Aditya Roy Kapur on 15 years in film, finding balance, and embracing versatility

I step onto the set and find Aditya Roy Kapur lounging comfortably—a relaxed sight on our shoot set. Dressed in a suit—far removed from his usual heartthrob image, where fans are more likely to be urging him to take his shirt off—Aditya looks like a man at ease with himself, even if it’s a far cry from the usual roles he plays on screen. Aditya is a man of contrasts. On one hand, he embodies the quintessential poster boy of Indian cinema—charming, effortlessly good looking, and with an undeniable presence that has won him legions of fans. On the other hand, he’s someone who doesn’t easily wear his emotions on his sleeve. Though known for his choice of diverse roles in action thrillers, dramas, and romantic comedies, he’s not one for long conversations. His quiet confidence and laid-back demeanour make him a refreshing presence in an industry often associated with grandeur and glamour.

Several days after this cover shoot, and after countless attempts to coordinate our schedules, I finally find myself on a call with Aditya at midnight on a Monday. He has just wrapped up his day on set and is calling me on his way home. Aditya chuckles when I ask him to describe himself in three words. “I’m terrible at these kinds of questions,” he admits. “But okay, give me one word and I’ll figure out the rest.” I throw “tall” at him, and he laughs again. “Okay, facts. Tall. And dark brown eyes—don’t forget the fade,” he adds with a grin. “That’s as good as I can do at midnight. Maybe I’ll have a better answer tomorrow.”

I laugh, telling him to WhatsApp me his better words when he’s had time to think it over. We quickly move on to more serious matters, and I ask about his career—he has completed 15 years in the industry. “It’s been a constant evolution,” he says, the tone shifting slightly. “I never started out thinking I’d do films. I stumbled into it a bit on a whim, but the more I did, the more I realised this is what I wanted. By the second or third film, I was hooked, and I never looked back. It’s been a roller coaster ride, with its ups and downs, but I try not to dwell on the past too much.”

I can hear a hint of nostalgia in his voice, but he quickly moves on, almost as if he’s already focused on what’s ahead. “I was a VJ before, so it’s crazy to think I’ve been in front of the camera for almost 19 years. It feels like a huge milestone, but I try not to think about it too much.”

I mention that next year marks his 20th anniversary in front of the camera, and he chuckles, “Don’t make me feel old! But yes, 20 years in the industry is crazy when I think about it. But I’ve never really focused on those numbers. It’s about the work.”

That’s when I mention how he’s never been one to rush through projects, never taking on too much, or falling into the trap of playing the same roles over and over. “I’ve always felt it’s more important to take my time. I don’t do back-to-back projects. And I don’t want to stereotype myself into certain roles. Like in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013), I wasn’t the hero, but the impact that film had was so rewarding. Then there’s Aashiqui 2 (2013) and Guzaarish (2010)—films that really meant something. And even now with (webseries) The Night Manager (2023)...it’s all about the material for me. If I get excited about the story or the director, I’m in. It’s not about making a conscious decision to stick to one path. The material just finds me, and I gravitate towards it.”

He pauses for a moment, the sounds from the road fade in the background as he continues, “Looking back, you could say there was some master plan, but honestly, I’ve just been following where work takes me. Whether it’s Ludo with (Anurag) Basu or The Night Manager, I just enjoy experimenting. I don’t overthink it. I do what feels right and keep moving forward. The rest is just noise.”

There’s a calmness in his voice, a kind of peace that comes with years of experience, as if he’s fully accepted that his journey has been about embracing the unexpected and trusting the process—one project at a time.

As I ask Aditya what he enjoys most about the craft of acting, his response is almost spontaneous, as though he has already thought deeply about it. “I love almost everything about it,” he shares. “The preparation, especially, is something I really enjoy. Before you even begin shooting, the time spent with the script is exciting because you’re trying to understand it, break it down, and make it your own. That part of the process, for me, is as enjoyable as actually being on set. As an actor, you’re lucky because sometimes you pick up a new skill for a role, which makes it even more challenging and fun.”

I can hear the enthusiasm in his voice as he talks about his love for the prep work. It’s clear that for Aditya, acting is about more than just performing—it’s about diving into the nuances of each role and the learning that comes with it.

Curious, I ask him about the craziest thing he’s learned for a role. Aditya chuckles, his voice light. “Not crazy, but interesting. For Guzaarish, I learned some magic. I played an aspiring magician, so I learned how to pull pigeons and roses out of my sleeve. It was fun.” He continues, “I also took some painting lessons for Fitoor, and for Ludo, I played a ventriloquist. I actually took classes for that too, and it was a really interesting experience.”

I shift the conversation to a topic that’s often on the minds of actors—how to balance commercial success with creative satisfaction. “It’s the film business, at the end of the day,” Aditya says. “You want the film to do well. That’s the goal. The more people watch it, the happier you are, and the more people watch it, the more it becomes a commercial success. But artistic satisfaction... that comes from the process. It’s in the doing—the performing, the collaborating, the work on set. That’s where the real fulfilment lies. When people appreciate it, that’s another kind of satisfaction. But the artistic part happens when you're actually in the moment, creating.”

Sensing his deep connection to the process of filmmaking, I ask him if there’s any part of the filmmaking journey that he dislikes. “Well, I don’t really dislike anything about the filmmaking process,” he says, “but promotions… yeah, that’s the one part that I don’t enjoy as much. It’s not that I hate it, but it’s definitely not as much fun as actually making the film. It can be long hours, repeating the same things over and over. But I get it—it’s an essential part of the business.”

As we talk about the demands of the industry, I ask if he’s ever thought about crafting a particular image for himself. “I think the characters you play end up crafting your image,” he reflects. “The idea is to always do something different, to challenge myself. I try to pick roles that are new, that push me into unexplored areas. And in doing that, I create a more versatile image for myself over time.” He pauses, then adds, “I don’t consciously try to craft an image, though. Whatever it is, it forms naturally as time goes by.”

The conversation takes a more playful turn when I bring up his presence on social media. “You were one of the last people to join Instagram,” I remark. “But you’re one of the most followed, and brands love you! Your followers get to see glimpses of your interests in music, fitness, and the more goofy, authentic side of you. How do you feel about that?”

Aditya laughs, “Instagram is not really my thing. I don’t post regularly, to say the least. I never even had a Facebook account. I missed that boat too.” He chuckles, then adds, “I’ll post when I feel like it, maybe a song I’m listening to or a random picture. But I’m glad I’m on it now—it’s a nice way to connect with fans. Still, I have to be careful. This stuff is addictive! There was a phase of mindlessly scrolling, but now I’m more conscious of not letting it consume me. It’s about finding a balance, but I do enjoy the love I get from fans there.”

We both share a laugh at the absurdity of the pressures of social media before I steer the conversation back to his personal interests. “So, what are some of your passions outside of acting?” I ask, intrigued by what fuels him when he’s not on set. “Sport is a big part of my life,” he responds. “I love both playing and watching. Music is another huge part—I’ve been working on something for a while, though I feel embarrassed talking about it. I’ve been saying I’ll release something for years, but I’m getting it together now. I write and play the guitar. Hopefully, soon, I’ll put something out there for my friends, who are probably tired of hearing my songs by now,” he laughs. “Besides that, I love travel and content—YouTube is a big obsession of mine.”

Finally, I ask about his childhood, wondering if there was a moment that made him choose acting. “I didn’t grow up thinking I’d be an actor,” he reveals. “I was always surrounded by art, though—my mother was always directing plays and shows, and my brothers were involved in that too. But I was more into sports. I wasn’t interested in performing, and I never really thought I’d end up being on screen. It happened kind of reluctantly. I got cast in a few small advertisements, then went for an audition at Channel V. I was reluctant to even take the train to the audition, but my mother pushed me. I got the job, and that’s when I learned how to perform—by doing it. Being on television was my acting school. I had no idea what I was doing when I started. I was literally a ‘trainee VJ, ’and Lola Kutty (Anuradha Menon) taught me everything.”

And when I ask about his proudest role, he simply says, “They’ve all been special. Each one has meant something different to me.”

I bring up how movies today aren’t just about the Friday release; they also come with the marketing buzz, and now with OTT platforms, it’s a whole different ball game. Does he dissect his films after they’re out, or does he move on to the next project, I inquire. “I think it's healthy to analyse the film after it’s out. You look at how people are reacting, but I don’t dwell on it too much. Whether it’s a hit or miss, the goal is to keep moving forward. You get back on set and focus on the next project, but yes, it’s always good to understand how your work is being received.”

I appreciate his balanced approach, choosing to learn from his experiences without getting too bogged down by external judgments. But no conversation with Aditya can be without talking about his fashion evolution. “You’ve become quite the fashion icon,” I mention. 

Aditya laughs and shrugs modestly. “I’d say my style is pretty easygoing and comfortable. But how would you describe it? I’d love to hear your answer.”

The conversation veers into the impact fashion has had on his public persona, especially with the paparazzi constantly photographing his outfits. “Did you ever realise how much fashion became a part of your public image?” I ask.

He refuses to admit that his fashion is something deliberate. “When you’re younger, you start paying attention to how you look, especially when you leave behind uniforms and get to wear what you want. But even now, I don’t really think about it too much. I just wear what I feel comfortable in.”

I nod, intrigued by his casual approach to such a big part of the industry. “Do you have any favourite brands, or do you shop for yourself?” I ask, curious.

“Oh, I shop for myself a lot,” he reveals with a smile. “If I like something, I’ll usually buy it in multiple colours or versions. It’s kind of a thing I do.”

“But do you resonate with any particular brand?” I press further.

“Not really,” he says. “For me, it’s never been about the brand. But I’ll tell you—there was a time I wore Jordans, or those NY Knicks caps—remember those? Also, the baggy jeans! I had a couple of pairs, a light blue and a dark blue, and they were everything back then! I can’t find them anywhere now, though, but if anyone knows where I can get those, let me know!”

Fashion has the ability to convey character traits and cultural nuances, contributing significantly to the overall narrative. Actors today are known for practicing method dressing. Does that resonate with Aditya too? I ask. “After The Night Manager, I started really enjoying wearing suits,” he shares. “I wore so many suits in the show that now, whenever I’m going out, I just want to wear them. It’s not that I’m trying to continue the character’s look, but I’ve just got so used to wearing suits. I wasn’t method dressing, but I definitely started gravitating toward suits more often after that.”

Talking about what the coming year is looking like, Aditya says he wants to keep working. “There’s always something exciting about being on set, so for sure, you’ll see more of me on screen.”

I tease him, “Any chance we’ll see you in more big-screen films?”

“Definitely,” he says, with a smile. “I want to keep going. I love being on set, and I’ll take whatever comes my way.”

Before we wrap up, I ask him if there’s anything juicy he wants to share with his fans. He laughs, his eyes lighting up. “Well, I’ve been obsessed with the whole UFO phenomenon lately. Aliens, you know?”

I pause, a bit intrigued. “Aliens? You’re into that?”

“Yeah, I don’t think people know this about me, but I’m really into the idea that we might not be alone in the universe,” he says

I laugh, but really disagree too. “I’m living in Delhi, and with the air quality, it feels like the apocalypse here.”

Aditya chuckles, “Yeah, you wouldn’t even see a UFO even if it was right above you. But seriously, if Elon Musk has the safety thing figured out, I’m down to go to Mars!”

Whether he will go to Mars or not, Aditya remains grounded, but with an air of mystery that intrigues those around him. There’s a certain depth to his personality—one that is more about meaningful connections than flashy displays, and one that reveals itself slowly, like the characters he brings to life on screen.

Editor and Interview: Rasna Bhasin (@rasnabhasin)

Digital Editor: Sonal Ved (@sonalved)

Photographer: Bikramjit Bose (@thebadlydrawnboy)

Stylist: Selman Fazil (@selman_fazil)

Editorial Coordinator: Shalini Kanojia (@shalinikanojia)

Hair Artist: Raghuvir Gaonkar (raghuvir_gaonkar) / team Hakim Aalim (@aalimhakim)

Make-up Artist: Ajay Naik (@naik8844)

Styling Assistant: Sushiru Yaikhom (@sushiruyaikhom)

Photographer Assistant: Tushar Tara (@tushartara)

Artist PR Agency: Think Talkies (@think_talkies)

Aditya is wearing Light Grey Anniv Stripes Cotton shirt, Medium Grey Herringbone Wool Blazer, Anniversary Car Coat Cashmere, Drawstring Chino Pant, Grey Self Design Silk Tie, all by Canali, from the 90th Anniversary Capsule (@canali)

Also read: Khushi Kapoor shares her journey of finding her feet in the industry and becoming fashion’s favourite muse

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