Kunal Kapoor who turns a year older today has shared his two cents on the outsider-insider debate, saying people had told him it was difficult for an outsider to carve his niche in the cinematic world. He added he was discouraged from setting his foot in the industry, even before he marked his debut with Meenaxi - A Tale of Three Cities in 2004. Notably, Kunal Kapoor was significantly noticed for his performance in Rang De Basanti, released in 2006.
In an interaction with Hindustan Times, Kunal said, “When I was starting off, a lot of people said, ‘Don’t become an actor, because it is very difficult for outsiders to breakthrough’. Then for a while, I was the next big thing after Rang De Basanti (2006) was released. Then they (filmmakers) said, ‘He has disappeared, he is finished’. And now, I have a lot of filmmakers calling me and saying ‘You are such an interesting actor, we would like to do more stuff with you’. That is a full cycle you go through as an actor.”
He added, “A month back, there were filmmakers that didn’t think I was right for a part that they were writing. Now a couple of them have called and asked, ‘Would you be interested in hearing the part.’ It does change very rapidly.”
Kunal said he agrees it is challenging for outsiders in the industry. However, things have changed now. “The only option you had was, if you didn’t make it as the lead, then you sort of graduated to being a supporting actor, then the villain. As an outsider, it is not like you have a support system of friends and family who will make something to sort of push your career. That is not going to happen.” ALSO READ: Koffee With Karan Special Episode With The Empire Cast: Here's Who Kunal Kapoor Would Behead, Marry And Lock Up
Kunal said that the OTT space has changed the game. “In case you don’t find the films you are looking for, there are incredible shows that you can do. You can be a part of films on these platforms. This is the best time for outsiders to be actors. Nobody on OTT is thinking of what the market is."
Kunal Kapoor was last seen in the web series, The Empire. ALSO READ: Kunal Kapoor Is Overwhelmed By The Encouraging Response To His New Show, The Empire
Image Source: Instagram/kunalkkapoor