I don’t think doing the first film within the family is a good decision

After making her OTT debut with The Archies, Khushi Kapoor's theatrical debut, Loveyapa, directed by Advait Chandan, in which she is paired with Junaid Khan, is set to release on February 7.

Excerpts from an interview:

After debuting on OTT and on the big screen, how do you see the two formats?

It’s exciting to be starting my stint on the big screen. The process is different from OTT – not much different as far as performing goes, but the scripts are different. I understood that after shooting this film. We also have expectations at the box office when a film is released on a Friday. That’s not something I had thought of before. Both experiences are different.

As the daughter of producer Boney Kapoor, what have you learned from him?

My co-star is a producer as well [smiles]. While going to the sets, I am like a student and I would like to be the best student, listen to everyone. I think I try to keep everything in mind when I am working.

None of Boney Kapoor’s children – Arjun, Janhvi or you – debuted under his banner. Any reason?

It’s not about going to Papa and asking him to make a film for us. We have to work in this industry. I don’t think taking up the first film within the family would be the correct decision.

Your mother Sridevi reportedly didn’t want either you or your sister to take up careers in the film industry. Did she ever express this to you?

Well, she may have told us casually that this isn’t the ideal profession for us. As an actor, different factors come into play – it’s not just going to the sets, shooting and going back home. That’s the easy part of the job. Externally and mentally, it puts a lot of pressure on you. Also, vanity is a part of being an actor. You have to be able to take societal pressure and what people have to say. It’s a bit hard for someone who is not prepared for criticism. So, she was trying to safeguard us. But both Janhvi and I wanted to be in this field, we were sure about it.

Which film of your mother’s is your favourite? Would you like to do a remake of any of her films?

My favourite among mom’s films is Sadma. I would never want to remake any of her films. I don’t think I will be able to do justice to them. I would love to do my own films.

Do you prefer serious roles over glamourous ones?

After doing, Loveyappa, I realized that I love rona-dhona, serious and emotional roles. Glamorous roles are fun indeed, but now, I am gravitating to the serious ones.

There seems to be no sibling rivalry between Janhvi and you. You seem to share a close bond as sisters.

Even the thought of not being happy for each other’s success is so bizarre. A win for her is a win for me, and vice-versa. I feel weird to even think of any kind of rivalry. I am very close to my sister. always look up to her. She does the best for me always; we do a lot together, and that brings us closer to each other. She is my stylist, my manager, best friend and assistant. Sometimes I am the same for her.

How much does Janhvi advise you?

I don’t take any decision without talking to Janhvi, be it taking up any project, styling or anything professionally or personally. She is my go-to person.

Among your extended family, Sonam Kapoor, Arjun, Janhvi, Harshvardhan, who would you like to follow? When you meet, what do you talk about?

I don’t think I would like to follow anyone. I have to pave my path in my own way. Everyone’s journey has to be different; but it’s great to see so many different journeys in our family. When we meet, we don’t discuss just films, we also talk about happenings on the home front. Dadi is the most interesting individual in the entire Kapoor family. We are relatively a normal family, it’s just that we happen to be in the public eye.

Will we see you working in South films?

Like they say, ‘Never say Never!’ Yes, if the story is good, someday, I would like to work down South. However, I feel it’s too early for me to think about it.

Do you speak Tamil fluently, since your mom was a Tamilian?

I can understand Tamil a little, as mom spoke it at home. However, she would keep switching from Tamil to Telugu and Malayalam. I find very little difference in those three languages. I am not very fluent in Tamil.

“It’s not about going to Papa and asking him to make a film for us.we have to work in this industry. Some day I would like to work in South films”

‘I am very close to my sister, always look up to her. She does the best for me always; we do a lot together, and that brings us closer to each other. She is my stylist, my manager, best friend and assistant. Sometimes I am the same for her.’