Seeking versatility

After “2 States” Arjun Kapoor gets into a mental state with “Finding Fanny”

July 23, 2014 06:36 pm | Updated 06:36 pm IST - New Delhi

Arjun Kapoor is shifting gears from popular masala to something niche. Photo: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar

Arjun Kapoor is shifting gears from popular masala to something niche. Photo: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar

The promos of Finding Fanny are out and we can see Arjun Kapoor is shifting gears from popular masala to something niche. In fact it happened early this year when he shed his intense gangster image for a studious boy in love for 2 States. In Delhi to promote Asus smart phones, the son of producer Boney Kapoor talks about his upcoming release and his directorial aspirations.

Excerpts:

How did you get cast inFinding Fanny?

Actually, director Homi Adajania ended up watching Ishaqzaade and wanted to cast me as Savio D’ Gama, a mechanic. To see Ishaqzaade and want to pitch me in an English language film, I found it very interesting. So, I just went with his conviction. It wasn’t my comfort space, it was something new. But I wanted to take that challenge and I am glad I did because it got a reaction. It’s one of those quirky films that will make people sit up and take notice. It’s a comedy, a road trip about five people who don’t like each other. They are stuck in situation where they are driving to find Fanny, and how they discover themselves in the course of the journey.

Your selection of roles has been quite interesting. What kind of roles do you plan to do in future?

I’ve been very lucky. I’ve not planned things, and yet it’s happened. I never set out thinking I am looking to do a romantic film. I’ve just gone with the flow and I would like to believe that I can continue being that way. Obviously, I don’t ever want to get typecast; I want to dabble with all kinds of films. I think that’s where even a Finding Fanny happened for me because I didn’t want to get stuck in a rut doing a particular type of films. I don’t want my audience to think that I am fixated with one type. I would like to have a well rounded personality as an actor so that they can see me in all sorts of roles. These days I am inclined to do something on the lighter side. I would like to do a fun, urban film.

FromIshaqzaadeto now, how has your journey been?

The journey has been fantastic. It’s actually been overwhelming. In moments like this, when you come back to a city that you don’t live in and you get love and appreciation you realise that there has been a remarkable growth in the way people view you. During Ishaqzaade the way people perceived me was different. It makes you realise that this medium is amazing and being an actor is a beautiful experience. I am fortunate to be accepted by the Indian audiences.

You had previously said you wanted to be a director. Is that dream still alive?

Of course! I am very clear in my head that I want to direct. But, now is not the time. I am just starting out as an actor. If I have a good foundation here, then the acceptance as an actor will allow me to make the kind of films that I want to make. At the end of the day I am a passionate producer’s son, I don’t think very small in terms of films. The first two scripts I had written were big canvas scripts. At that point I don’t think anybody would’ve backed me. But today, because I am an actor, and if I do well here, I will eventually get that backing and star cast to make the movie that I want to make. Also, I think I will be a better director if I experience a bit more of life. Facing the camera makes you understand what’s on a director’s mind. This is like a nice grooming school while I get ready to direct, some time in the future. I just don’t know when.

So as a director, what sort of films would you make?

I don’t know as of yet. What I wrote when I was 17 or 18 doesn’t hold up anymore. What I do know is that I want to make entertaining films; I am not going to be a subtle filmmaker. I would like to present films which are larger than life, yet relatable to each and every audience in the country.

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