Joining the bandwagon

Manpriya Singh 

When Rishi Kapoor is your maternal uncle and every young Kapoor, a first cousin, any mention of N word is a given. So much so that before Aadar Jain can be introduced as the lead actor of his upcoming film Qaidi Band or noticed for his husky voice and impeccable manners, he is spoken about as Ranbir’s cousin brother. 

Such is Bollywood and the newest kid on the block couldn’t be more disappointed. “If by nepotism you mean favouritism to relatives, then I am not a product of nepotism. I auditioned, waited and worked hard to grab my first movie. Any producer or director is not going to invest in you because you have famous relatives. My grandfather Raj Kapoor had to prove himself despite his father and every Kapoor has had to prove himself, then onwards. It hurts when people take credit away,” shares the actor on his maiden visit to Chandigarh.   

At this point, joining him is co-star Anya Singh, who presents the other side of the story. And well, totally opposite. “I am a complete and absolute outsider. These people are not accessible and it’s not easy even getting a first meeting with casting directors. Being a girl and not knowing anybody in Mumbai, my mother totally warned and even stopped me from trying for films. Well, I am so proud to have reached this far.” 

Chandigarh di kudi 

And guess where did she begin from? Chandigarh. “I studied at Vivek High and Strawberry Fields before moving to Delhi and finally Mayo in Ajmer. It’s only when I discovered that being on stage and performing gave me more happiness than anything else, I decided to complete my graduation and try for films.” 

Ironically, it was something similar for Aadar too. “Drums and dancing, being MC gave me happiness in high school.” Post the realisation, a professional stint at NYFA follows.  Together they play undertrial prisoners in Qaidi Band, due for August 25 release. “The plot affected me, there are thousands of prisoners who can’t afford lawyers’ fees and rot in jails. But at the same time, it’s a musical drama. My character knows how to play the guitar and sings.” 

Family brunch

There’s no escaping queries on the maternal side of his family. So what is it like when the big-fat Kapoor family gets together?  Do they talk films? Work? Gossip? “We are all diehard foodies. Our favourite foods are more or less the same. There’s junglee mutton, paya nali, nahari, machi kadeee chawal with ghee and lemon on it. It’s a full spread, we get together on Sundays and nobody likes to talk work. We discuss everything other than films.” 

First time in Punjab 

As well as they are known for being foodies, Kapoors are known for their Punjabi roots too. Does he speak the language ever? “Honestly no, I don’t speak Punjabi because nobody else does. My naani speaks Punjabi though because she is from Peshawar in Pakistan.” He adds, “I really wanted to go to Amritsar and visit Golden Temple. Haven’t had much time to go and see Chandigarh, but today am planning to visit a couple of places.” 

Well, where is Anya planning on taking the boy? “I’ll take him to Lake, Sector 17, Rock Garden and places like that,” she shrugs. How about Pal dhaba for the non vegetarian loving outsider. Chips in Aadar, “Oh yes I want to visit Pal dhaba.” 

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One for famous cousins 

Karisma Kapoor

She is like a motherly figure. She is loving, protective and hyper as the mother to two beautiful kids. 

Ranbir Kapoor

Karisma and Kareena had started working earlier, so I have spent much more time with Ranbir and we have had a very normal childhood.

Kareena Kapoor

She loves to gossip. Whenever she meets, she always jokes and asks like, ‘So what’s the latest gossip’. 

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Who knew it’d take a visit to CCD! 

Having given herself a year and post non-stop auditions starting 2015, finally it took a visit to Café Coffee Day for luck and opportunity to knock at her door. “I auditioned from December to May and somehow I would always be one of the shortlisted girls who was considered, but never the girl who got the part. One day at CCD, Shanu Sharma, casting director for YRF, spotted me and asked me to come and audition the next day.” The rest is history. 

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