Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor has set a clear boundary when it comes to one specific physical transformation for roles—going bald. Despite a reputation for diving into demanding roles and enduring significant hardship for her art, Kapoor has categorically stated that she would not shave her head, even for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “They can just put a bald cap on or use VFX,” she asserts, emphasizing that there are adequate technological solutions available.
In a recent appearance on IMDb’s exclusive segment ‘On The Scene’ alongside co-star Roshan Mathew, Kapoor elaborated on her stance while promoting their upcoming film ‘Ulajh.’ Helmed by Sudhanshu Saria, the movie promises an intense narrative exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience amidst formidable challenges.
During the interview, Kapoor vividly recounted various instances of physical strain that she has endured for the sake of her roles. From dislocating her shoulder to sustaining cuts and broken bones, the actress has evidently been through significant physical ordeals. “I have dislocated my shoulder, I’ve bled, broken bones, and put myself through all kinds of trauma and torture,” she shared. However, the idea of shaving her head remains a hard pass. The suggestion to alter her hair for ‘Ulajh’ became a focal point of disagreement with director Sudhanshu Saria. “Even for my character in Ulajh, Sudhanshu wanted me to cut my hair short and it was my biggest fight with him,” she admitted.
A significant factor behind this resolve is rooted deeply in personal experience and family sentiment. Kapoor reflected on an episode during the filming of ‘Dhadak’ when she cut her hair short. “My mom yelled at me a lot and she was like, ‘how could you? Do not cut your hair for any role.’” Kapoor’s mother, late actress Sridevi, took pride in her daughter’s hair and often maintained it with care. “Every third or fourth day, she used to put oil in my hair and massage my head. She was very proud of my hair. So I will not cut my hair,” Kapoor concluded.
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Roshan Mathew, too, shared memorable experiences from the making of ‘Ulajh.’ When questioned about the possibility of a Malayalam remake of the film, Mathew expressed his thoughts on potential casting choices. “There is an actor called Grace Antony, and Anna Ben. I think she will kill it. For Gulshan Devaiah’s role, I would have to think a bit,” he mused. Mathew even playfully nominated himself for a role, based on his enthusiasm for the character since first reading the script. “I would cast myself, as I had my eyes on the character since I first read the script and have been very open about this,” he added.
Additionally, Mathew recounted a particularly grueling scene marked by a high number of retakes. “I recently outdid myself for an eight-minute shot. I was desperately hoping that was going to be it. People stopped counting at one point and said, ‘No, no stop yelling out the number, it’s going to make everybody nervous,’” he shared. This insight into the filmmaking process revealed the intricate challenges actors face, along with the technical elements that often influence the final take.
‘Ulajh’ pledges to offer audiences a compelling exploration of diplomatic intricacies, bolstered by its robust supporting cast, which includes Adil Hussain, Rajesh Tailang, Meiyang Chang, Rajendra Gupta, and Jitendra Joshi. Set for release on August 2, 2024, the film is keenly anticipated for its intricate storyline and the authentic portrayal of the lives involved in complex diplomatic affairs.
Kapoor and Mathew’s engaging conversation on ‘On The Scene’ not only provided a sneak peek into the dedication and sacrifices required for their roles but also highlighted their personal philosophies and approaches to the craft. With Kapoor’s firm stance on maintaining her hair, it underscores a broader conversation in the entertainment industry about the balance between personal boundaries and professional responsibilities.
As the release date for ‘Ulajh’ draws closer, anticipation continues to build, promising a film rich with emotional depth and compelling performances. Viewers and fans alike are keen to see how Janhvi Kapoor and Roshan Mathew bring their characters to life, weathering personal convictions and on-set challenges to deliver a cinematic experience like no other.
