In this issue of The Peacock Magazine, she talks about how she envisions a future where she intends to focus on her craft and authenticity, striving to leave an unparalleled legacy behind.
CREDITS –
Photographer: Luis Monteiro
Video: Shakeel Bin Afzal
Stylist: Karl Willett
Hair: Matthew Curtis
Make-up: Lan Nguyen-Grealis
Location Courtesy: The Lanesborough, London
Wardrobe: Falguni Shane Peacock
Born into the illustrious Kapoor family, Bollywood actor and star Janhvi Kapoor has managed to carve her path and garner a meteoric rise in her career, without being bogged down by the weight of her famous surname. While the actor credits her parents Sridevi and Boney Kapoor for instilling in her and her sister a profound sense of gratitude and groundedness, she also points at them while talking about where her immense love for cinema from a young age stems from.
Janhvi’s journey in the film industry, spanning over six years, is an undeniable proof of her relentless pursuit of excellence and delivering good cinema. She seeks roles that resonate deeply with the audience and challenge her as an actor, pushing her out of her comfort zone to grow both personally and professionally. Whether it’s immersing herself in the complexities of a character in Ulajh or mastering the physical demands of professional cricket in Mr. & Mrs. Mahi, Janhvi’s commitment to her craft and the learning it brings with it is unwavering. While she acknowledges the emotional toll of deeply immersing in characters she plays, she also emphasises on the importance of maintaining a balance, relying on her support system and self-care routines to recharge and protect her well-being.
With each project, the budding superstar steps out of her comfort zone and faces the challenges with the enthusiasm of a newcomer. She treads the delicate balance between commercial films and those with social messages, driven by a desire to remain versatile. As a champion of women-centric films, Janhvi has been the face of some of the powerful roles in cinema early on in her career. It is no wonder that she speaks about how her mother has been the biggest influence on her creative journey.
The remarkable actor that she is, Janhvi is poised to continue her journey, taking on each new challenge with excitement and gratitude. As she stands on the cusp of further achievements, Janhvi Kapoor remains a beacon of talent, humility, and relentless passion in the ever-evolving landscape of Indian cinema.
Read on for the interview excerpts.
Q) Was it difficult for you to grow up with a famous last name?
Janhvi Kapoor (JK): I wouldn’t say it was difficult because my mom and dad were very protective of me, and I was raised in a very sheltered environment. They ensured that Khushi and I had as normal a childhood as possible, and made all the noise and paraphernalia surrounding their fame very secondary. There were consequences of it of course; but we were always reminded of how grateful we should feel, which outweighed so much of the pressure that we were bound to feel from being in the limelight. Of course, there were expectations, but my family always emphasised the importance of hard work and staying grounded. And that’s what I’ve followed.
Q) After six years in the industry, what does it mean when you say you’re looking for good roles?
JK: When I talk about good roles, it means I am seeking characters that not only resonate with the audience but also give me something to learn and grow from as an actor. Whether it’s an Ulajh where I learnt to think and feel like a character who is so unlike me or Mr. & Mrs. Mahi where I had to learn to play professional cricket. Good roles for me are those that push me out of my comfort zone and allow me to grow both personally and professionally.
Q) How long do you spend preparing to get into a character?
JK: The time I spend preparing for a character varies with each role. It can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the character and the demands of the script. I try my best to immerse myself in the character’s world, understand her background, and at other times undergo physical transformation to ensure authenticity. The preparation process is crucial for me to connect with the character on a deeper level.
Q) Are there still times in which you doubt yourself as an actor, even though you’ve been working in the industry for more than half a decade now?
JK: Yes, there are definitely times when I doubt myself as an actor. I think that’s probably happened with every actor and in fact, self-doubt is a part of any creative profession. It’s this doubt that pushes me to constantly improve and strive for better performances. Every time I watch myself on screen, in several scenes I think ‘Oh I could have done this better’. Every project is a learning experience, and I use these moments of uncertainty to refine my craft and push my boundaries.
Q) Some actors say that immersing oneself in a character so deeply can be harmful emotionally if you don’t know how to protect yourself. What do you think?
JK: I agree that immersing yourself deeply in a character can be emotionally taxing. It’s important to have a method to switch off after the shoot and return to reality. Maintaining a balance between my character and my personal life is crucial. I try to press that reset button post-pack-up when I am surrounded by my family, friends, and hobbies, which helps me detach and recharge emotionally.
Q) Even when exploring topics like death and grief?
JK: For me, these themes are particularly hard and emotionally taxing. I’ve learnt to handle it by building a support system and self-care routines to cope with the intensity of such characters and stories. It’s about finding a balance between portraying the character authentically and taking care of my mental well-being.
Q) Where do you find the stamina to play the kind of emotionally and physically gruelling roles you are best known for?
JK: Honestly, I don’t know where it comes from. I’m very stubborn as it is. If I genuinely like a role I will do whatever it takes to get the job done. My love for acting and being part of films helps me power through roles that are emotionally or physically gruelling. Owing to the profession, as an actor, we always have to look after our nutrition and fitness regimes, so yes, discipline in this area has also helped when it comes to the stamina required.
Q) I can imagine that preparing for something like Mili was a particularly gruelling process—but probably also very rewarding in the end.
JK: The journey of bringing Mili to life taught me a lot about resilience and the triumphs of the human spirit. The appreciation and connection with the audience made all the hard work worthwhile.
Q) Does that process get easier with experience?
JK: With each role, I learn new techniques and methods that help me prepare more efficiently. However, every character is unique, and the challenge of bringing them to life remains. So I go into every film like a newcomer because it’s a new story, a new character, a new world. Experience helps in navigating the process better, but the dedication and effort, the preparation and learning curve stay consistent.
Q) When you are acting, do you need a lot of freedom? Or are you someone who is totally in the hands of the director?
JK: I would say I am a director’s actor. Growing up I have been on movie sets and understand the producer’s and filmmaker’s approach to things. There is a certain vision and as actors, we bring that vision to life. I value my director’s vision and guidance. Even if I have certain thoughts or interpretations or suggestions, I do go back to my director and say ‘This is what I feel or this is what I think – what do you think?’ I like it being a collaborative effort with the director in the driver’s seat.
Q) When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone on a set?
JK: With every film an actor does, they step out of their comfort zone–honestly. For me, right from the first film I did, to my latest–I have always stepped out of my comfort zone and taken up different roles that required different skill sets. But this is exciting, and it’s what keeps me going!
Q) Is it hard to then keep the balance between more commercial films and films with social messages?
JK: Both types of films have their own set of demands and expectations. If you ask me which I prefer I would say: I can’t pick, I want to do both. I believe in the importance of versatility. I don’t want to be stereotyped and I want to try my hand at everything. Whether commercial entertainers or films with a deeper message, I aim to choose projects that resonate with me and allow me to grow as an actor and contribute meaningfully to the industry.
Q) You’ve led several woman-centric films recently. But do you think it is still difficult for actresses to find powerful and complicated roles in today’s industry?
JK: I feel I’ve been immensely fortunate on this front and have so much gratitude that I’ve been able to do woman-centric films this early in my career. While there has been significant progress, it can still be challenging for actresses to find powerful and substantial roles as leads. However, the industry is evolving, and there are more opportunities now than before. Strong, well-written female characters are becoming more prevalent, and I am optimistic about the future.
Q) Does a role written by a famed writer put extra pressure on you as an actor?
JK: I think for me, personally, more than the pressure, it’s the excitement that comes with having a role written by a great writer. It challenges me harder to want to do justice to the writer’s vision and the character they have created. I see it as a motivating factor that pushes me to deliver my best performance and honour the writer’s work.
Q) Looking back, what would you say has had the biggest influence on your creative journey?
JK: The biggest influence on my creative journey has been my family. Growing up in a household filled with artistes and storytellers instilled a deep love for cinema and acting in me. My mother, in particular, has been a source of inspiration and guidance. Her passion for her craft, her body of work and her dedication continue to inspire me every day.
Q) Do you ever have moments where your passion for the craft wanes?
JK: Like anyone in any profession, there are moments when the challenges and pressures can be overwhelming. During tough times, I remind myself of why I started this journey and the joy I feel in being in films and working on these amazing characters. I feel blessed with the opportunities and this keeps my passion alive and fuels my drive to keep going.
Q) Do you think an actor’s infatuation with stardom will ever collapse and return to a normal level?
JK: Truthfully, I never refer to myself as a star but as an actor. It’s a profession and I never let it get to my head. Thankfully I am surrounded by people who keep me grounded when I am off the set. I believe there is a growing awareness about the importance of focusing on the craft rather than just fame. The film industries around the world are evolving, and there’s a shift towards valuing talent, hard work, and authenticity over superficial stardom.
Q) How do your co-stars and fellow actors influence your performance and how far can you push those boundaries?
JK: Acting is a collaborative effort, and the energy and chemistry between actors can make or break a scene. Working with talented and passionate co-stars and fellow actors pushes me to give my best and explore new dimensions of my character. It helps with the acting and the reacting. And when you are surrounded by great actors you learn and pick up so much from them. It’s a continuous process of learning and growing together.
Q) Speaking of co-stars, Mr. & Mrs. Mahi was recently released and Ulajh is set to release soon. What other projects on the acting front and other spheres of your professional life are in the pipeline?
JK: I’m ecstatic and grateful for all the positive feedback I received on Mr. & Mrs. Mahi. Ulajh is up for release and I can’t wait for audiences to see me doing something I haven’t attempted before. I’m nervous but also excited. There is Devara, my first pan-India film. The rest, of course, I can divulge only once official announcements are made. But I am really enjoying the place and phase I’m at in my career right