Vaani Kapoor on criticism: If you've nothing constructive to say, don't say at all
Q: To have a project like Mandala Murders as your digital debut, was it a conscious decision to take on something you hadn't been offered in films?I was intrigued by it. I was excited. I was happy that somebody saw that potential in me — to picture me in a role like this and envision me in a universe like Mandala. The story is strong. It's fictional, but it's not just about crime. It's blended with mythology. It leaves you thinking about your belief system, the choices you make, the consequences that follow. I feel everyone has a moment when they reflect, 'This is who I am, this is what I believe in.' I do that all the time.Q: When you wrapped the shoot, what did you learn about yourself — something you didn't know you were capable of?Anything except flying like Superman — that's for CGI! (laughs)! But yes, I realised I love challenging myself. I want to test my limits, find my weaknesses and turn them into strengths. Acting is emotionally and physically exhausting. The backstory work, the performance, the action, it's all-consuming. There was a day I shot for 17 hours straight. I was so tired I couldn't even remember my last scene, and I still had to catch a flight! It's unhealthy, and I wouldn't recommend it but I did it. Because I love it.Q: That kind of pressure and intensity, it can wear you down. What happens on days when it gets too much?I cry. I let it out of my system. I'm a deeply emotional person, but I've learnt to not let it overwhelm me to the point where I can't function. People often tell me, 'You should be thick-skinned by now.' But I'm not. And I don't think I want to be. I take things to heart. I overthink — people who know me will agree! But I also try to understand where I might have gone wrong. I always try to be better than I was yesterday, with whatever bandwidth I have.advertisementQ: And when criticism comes your way, especially in this age where everyone has an opinion, how do you deal with that?If it's constructive, I value it a lot. I ask myself, 'Was I not good enough? Did something not connect?' But you won't get a pat on the back from everyone. With social media, everyone's a reviewer. And that's fair, audiences are paying for a ticket or a subscription. They have a right to be honest. But if someone has nothing constructive to say, I don't think they should say anything at all.I scroll past things I don't agree with. I don't write, 'I hate this' or 'You should disappear.' That kind of negativity, I just don't understand it. How much energy are people willing to spend just to tear someone down?Q: That kind of criticism/trolling, it's exhausting and demoralising. Do you ever find yourself questioning your self-worth because of it?Yes, of course. And I feel bad, not just for myself, but for others too. Everyone's going through something. Anxiety, depression, self-doubt. I don't know anyone who hasn't experienced it and, yet, we do this to each other. We pull each other down.advertisementQ: You said earlier that you were grateful someone saw this side of you with Mandala. Do you ever feel like those kinds of opportunities haven't come often enough?There are days when I wish I was part of something. When I think, 'Why didn't that filmmaker see me in that light?' But I've started leaving that to God. If I deserve it, it'll come to me. If someone else was better for the part, so be it. I've learnt to make the most of what's on my plate. I can't afford to say, 'I don't have that, so I don't want this either.' Maybe it'll take me longer to get where I want to be, but at least I'm moving. I'm not stuck. I'm not going backwards.'Mandala Murders' will premiere on Netflix on July 25, 2025.- EndsMust Watch
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