Anil Kapoor and his nephew Arjun Kapoor have an age difference of 28 years, but when they are together, the huge divide between them vanishes into thin air. While Anil is very determined and a workaholic, Arjun is very emotional and sensitive—but they’re both amusing and entertaining. The nephew-uncle duo will be seen onscreen for the first time in Anees Bazmee’s Mubarakan, in which Arjun plays a double role.
Arjun is a huge fan of Anil.
“I’ve known him as a star and my uncle always. I’ve been inspired by him. We met during our family gatherings but didn’t have much time to interact. But on the sets, I was with him 24x7, so I got to know a different side of to him. He has a body of work for the last 30 years. We’ve found a new understanding and are friends,” says Arjun.
Anil never expected Arjun to become an actor. “I’ve seen him since childhood. He was never inclined towards acting. He became an assistant director and I thought he would turn director someday. I was surprised when he said he wants to become an actor. He started going for acting classes and giving auditions,” says Anil.
Arjun believes there are no comparisons between them. “If I’m compared to Anil Kapoor, it’ll be a great compliment for me. I’ve been here for five years, whereas he has a history of achievements. I’m not here to outdo someone. If people say there’s an another Kapoor with Anil Kapoor out to entertain, that’ll be an achievement for me. We aren’t even the same age. Comparisons can be made between my contemporaries, not with someone who has given so many hits,” says 32-year-old Arjun.
Anil says Arjun loved cars and gorged on food when he was a child. Says Arjun, “When I was young I called him ‘Arjun Chachu’ and people would come to know his age. He calls me Arjun Chachu now, that’s the kind of equation I have with him.”
Anil plays Arjun’s uncle and a witty and charming bachelor in Mubakaran. “I play Kartar Singh and also Arjun’s uncle in the film. It’s a wholesome family movie. It’s about having great happy moments in our lives,” says Anil.
Arjun has a double role, the second time after Aurangzeb (2013). “I play Karan and Charan. One is a Sikh and the other is not. I had to wear a turban and maintain two characters simultaneously. The film is based on ego, how it ruins family relationships. Many actors have performed macho sardar roles, but in Mubakaran, I’m passing the parcel. I’m a normal guy in the film in a crazy family. We’re not portraying a typical clichéd Sardar,” explains Arjun.
Anil and Arjun are busy with their next films. Anil is doing Fanney Khan, directed by Atul Manjrekar. Arjun will start shooting for YRF’s Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar with Parineeti Chopra, to be directed by Dibakar Banerjee.