If anything could be defined as a full-circle moment in my life, it would be penning down a cover story for the nation’s heartthrob, Aditya Roy Kapur. I happen to be a Gen-Z going by its literal definition, I still grew up watching every TV show on Channel V, especially the ones hosted by a particularly mischievous VJ Aditya. The vivid image of Kapur’s first promo as a VJ will always be etched in my memory—those who know, know. I would spend my noon watching ‘V Pakao’, a TV show where viewers sent in their wackiest recipes, and Kapur would land at their homes to taste it. Who knew that his impeccable comic timing, sharp wit and, of course, his irresistible charm would turn him into one of the most sought-after actors of Bollywood a decade later?
Acting wasn’t on the cards for Kapur, who dreamt of being a cricketer before his career as a VJ took off. Being a part of this industry wasn’t his first choice, he’s carved a niche for himself amidst the chaos of Indian cinema, where sustaining is tougher than getting started. Kapur’s repertoire of films gives us a glimpse into his individualistic choices. One may think that London Dreams was his debut as an actor, but Kapur’s stint as a supporting actor in his school plays was where his career truly began. The release of Aashiqui 2 cemented his status in the industry as a talent to be reckoned with. Sashaying the role of Rahul Jaykar, a singer grappling with the complexities of life and love, Kapur breathed life into a flawed character. Emoting vulnerability and passion effortlessly, his portrayal of a failing singer struck a chord in all of our hearts.
In the last 14 years as an actor, the roles Kapur has chosen to play on the silver screen are a testament to his unwavering commitment to the art. From the wayward yet loyal Avi in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani to the fiercely passionate Noor in Fitoor, he never let the extent of screen time limit his opportunities. Kapur remains one of the few actors who have made a smooth transition from the big screen to OTT. Case in point: The Night Manager, where he plays the role of the brooding Shaan Sengupta. Despite sharing the screen with seasoned performers, Kapur commands your attention. He reprises Tom Hiddleston’s role with his magnetic mannerisms, giving the character a defined structure.
Apart from work, there’s little that Kapur gives away about his personal life. While his love life is always scrutinised, the actor keeps it low and away from the spotlight. He is also averse to social media, something that’s uncommon among his contemporaries. Despite a steady following, his feed rarely gets updated. While his peers often give their fans a peek into their everyday lives, Kapur’s fans will be lucky if he posts a picture of himself once a month. In one of his previous interviews for ELLE India, he admitted that his social media strategy meetings didn’t involve discussions around how to hop on to trends but rather on how he needs to post more often.
So, what’s the man behind that actor look like? His tenacious attitude at our cover shoot certainly taught me a lesson or two about being focused. Not only was Kapur crystal clear about what he wanted to achieve, but he was also unafraid to push his boundaries in pursuit of the perfect shot. Interested in music and cricket, like most of the men you may know, Kapur’s fascination with UFOs and theories about alien abduction are amongst the many reasons why he’s one-of-a-kind.
As most of us wait for him to outperform himself in Metro In Dino or make a major revelation about his love life, can we get him a show as a VJ? Asking for a friend, of course!
ELLE India Editor: Ainee Nizami Ahmedi, Photographer: Sahil Behal, Videographer: Shubham Mandhyan, Fashion Editor: Zoha Castelino, Asst. Art Director: Sanjana Suvarna, Words: Sakshi Rawte, Makeup: Stephen, Hair: Aalim Hakim, Bookings Editor: Aliza Fatma, Assisted by: Komal Shetty, Nirali Patel (styling); Raaina Jain, Mitali Lakhotia (bookings), Production: Cut Loose Productions, Artist’s Reputation Management: Think Talkies
