Kunaal Roy Kapur, known for his charming and relatable roles, has always chosen projects that resonate deeply with audiences. In an exclusive conversation with Money Control, the talented actor opened up about his journey in Bollywood, his love for realistic characters, and why he enjoys playing roles that connect emotionally with viewers.
Kunaal, who gained immense popularity with Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (YJHD), recently impressed audiences with his latest film, Dil Dosti and Dogs. The film, which carries a unique concept revolving around friendship and emotions, particularly involving a dog, adds another dimension to his versatile filmography.
Choosing the Right Roles
Over the years, Kunaal Kapur has developed a niche for portraying heartfelt, realistic characters rather than action-packed, high-intensity roles. He believes that such characters make a lasting impact on the audience. When asked about his choice of roles, he shared, “I have a lot of fun being there and being kind of in that space. I don’t think I’m a typical action hero who would be killing hundreds of people on screen. My characters are more rooted in reality, and I enjoy that.”
He further elaborated on how he approaches each role: “I think it’s about the kind of opportunities that come my way. If something excites me, if the director has a vision that connects with me, then I go for it. I don’t necessarily strategize in a way that I must do only a certain type of role. It’s all about how I feel about the story.”
The Charm of Simple Yet Impactful Characters
Kunaal has been associated with characters that are memorable for their simplicity and relatability. His portrayal of ‘Taran' in YJHD remains one of the most loved roles in Bollywood. Unlike typical Bollywood heroes who dominate with larger-than-life personas, Kunaal's characters often exhibit a more realistic and subtle charm.
“I don’t know why I feel like that, but I think I have always gravitated towards roles that feel real,” he admitted. “Even in the past, the kind of films I’ve done have been about emotions, relationships, and the simple joys of life. I think people like to watch something they can relate to.”
The Rarity of Unique Storytelling
With commercial cinema often dominated by action and thriller genres, films like Dil Dosti and Dogs bring a fresh perspective. The film beautifully explores themes of companionship, emotions, and the special bond between humans and animals. Kunaal feels that such films are rare in today’s Bollywood landscape.
“There aren’t many films that explore emotions in such a pure way. This film is not just about a pet; it’s about life, relationships, and how little things can change our perception,” he said.
He emphasized the challenge of making such stories engaging: “It’s difficult to make people connect with something simple. But when done right, it leaves a deep impact. That’s what we have tried to achieve with Dil Dosti and Dogs.”
A Love for Emotional Storytelling
Kunaal has always been drawn to narratives that evoke emotions. He believes that stories that touch the heart have a universal appeal. “We, as an audience, love emotional stories. We connect deeply with them. That’s why movies about relationships, friendships, and family always work,” he shared.
Reflecting on the power of cinema to change perspectives, he added, “Films are not just about entertainment. They shape our thoughts, our emotions, and sometimes even our lives. That’s what excites me about being part of such projects.”
On Being Remembered for His Roles
Despite being in the industry for years, Kunal still finds joy in discussing his past characters. When asked if he gets tired of answering questions about YJHD and his role as ‘Taran', he responded enthusiastically: “I am not tired at all. It’s an honor to be part of something that people love so much. When an audience remembers a character years after the film’s release, it means you’ve done something right.”
He further explained why he embraces this recognition: “Why would you be upset about people remembering your work? It’s a compliment that people still talk about it, and I love it.”
What’s Next for Kunaal Kapur?
As fans eagerly await his next project, Kunaal reassures them that something exciting is on the way. “Wait for one golden moment,” he teased. “I think if you want to enjoy something light-hearted, emotional, and unique, you will love Dil Dosti and Dogs"
His message to fans is clear: “If you love stories that touch the heart, if you enjoy films that make you reflect on life and relationships, then this is for you.”
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
