“TV has given me a lot and I am what I am today because of television”

ALAN KAPOOR tells JYOTI VENKATESH

In this exclusive telephonic interview, Alan Kapoor who has just been introduced in the lead character in the triangular love drama Pyar Ka Luka Chuppi tells JYOTHI VENKATESH that he has always believed in doing his best work and if the audience likes him, he is confident the media too will push him ahead.

How does it feel to be yet another Kapoor in the industry?

It feels great. I wish I was related to them (laughs). This surname has always been there for a long time in the industry and people have their expectations with the surname ‘Kapoor’. So, it is sort of exciting and at the same time you also have to prove it to people.

But, did your surname help you to get access in the industry easily?

No, it did not. But yes, it does ring a bell with people. So, whenever I am communicating with people, the surname does strike a question like this.

How come an engineer like you ended up in the film and television industry?

During my engineering, I was doing my summer training in Mumbai itself at Mahindra and Mahindra. I was staying with my cousin of mine who was aspiring to be an actor. On my off days which were Saturdays and Sundays, he would take me along with him for auditions, as I believed in being the jack of all trades. Hopefully time will tell me if I would be a master of one. I used to work on my acting skills and developed an interest in acting. However, since childhood I had been doing some dance shows and modeling assignments back in my hometown in Agra. But I didn’t see a future in Agra for this and therefore didn’t think much about it during those days. And when I came to Mumbai and saw the industry, I gradually realized my interest. Now the perspectives have changed. Initially, when I started, I wanted only fame but now since I have seen it, I want to perform well and be known for my talent and work. I feel satisfied after delivering a good scene.

How did you get your first break?

I had joined Kishore Namit Kaoor’s acting institute and during that time, the film ‘Rama Rama Kya Hai Drama’ worked out for me during 2008-2009. I had a cute little role in the film which had Anupam Kher, Rajpal Yadav and Ashish Choudhury in the cast. In the film, I had to tell Rajpal sir ‘Imagine Imagine Imagine’ and then he would start imagining different women as his own wives and then the confusion would start. I was the one who initiated the confusion. So, when I worked in that film, I realized that I should work a little more on myself. I started doing plays with Yatri Group. After that I assisted Anil Sharma in Veer to analyze a director’s point of view.

Did you get your first film Rama Rama What A Drama easily or was there any struggle?

I luckily bagged Rama Rama What A Drama. They were looking for a boy for this role and then once when I was on the sets shooting for the film, they told me that they would offer me a three-film contract, which unfortunately for me, never worked out.

When you assisted Anil Sharma in Veer, did Salman Khan take any interest in grooming you as an actor?

Actually, we didn’t get to communicate much during the film. I had worked on the Mumbai schedule. I was anyway in my shell and very awestruck looking at such big stars and only focusing on my work and working on the direction. I was basically learning. I completed my engineering and then started acting.

How did you bag the offer to act in Singh Saab The Great?

Anilji knew that I was an actor, because I used to do little acting and go for rehearsals and had confidence in me to offer me ‘Singh Saab The Great’.  I played Sunil Deol’s brother in law in that movie. I would say I was lucky the film was offered to me. I was not assisting him in it as he had totally made me work as an actor.

Why were you not a part of Anil Sharma’s Genius?

Back then I was still growing as an actor and trying to make my mark. Now I have my own space and family who expect from me. Anil ji also wanted to give me a role that I can justify.

Which was your first break on TV?

My first break on TV was a show called ‘Palampur Express’. I used to wear braces back then and luckily they liked me with the braces itself. The show was about school kids who were in a running competition. I made 2-3 good friends while shooting Palampur Express and none of us were the lead actors back then, but now everyone is doing well in their life. Like Adaa Khan, Mudit Nayar, Yash Gera and me, all of whom are doing great and I am happy to see that my gang is out there performing very well.

How many TV serials did you do after Palampur Express?

I did the children’s show Kya Mast Hai Life Season 2. Then I signed my first main lead in 2010 which was Niyati. All this happened in just one year itself. Rishton Ke Bhanwar Mein Uljhi Niyati was Dheeraj Kumar’s show with me in my first lead. That happened till 2011. I was also doing a show called 26/12 which was based on a terrorist attack and bomb blast. I hit a jackpot when I got to work in the lead track as Officer Rahul in Diya Aur Baati Hum and got fame. From then the tables turned and I got to taste fame.

We had gone for a shoot in Karnal for 15 days and in that duration the TRP shot up suddenly. The channel also wanted us to stay there so we went on and shot for 50 days. It was a good, happy and humbling feeling when people used to stand outside the vanity van and ask for my autograph. After that I signed one more serial in 2014 as main lead in Piya Basanti Re. I was acting opposite my friend from Palmpur Express Adaa Khan. After that I joined Sasural Simar Ka which again got me closer to the audience. I joined for just a track but it continued for 2.5 years till the end.

What has happened to your ambition to work in films?

I did a film after that about which I cannot talk. I was the only hero in it. But I am still bound by my contract not to divulge any details about it. I was cast opposite a newcomer. Then I was doing episodics in between because I got another offer for two-three films that’s why I was not regular on television. But now because of lockdown the scenario has changed. The film shooting has been postponed. In the meantime I got Pyar Ki Luka Chuppi for which I auditioned before the lockdown. When the serial resumed shooting I got a call informing me that my character is now getting introduced. Luckily I was in Mumbai and signed the contract and started shooting. It is a new character, who enters Srishti’s life.

How do you approach your role as an actor?

This role is very different for me. My character is very calm and composed. I haven't done something like this before. There are some scenes where I personally feel angry but the character deals with it calmly. He is like an ideal son and brother. For example, if his brother is not in office, he will not sit on the chair, though he owns the company as he respects him a lot.

To what extent could you relate to your character?

I may not be so calm but I do think before doing anything. I obey all the rules and laws because that's how I have been brought up. I’m a person who takes responsibility for my actions in real life.

How do you find Aparna Dixit?

Aparna is very sweet and cooperative. We belong to the same home town so we have a lot of common friends and things to share and talk about. We are family friends and our parents have some common friends too.

Can you name 5 of your best shows till now?

I loved my role in Piya Basanti Re where I was the lead. I was playing a multi millionaire who is a football star. I am a sportsman myself so I connected with the character. I liked my character in Diya Aur Baati Hum, where I played IPS Rahul who sacrificed his own love because she is linked with terrorists. I did ‘Encounter’ which was hosted by Manoj Bajpayee where I played my one and only negative role. Pyar Ki Luka Chuppi has me in a very different role and then it would be Rishton Ke Bhanwar Mein Uljhi Niyati. But I would like to add that all roles are very special to me as I personally get attached to them when I play them.

Do you think it is good or bad to get attached to the character?

I don't get attached to the trait of the character. I’d say that if you give something your heart and soul for about a year or two you obviously get attached to the character right.

You shot to fame very recently right. You didn't make any attempt to get media mileage before?

I never went for publicity. I have always believed in doing my best work and if the audience likes me, I was confident the media will push me ahead.

Do you prefer a career in TV or films?

TV has given me a lot and I am what I am today because of television. As an actor, yes films offer more depth to play. For a person to get regular work in movies, you have to have a combination of acting skills, hard work and luck. I feel TV is a little more generous for actors. If given a choice, I would love to do movies with some good directors.

You haven’t acted in any web series? Are you open to work in web series considering the demands it has?

I am open to it to a certain extent, if it is justified and if I trust the director will maintain that line and not cross the thin line between sensuality and sultriness. I am game to play rugged characters.

Right now your only focus is on Pyar Ki Luka Chuppi!

Yes, I am shooting almost every day. After shooting for long hours and then travelling to and fro from the set, I don’t think there is a great scope to do anything else with this tight time schedule.

Who are the movie directors in your wish list?

Aditya Chopra, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Imtiaz Ali and Karan Johar

Whose biopic would you like to do?

I really idolize Bruce Lee. I have won a lot of championships in Taekwondo at different levels. If my look fits in and I am given a chance, I would love to do that.

Can you name your five favourite actors?

Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan (I have grown up seeing him), Irrfan Khan was an amazing, terrific actor, Aamir Khan and Ranbir Kapoor.

Can you name your five favourite actresses?

Alia Bhatt, Madhuri Dixit, Sri Devi, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

I would be doing good projects where I am recognized and rewarded with some awards. Maybe if I am satisfied with my career at that point in time, I might even set out to produce a film.