything. The film too transforms you into Gurgaon and with the characters; it just doubles up the believability. That's half the battle won. Ishaqzaade was my school and Aurangzeb is my graduation.

Today's generation of actors is so chilled out. Do you want to be a superstar?

The times have changed. I don't think the audience wants to see us as superstars. They want to relate to us. Thus we need to be more grounded. There is no room for ego amongst us young actors. Let's be honest, I don't know how many fans I have but I am here to do good cinema and not do films for my fans. I want my fans to relate to my characters I play on screen. That's what makes us connect with fans. We are fortunate to have had a decent release and our entry in the industry. We young actors aren't insecure. At least I am not.

What scene took the most number of takes in Aurangzeb?

There is a scene where I am slapping myself and it took 60 takes and more. I mean I am slapping my lookalike and so there is this camera used to capture that movement. It's very difficult to do because the camera moves on count and that means I have to finish my dialogue in count. It has to be precise, not a centimetre less or more. I am delivering a major dialogue and in a jiffy there is a slap. It was tough for all of us to shoot that day.

Your favourite double role movies?

Kaminey is my favourite double role movie. I love Judwaa, Man In The Iron Mask, Kishen Kanhaiyaa, Chaalbaaz. But honestly, I was blown away by Kaminey and it was that one film that validated my thought to be an actor.

What impresses you about these two stalwarts - Jackie and Rishi?

Jackie Shroff is so suave. He is so chilled out for a man who is so successful. He has this demeanour. He can be rooted and then in a second be international in his presence. That's what makes him so interesting. Rishi Kapoor has an awe around him and can scare the sh** out of most people by just being there. That trait you only get with the kind of work you put in and over the time, the respect you garner. He is such a tremendous actor.

Son, Brother, Successor, Emperor and?

Son, Brother, Successor, Emperor and For My Mother.