Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor recalled an intriguing tale that highlights her immense admiration for acclaimed actor, Pankaj Tripathi. In recent interviews, Kapoor disclosed that she had kept a special mannat (a vow made to a deity or higher power) with the hope that Tripathi would sign on to ‘Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl’, thereby fulfilling her long-held dream of sharing the screen with him.
Pankaj Tripathi is often hailed as one of the finest talents in the Indian film industry, boasting a substantial fan base that spans both the general public and his peers within the industry. Janhvi Kapoor, a rising star in Bollywood, is among those who hold Tripathi in high regard. Her fervent wish to work with him materialized in Netflix’s 2020 release, ‘Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl’, where the two played a compelling father-daughter duo.
Currently, Kapoor is busy promoting her upcoming film, ‘Mr and Mrs Mahi’. Amid the promotional frenzy, she candidly shared her unique efforts to secure her role alongside Tripathi. Janhvi confessed that she pledged to abstain from eating non-vegetarian food for about 10-12 days, hoping this personal sacrifice would help ensure Tripathi’s participation in the film.
“I generally don’t idolise people,” said Kapoor, “But Pankaj Tripathi Sir was an exception. He was always on my wishlist for co-actors. People on the sets of ‘Gunjan Saxena’ could tell how much of a fan I am. I used to behave almost like a crazed fan around him, and even today, that admiration remains.”
Reflecting on her commitment, she added with a laugh, “I took a mannat to make him say yes to the film. I became a vegetarian for about 10, 12, or even 15 days, just praying that he would agree.”
The admiration, it appears, is mutual. Upon the film’s release, Tripathi had high praise for Kapoor. “She is a brilliant actor,” Tripathi noted. “I learn a lot from her as she is very hardworking and serious about her work.
. She doesn’t have any starry tantrums, and I must say that we share a great bond. She often orders local delicacies like lassi and biryani and insists that I partake.”
As ‘Mr and Mrs Mahi’ nears its release, Kapoor is once again under the directorship of Sharan Sharma, who previously helmed ‘Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl.’ Backed by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, the film is slated to hit theatres on May 31. Kapoor elaborated on the film during promotions, describing it as a story about two individuals who draw courage from each other to chase their dreams. “It’s a very lovely story,” Janhvi remarked. “It’s not just about cricket. It’s a family drama—a father and son story that resonates on multiple levels.”
Revisiting her experience with Tripathi adds a heartfelt layer to her journey in Bollywood. The anecdote of her mannat reflects not just her dedication but also the emotional values that often drive actors in their profession.
It’s also noteworthy that Kapoor and Tripathi’s off-screen camaraderie significantly contributed to their compelling on-screen chemistry. Their portrayal of the father-daughter relationship in ‘Gunjan Saxena’ was both emotive and convincing, resonating deeply with audiences.
Interestingly, the vow Kapoor took signifies a traditional gesture commonly rooted in Indian cultural practices where people commit to certain actions or sacrifices to bring their wishes to fruition. For Janhvi, this meant setting aside her dietary preferences temporarily—a testament to her resolve and the high regard in which she holds Tripathi.
As fans eagerly await ‘Mr and Mrs Mahi’, these revelations about Kapoor’s experiences and commitments behind the scenes of ‘Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl’ add an enriching narrative to her professional journey. Her dedication underscores the often unseen elements of what it takes to bring iconic stories and characters to life on screen.
With each new project, Janhvi Kapoor continues to carve out her space in the industry, and her collaboration with actors like Pankaj Tripathi only cements her standing as a dedicated and versatile performer. For audiences and fans, it’s stories like these that provide a glimpse into the passion and effort that drive the magic of cinema.
