Kunal Kapoor opens up about fear of being forgotten during four-year break
'Jewel Thief' featuring
Saif Ali Khan
and
Jaideep Ahlawat
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Kunal Kapoor
's comeback to cinema after a four-year break. Following the movie's release, Kunal spoke candidly in an interview about his experiences and reflections during his time away from acting on the big screen.
Reflecting on the Four-Year Hiatus
Talking to Hindustan Times, Kunal reflected on his four-year break from acting and described the period as challenging because he had to turn down many opportunities. He acknowledged the common fear among actors that being less visible might cause filmmakers to forget them. Despite this concern, he chose not to accept repetitive roles, believing that the true excitement of acting lies in exploring new perspectives. He emphasized that being typecast and repeatedly playing similar characters diminishes the joy and creativity of the craft.
Balancing Visibility
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Kunal notes that actors often receive similar roles repeatedly, so it's important to strike a balance between being seen and preserving artistic integrity. Sometimes, he takes on projects primarily to remain visible and be part of the right films, hoping these opportunities will eventually allow him to challenge himself and grow as an actor.
Addressing Perceptions of Being Selective
When asked about being perceived as overly selective, Kunal laughed and said he hears that often. He mentioned that some directors have described him as "very choosy," but he disagrees. He loves being on movie sets and believes actors pursue the craft to be seen, not to hide. Rather than playing hard to get, he feels that good scripts are the ones that are elusive. If he were offered the kind of work he is looking for, he would want to be on set all the time, as that is where he finds the most enjoyment.
Frustration of the Break
Kunal's most recent project was the series 'The Empire', where he played Emperor Babur. Both the show and his performance were well received. However, this success was followed by a four-year break. He described this period as frustrating, comparing it to being on a football team but sitting on the bench during an exciting match, eager to play but not getting the chance. He admitted that he learned late in his career that visibility often matters more than talent, as filmmakers need to see actors frequently to keep them in mind for roles.
Staying Productive Behind the Scenes
The actor is quick to point out that his time away from acting was far from wasted. He explains that although he wasn't visible on screen, he remained deeply involved in filmmaking. During this period, he established a writers' room to develop scripts that resonated with him. These projects, which he plans to either produce or star in, are currently in the works. Overall, Kunal views this phase as a productive and creative chapter in his career.
Upcoming Projects
Kunal is set to enter the Telugu film industry with Vishwambara, sharing the screen with the legendary Chiranjeevi. Additionally, he has a yet-to-be-revealed role in Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana', a film featuring prominent
Ranbir Kapoor
,
Sai Pallavi
, and Yash.
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