Amid the vibrant resurgence of a host of ’90s stars, Sanjay Kapoor, celebrated for his role in the murder mystery House of Lies, underscores that only those who maintained unwavering focus throughout their careers have managed to reclaim their positions in the movie industry.
With a remarkable frequency, Kapoor has graced screens with a new release every two months this year, featuring in titles such as Merry Christmas, Murder Mubarak, and most recently, House of Lies. Such prolific output isn’t a mere happenstance for the seasoned actor. “It’s not by chance that I did Bloody Daddy [2023], Made in Heaven 2, Merry Christmas, and so on. I have worked my ass off. It’s 30 years of experience, focus, and perseverance [at work]. In the last one year, I have worked with directors Sriram Raghavan, Zoya Akhtar, Neeraj Ghaywan, Prakash Jha, and Homi Adajania. People are happy even if they get to work with two or three such directors in their lifetime,” noted Kapoor, who leads the latest ZEE5 murder mystery.
As the industry reawakens to the talents of ’90s stalwarts, Kapoor reflects on this revival. Stars such as Bobby Deol have made notable comebacks with series and films like Aashram and Animal (2023), respectively, while Manisha Koirala recently headlined Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. Kajol and Raveena Tandon have also ventured into the web series space, gaining fresh acclaim. Kapoor opines, “These actors haven’t got work today by chance. Manisha had done great work even before, be it Bombay [1995] or 1942: A Love Story [1994]. Sometimes, you go through a transitional phase—you aren’t young enough to play a youngster, nor old enough to play an older character. With OTT, people are getting more opportunities. Also, you never heard anything wrong about all the actors you’ve mentioned. You heard their names only with regard to their work.”
Kapoor admires their resilience, pointing out, “These actors never lost hope or confidence in themselves. Bobby has spoken about it himself. It’s not that all the ’90s actors have made a comeback. There were others who lost their focus.
. Nobody is here to make your life; you have to build your own. Nobody is giving you a chance just because they love you.”
This passage of wisdom resonates particularly with his daughter, Shanaya Kapoor, who is stepping into the cinematic world with Mohanlal’s Vrushabha. Kapoor believes his own journey is a valuable lesson for Shanaya, accentuating the significance of persistence and dedication. “Shanaya is intelligent. She has seen that this industry is not a bed of roses; you have to work hard. I don’t have to advise her, I’m always there for her. She is focused. During the pandemic, she was taking diction and dance classes. She didn’t waste that time. Mentally, she will be strong because she has seen my journey in the industry,” he said, expressing confidence in her future.
Reflecting on his own path, Kapoor acknowledges that the consistent work ethic has been the cornerstone of his enduring career. The actor’s recent projects, Merry Christmas, Made in Heaven 2, and others, have been a testament to his long-standing dedication. “It’s 30 years of experience, focus and perseverance [at work],” he elaborates, attributing his sustained success to a tireless work ethic.
The ’90s revival, bolstered by the rise of OTT platforms, has undeniably sparked renewed opportunities for actors previously caught in the transitional phase of their careers. Kapoor’s insights stress how this digital era has empowered actors to explore varied roles that may have been elusive in the traditional cinema framework. OTT platforms, with their diverse narratives and character-driven stories, have become a fertile ground for veterans to reinvent themselves and re-engage audiences.
In conclusion, Sanjay Kapoor’s reflections offer a poignant commentary on the fluctuating yet rewarding nature of the entertainment industry. His career, marked by remarkable resilience and adaptability, mirrors the ongoing resurgence of ’90s icons who have re-established their relevance through a blend of dedication and evolving opportunities. Kapoor’s story underscores that in an industry as dynamic as film and television, unwavering commitment and seizing timely opportunities are the keys to longevity and success.
