Junaid Khan says Khushi Kapoor has given up on him: ‘I am thinking of taking fashion inspiration from Boney Kapoor’

In a free-wheeling conversation, the actors talk about playing contemporary youth characters, seeking advice from their family members and their dream roles. Excerpts:

With the release date of your second movie Loveyapa approaching, what’s going on in your mind?

Khushi: During Archies’ release, I didn’t know what to expect and how to go about it. Right now, I’m taking it one day at a time and trying to enjoy the promotion and related activities.

Junaid: I am excited. I believe we have made a nice film. Every film is a different experience. When Maharaj came out, I was shooting in Delhi and I was insulated. So, it did not hit me much. However, it is important to be open to how the movie is being received. Since everything is a learning experience, one has to keep trying to do better.

Khushi Kapoor shared, “I’m taking it one day at a time and trying to enjoy the promotion and related activities.”

Both your debut movies, Archies and Maharaj released on Netflix. This is the first time people will buy a ticket to watch your movie.

Khushi: As actors, our approach does not really change depending on where the film is being screened.

Junaid: I would like our film to reach as wide an audience as possible. Left to me, I would like to put my film on YouTube and make it free for people. But that’s not a practical move. Our producers and distributors are experienced regarding this. They have a better understanding about how this film can reach a wider audience — be it theatre, OTT or television.

Did you know each other from before?

Junaid: No. We met for the first time at the office of Phantom Studios (producer). Subsequently, we did nearly six weeks of rehearsals together.

Khushi: Our look tests were more individual since we are together in very few scenes. We shot together for only 5-6 days.

Junaid: Most of our scenes were over the phone and the locations were different. However, it required a lot of rehearsals because we were talking so much over the phone. There was a certain rhythm to these scenes. So, we ended up doing a lot of rehearsals and became friends in the process.

Junaid, since you are acting in plays, you must have loved rehearsals.

Junaid: We both loved rehearsals. During the rehearsals, we did all kinds of exploring and exercises.

Khushi: Between director Advait Chandan, Junaid and me, there were a lot of open discussions regarding how to interpret a scene. It was a safe space for us to express our ideas.

Since both of you belong to reputed film families, do you feel the pressure to prove yourself?

Junaid: Not really. Everyone has their own journey.

Khushi: When we started the promotions, I felt the pressure. By now, I have spoken about it so many times that now I longer feel the weight of it. Now, I want to see where it (this journey) takes me.

You both are playing contemporary youth characters. How much do you connect to them?

Junaid: Not so much. My character is different from my personality. So, when Madhu Sir (co-producer Madhu Mantena) approached me for the film, I asked him if he was sure about casting me for the part.

Khushi: My character and I are different too. She is fiery and spunky. That made it fun and challenging especially coming from a film (Archies) where I played a character similar to me.

Who do you turn to for advice before taking up a new project?

Junaid: Papa and Ma have always encouraged us to do our own thing, make our own mistakes and explore life. If I have any specific questions, then I go to them. They always give excellent advice but also encourage us to follow our heart.

Khushi: I find it strange to do anything without getting the approval of my dad. I do follow my instinct but the last say will be his. There are times he does not like my opinion but I feel comfortable when we are all on the same page regarding everything.

Junaid, did you get any fashion tips from Khushi?

Junaid: Khushi has given up on me. I am thinking of taking inspiration from Boney uncle.

Khushi: I give my opinion but not interfere with anyone’s choices.

Junaid was asked about taking fashion tips and he shared, “I am thinking of taking inspiration from Boney uncle.”

Being starkids are you better equipped to deal with the ups and downs of this profession?

Khushi: People had a certain impression of me even before they saw me on screen or heard me speak. You learn how to deal with criticism, comments and opinions about yourself. I have been hearing it (criticisms) since I was fairly small.

Junaid: After a point, you learn only from your failure not others. Yet, there are many advantages — you get to see firsthand how the industry works; you have a family who knows how this world is like and have that support system.

Are you compared to star parents?

Junaid: I don’t get it so much. I look so different from my dad (Aamir Khan). Also, he looks so young that people don’t think he can have such a grown up son.

Khushi: I really don’t know about that but you can’t stop people from having their opinion.

Khushi Kapoor said that she cannot stop people from having their opinion.

Finally, what will be your dream role?

Junaid: My dream is to play Edmund in King Lear on stage.

Khushi: I have been in a happy, fluffy zone, so far. I would like to play a character that’s dark and thrilling, preferably in a drama.