Back after a gruelling 10-day trip that he undertook with his long time friend Cyrus Sahukar for television series Great Escape , Kunal Kapoor doesn’t show any sign of fatigue. Settling down for a luncheon meeting at The Imperial’s Atrium restaurant, he is fresh and chirpy.
“The schedule was tough but it was simply enjoyable especially since it meant spending lot of time with Sahu. I feel energised and now dil mange more,” he says sipping fresh watermelon juice. In fact he is keenly awaiting the release of his latest film Raagdesh directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia. “That’s a film very close my heart because it has a strong storyline and will make people especially many among the the present generation aware about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army, its ideology and the sacrifices these soldiers made.” Playing the role of General Shah Nawaz Khan, Kunal reveals, “The moment I heard the story I said yes, probably the least time I ever took to accept an assignment. I also felt embarrassed and ashamed that I really did not know much about INA and its members though I quickly filled in reading books and articles.”
Authentic diction
Observing the juice is over the staff moves in to serve lamb dumpling bruschetta. Enjoying the flavour of the filling, Kunal shares how elated he felt playing Gen. Khan’s character. “As one of the luminaries of the freedom movement, I felt proud. To make the character as authentic as possible I read up about him, met and talked to his grandson and family to get a feel of what the personality was.” Sparing no effort, he ensured delivering the dialogues in a typical Rawalpindi accent, the place from which the General hailed. Well, that is definitely what people would expect from a film by Tigmanshu, well known for giving a touch of realism. “Not just that, Tigmanshu as an actor understands his cast well and backs them completely making the whole process and atmosphere very comfortable to work in.”
Seeing Kunal enjoy the dumplings, some more are served. “Arre nahi bhai aab khana laga do,” he says with a smile. When the special grilled chicken with raisin sauce is suggested, he agrees. “This with mashed potatoes on the side is something like a staple food for me.” He must have missed all this on his road trip which took him through the heart of Himalayas. “No, instead I had a chance to taste delicious saag aloo ki subzi, dal, rice and parathas at different places we halted like dhabas, homestays and hotels. The interesting bit is the taste like people and place varied every four kilometres. Amazing isn’t it!”
With Raagdesh to hit the screens, Kunal is now gearing up for Gold directed by Reema Kagti. Not willing to share too many details, he says, “It is an engaging tale revolving around a hockey team and I share space with Akshay Kumar and Amit Sadh.” Will we see him wielding the stick? “Yes, but I have not played the game in my younger days so need to learn it. Every film is a learning process, qualifying me as a lifelong learner,” he quips.
Besides figuring in films as a part of ensemble, Kunal is playing the lead in Doga . Based on a comic character created by Raj Comics, it has been popular since past 25 years. “I never size a role by its length. Rather I prefer to view it from the prism of impact. Importantly, it has be something which I have not done before as I do not want to repeat myself.” He cites his special appearance in Bachna Ae Haseeno . “Though small, the Sikh I played was much appreciated as I ensured that instead of the going over the top style I imbibe it with dignity and grace.”
Seems Kunal is a busy bee what with films and TV show coming his way. Agreeing, he says, “I am also doing theatre also after a long time. I did ‘Ek Punjab Yeh Bhi’ with Danish Hussain which has four stories woven around Partition and Punjab of that time. It felt good to return to the home turf again.” Must have considering that Kunal honed his acting skills with Barry John and the Naseeruddin Shah’s Motley theatre group. “Not formally educated in acting, the six months with Barry devoted to thinking and working only about emoting was a journey of discovering new things everyday. He set the base which I got a chance to develop further with Naseer Sahab, an institution in himself.”
Process of acting
Crediting Naseeruddin Shah for teaching the process of acting, he discloses, “He would break up the character and the scene completely making you understand the how and why of the process. Many in the industry try to convey that acting comes naturally but that is a myth. It entails hours of thinking and working on the role.” Kunal cites the example of Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, all of whom he has worked with. “These senior actors work for hours to rehearse scenes and dialogues. What makes them truly incredible is their unlimited passion for the craft. For me these are worth emulating.”
With chicken served, Kunal is quick to taste it. “Great stuff!” Seems he was rightly cast for Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khuarana . “You could say that since I had the chicken which used to be prepared on the sets but honestly I do not know how to cook and what you see is play acting. The film was indeed was a turning point in my career.” Perceiving my inquisitiveness, he explains. “After Rang De Basanti and Don 2, I was being offered similar roles or those which I did not believe in. After this lull period, this film came along. Initially, I was disappointed in that phase, I utilised it for introspection and understand how best I could present my roles differently. Besides I got a chance to catch up with writing, my other passion besides acting and eating.”
He has been penning stories since school days and had a bunch of ideas with him. “I ran through them and came up with film scripts which are in different stages now. Two have already evinced interest of a director and producer.” Having assisted Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra in Aks, won’t he wield the baton? “Possibly as writing for me is the first step towards that.”
Did he not also mention eating as passion? “Yes I did,” he replies with a wide smile. “I am fond of eating all kinds of South Indian delicacies like dosas, appam with stew, idlis to the Gujarati ones like undhiyu, fefla, aam ras and dhoklas.” Quite a geographical reach! “Not just that I relish eating kulcha choley and meat dishes of Amritsar and all the Bengali fish preparations.” Without running out of breath, he includes maki rolls, Thai rice with chicken and vegetables, Japanese miso soups and Italian pastas and pizzas. “Touch wood I am blessed with a great metabolism which allows me to eat heartily without gaining weight. This includes gajar ka halwa, besan ladoos, chocolates and cakes.” All enjoyed till Kunal is not preparing for a role. “Then everything changes much to my disappointment as depending on the role my diet is fixed. Like for Veeram I had loads of grilled fish and chicken, broccoli, sweet potatoes and protein shakes for six months and worked out shaping my body.” The physical change he feels added an extra dimension to his acting. “For Raagdesh, I had to look an army man and this helped.” No wonder he refuses dessert as he starts working on Gold soon.
