Actor Arjun Kapoor recently laid bare his experiences with box office disappointments and the unavoidable uncertainties in the film industry. Appearing on the popular television chat show ‘Koffee With Karan,’ hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar, Arjun opened up about the struggles he has faced in the competitive world of filmmaking.
Arjun Kapoor, who made his acting debut with the film ‘Ishaqzaade,’ has several notable hits to his name, including ‘2 States,’ ‘Gunday,’ and ‘Ki & Ka.’ Despite these successes, the actor has also faced significant setbacks. His recent film, ‘The Lady Killer,’ starring Bhumi Pednekar, was a high-budget venture with Rs 45 crore invested, yet it astonishingly garnered around only Rs 1 lakh at the box office.
Addressing this issue on the show, Karan Johar remarked, “We all have public perceptions, we all have Instagram that shows a part of our personality that may or may not be accurate at times, but we are also combating box office pressures, industry dynamics.”
Digging deeper, Karan asked Arjun about how he manages to stay positive and maintain his sense of humor when faced with multiple flops. “Fubu, I’m gonna ask you sometimes when box offices have evaded you. What is the way and I always know that you have been upbeat and have a sense of humor which I think is there that in the face of failure you can laugh at yourself. How do you deal with it?”
Arjun responded earnestly, sharing his resilience and outlook on dealing with adversity. “There is so much adversity I have faced in my life ya Karan, I think I have spoken on this couch before about many aspects of my life.”
The actor reflected on his career trajectory and the highs and lows he has experienced over the years. “I am the first actor in my generation to deliver a 100 crore film, with Dharma and Sajid Nadiadwala that was ‘2 States.’ I have seen the high, I have done a film like ‘Ki & Ka’ that did well, where I was a house husband, I have done all kinds of work, I have worked with so many people,” he shared.
.
He went on to mention other actors who have faced similar struggles yet managed to bounce back. “Akshay Kumar has spoken so openly about the fact that he almost considered leaving the profession at one point of time; 11-12 flops I think he has seen,” Arjun stated.
Discussing career trajectories, he also brought up Saif Ali Khan’s journey, noting, “When you look at Saif’s career, till ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ didn’t happen, he was on a different trajectory. If my audience has loved me and connected with me because of the work that I did, they are not going to disconnect if I give them a good film.”
One of the main points Arjun emphasized was the uncontrollable nature of box office results. “You can’t control box office unfortunately, what I can control is the effort and the sincerity,” he concluded, highlighting the aspects within his control amid the broader challenges of the film industry.
The presence of Arjun on the show and his candid revelations add an extra layer to the ongoing discussions about the pressures and realities faced by actors in Bollywood. His experiences resonate with many in the industry who have found themselves riding the unpredictable waves of public reception and box office success.
Arjun’s conversation with Karan Johar is significant in shedding light on the mental and emotional toll that box office failures can have on actors. It also underscores the resilience required to navigate such a competitive field. The interview on ‘Koffee With Karan’ provides a platform where such crucial topics are openly discussed, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of actors beyond the glamour and glitz.
The chat show continues to stream on Disney+ Hotstar, drawing in audiences who are keen to hear more from their favorite stars and the realities they face off-screen, making it a staple for fans and industry insiders alike. Arjun Kapoor’s episode, in particular, stands out as a poignant reflection on failure, resilience, and the core values that keep an actor steadfast in their journey.
(With inputs IANS)
