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EXCLUSIVE: Namaste England's Arjun Kapoor: I would take a successful film over a successful performance
In an EXCLUSIVE interview with Pinkvilla, Arjun Kapoor spoke on Namaste England, box office figures, its importance, what is his mind space like, being socially aware and of course, working with his first co-star Parineeti Chopra. Read on.
Arjun Kapoor is a highly articulate person who speaks from his heart and is amongst the few who doesn't give two hoots about being 'politically correct'. A chat with him always ends up stretching a bit as he makes sure to answer every question diligently, with no qualms whatsoever. After Half Girlfriend, when I met him for the second time, this time for Namaste England, I was welcomed with a warm smile and a clearly exhausted sigh. However, with a pause and recovered enthusiasm, he spoke on box office figures, its importance, what is his mind space like, being socially aware and of course, working with his first co-star Parineeti Chopra.
Without much ado, here's an excerpt from the conversation:
What's on your mind given that you have been shooting nonstop and added promotions?
My mind space is of clarity and chaos like it has always been. I am clear that there is chaos in my life (laughs). No, as time has proceeded, I have learnt how to manoeuvre and tackle my time and life better and how to balance my professional and personal situations. By design, I was always going to be shooting before I started promotions because Namaste England was supposed to release in December, and then, we preponed it to October; so, I did not want to change the commitments of the film. I am enjoying the madness. I would not change it for anything. Yes, I would like to breath for five minutes in between interviews (smiles).
You are one of the few celebrities who is not afraid to take a stand on social issues or be it taking on trolls...
Arjun interrupts...
Apparently, I didn't realise that I have been doing this. I just reacted spontaneously what I felt at the moment, never took that I am an actor and I am not supposed to do this or that. I realised that I react more as a human being first. Now, when I am talking to you guys [media] is when I have started to see how this is being perceived. It is not something that is designed to make me look like I-am-an-opinionated-person, but it is an emotional reaction to something that I feel I must stand up for and speak up.
But do you feel apprehensive at any point given that troll brigades are ready to pounce on anyone at any given opportunity? Do you worry how people might perceive this opinion to be?
If there are people who want to misinterpret, they will do that even when you say, 'Hi, how are you?' So, you cannot live your life scared but of course, the concern does remain sometimes. Today, you may react without having an educated opinion and that might lead to consequences. Also, I feel that just because we are public figures, we cannot be ready with opinions when asked, it has to be my opinion and when I want to speak about it. It cannot be enforced. We are allowed to not give an answer, if we are not prepared to. There are so many times when a film is due for release people don't want to speak because many livelihoods are at stake. Just because of your opinion, if they are in trouble, it is not fair to them. My opinion is my own and I wouldn't want it to affect someone else's life, but at the same time, I won't shy away from speaking just because there are people who don't like what I say. But, it is something very spontaneous and natural; it is never PR-driven; for me, it has never been and will never be.
No religion allows violence. Nothing in this world justifies what this man has said. The more I read this the more it fuels anger towards this crass thought process. Who gives any man the authority to raise their hand on someone and make them decide what they should do or not do. https://t.co/o8XQJWPWsh
Do you think this is perhaps one of the traits that makes you popular amongst people?
I am happy about that if that is the case. If this gives me an identity, it is a great identity to have. To be somebody who stands up for something right, this was never an agenda as it has happened organically. Now, I feel the pressure (laughs). I am an emotional person, so I mostly react because of that. I might put out something in the moment and probably think about it later but I don't mind that feeling.
Most of the characters you have played have a mischievous element to it with subdued romantic side. How much of both are you in real life?
I am mischievous! Not been romantic for a while, but I would love to be romantic (laughs out loud)...I think everyone is a little mischievous but with me, the case is that my personal humour is very different from what you see in films but there is a subtle overlap that you see in romantic films. The mischief that I do onscreen is also the way I am off screen and I am a romantic person because I am emotional. I might not say I love you 20 times but I will do 20 things to make you believe that I love you. It comes down to say that you want to see your partner happy and that's what romance is, according to me.
You are reuniting with Parineeti after Ishaqzaade. One quality of hers that you wish to imbibe in you?
I think she always wants to do one more...she always wants to do more. She is not ever content with what she has given. I am the kind of actor who is happy when the director is happy with the shot. I feel that if my director has found something that he likes then I don't want to disturb something good. But, she always feels she can do better. That is one quality I like about her. She pushes me also with that. Since her last two films, she is trying to do better and she is making me also do better.
Do you give credit to her for making you a better actor then?
I credit all my co-actors and director because I am actor out of all these experiences. So, at anytime, anyone likes my work. It is a journey of Ishaqzaade to Namaste England, and all the people who have affected and connected with me. I would be nothing without those experiences.
What would you choose- A successful movie or a successful performance?
Being a producer's son, I would always want to make sure that with my film, the producer makes money and the audience comes to the theatres to watch it. There is no better feeling than seeing a full theatre. That means maximum number of people have seen it, and the more number of people see it, it means they are probably liking the performances automatically. If a film works, it is because everyone's work is appreciated, if only your work is appreciated, it doesn't feel that great at least to me. It might sound strange but I would take a successful film over a successful performance. So, if a film doesn't work but people love my performance, it will still leave my heart broken but if a film works, but my performance is liked but not loved, I would take it.
How have you seen yourself grow as an actor in your six-year long career?
I think it is unfair for me to say anything on this. I am only hoping to improve myself with each film. I know I come with the right intent when I take up any film, I don't take my place for granted, I don't take my work for granted. I am perseverant and hard working, but these are the basics which you are expected to have, as a professional. The growth as an artist and the craft, it is best to ask people who see it from a third person perspective. But definitely, I would say I am more at ease today in front of the camera and I am more relaxed. I still get butterflies in my stomach before doing a scene, I still get excited as a child. Maybe, I have grown and evolved but still feel like a child in a candy shop who is getting to work with such amazing actors and directors, doing some fun stuff.
Namaste England released today in theatres and has open to mixed reviews.
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