‘I don’t think theatre will ever lose relevance’: Kunaal Roy Kapur

Edited excerpts from the exclusive interview:

From a child actor to doing TV series and films—how would you describe your journey?

The journey has been enjoyable. I’ve been fortunate to work with and learn from wonderful actors, directors, and technicians throughout my career and continue to do so. I am privileged to be able to make a living out of something I enjoy doing.

But it’s not just acting; over the years you have also dabbled in direction and podcasts. Tell us about these experiments and your learnings from them.

 I love feeding off people. Working with actors as a director is amazing. You get to use someone else’s life experiences to create a character. Even with the podcast, I find it so much better to chat with someone rather than talk into a void. So I guess some of the learning for me is about collaboration and the more people you can level with while creating something the better the work will be, and a lot more enjoyable.

 

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While you are used to the camera, you are not new to theatre either. When did you discover your love for the stage?

It all started on the stage. I’ve been acting since I was 13-14 and the thrill of performing for a live audience and feeling their energy is an addiction I hope never to give up. Pearl Padamsee was one of my first acting instructors and I remember being in awe of her presence. Even though she was tiny, she commanded attention. I also remember standing in the wings through most of the play I’m not Bajirao and learning so much just watching and listening to the actors and the audience.

As such, what is your play Constellations all about? What about it interested you to take up the role?

It’s about a couple and their relationship existing in a multiverse. So, there are different outcomes and possibilities of a relationship. I have often wondered about fate and chance as opposed to personal choice and how that plays a role in shaping your life, personality and relationships. The role is extremely challenging because it is a variation of the same person. I was also really excited to collaborate with Bruce Guthrie and Aahana Kumra.

 

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What would you say is the most challenging and the best thing about theatre?

Keeping people engaged is the primary challenge. In the case of this play, it’s got a lot of variations of the same situation with small tweaks to character. So it’s quite a challenge to jump in and out of those. Every play has its challenges. Some have more to do with creating a visual spectacle and others more to do with tiny performance details. So it changes.

Over the years, how would you say that the audience for theatre has evolved (or not)?

I don’t know enough about the number of people watching visiting the theatre, but people have a lot of choices today. With the increase in the number of venues, I hope the culture of visiting the theatre continues to grow.

 

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In the era of OTT (with attention spans dwindling), how would you describe (and rate) the relevance of theatre?

I don’t think theatre will ever lose relevance. The experience of watching something live cannot be replaced. It’s the same reason why you would want to watch a musician performing live. Theatre also creates a lasting impression. It has been under fire from all the newer forms of media and entertainment but has lasted, stood the test of time, and in many parts of the world is thriving.

While you all have had your own journeys, you come from a “filmy” family. Does it ever get intimidating, competitive or insecure? Do you all often reach out to each other when it comes to discussing work?

We are all involved in films, but feel strange to be called a “film family” because we didn’t start out like that. We are very supportive of each other. We do have opinions on work and the industry at large but our choices remain our own.

 

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What do dinner table conversations between Aditya Roy Kapoor, Siddharth Roy Kapoor, Vidya Balan and you entail?

Family lunches or dinners could go in any direction. From films to culture and current affairs we chat about it all, but mostly about food.

When not working, what do you enjoy indulging in?

Spending time with family, watching a movie or test cricket. Eating good food, enjoying the outdoors.

 

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We have seen you ace comedy and drama. Can we expect to see you in a romantic role shortly? What genre, personally, do you enjoy the most?

This play is funny, dramatic, and romantic, so working hard to get it right. I don’t really have a preferred genre, as long as the script is good and the director is fun to work with.

What can we expect from you in the new year?

I hope to sharpen my skills, and learn something new. Read and grow. I hope to continue to act and hopefully even direct. And while you can expect this from me, what is most likely, is me lying on a couch doing absolutely nothing.

Directed by Bruce Guthrie, the play will be running from the 15-17 February, and 22-24 February at the Experimental Theatre, NCPA.