★ “I’m on the cover of a magazine. This is my way of telling the world what he [Salman Khan] has done for me.” -Arjun Kapoor
Success has helped Arjun Kapoor discover new dreams and newer bonds. Filmfare meets the hottest bet…
Oct 10, 2012
Q. How did the transition from fat to fit happen?
Salman Bhai is responsible for that. I was content being overweight because I wanted to be a director. So I went on the sets of Kal Ho Naa Ho, worked with dad (Boney Kapoor) a bit and joined Nikhil Advani as an AD during Salaam-e-Ishq. Then I met Salman Bhai. He took me aside one day and said, “I think you should become an actor. If you don’t, you’ll regret it all your life. Your father will support you no matter what choice you make. I will help you, come to the gym.” When Salman Khan says he will guide you, what else do you want? I thought let me lose weight at least. The weight loss was a three-year process. I’d show up at his house at seven in the morning and would be with him till midnight. I’d cycle to wherever he was shooting. I got to observe his stardom at its absolute peak.
Q. We heard Salman was upset with you…
He was one of the first to see Ishaqzaade. Salman Bhai and dad saw the film together. Why would a person who is upset with me watch my film? The last person my mother spoke to before she passed away was Salman Khan. When my mum passed away, they were shooting Dabangg 2 and they stopped the shoot. They were there at my house. I don’t know what problems there are. No one’s told me. I take it with a pinch of salt because someone’s trying to sell their news. It’s unfortunate. They say we had no time to comment. Salman Bhai was doing Ek Tha Tiger and I was busy with my film. Where was the time to refute? We’re both working for the same company and they said that Arjun Kapoor thinks he is equal to Salman Khan. When did I ever say that? I don’t even dare speak in front of him. He watched my film and tweeted about it. But the media does not pick up that because that does not suit them. Salman Bhai’s like a father figure. He’s seen me as the grumpy useless guy I was and has inspired me beyond everything. Adi does not have special screenings but he kept one for my father and Salman. I was surprised Bhai didn’t criticise me. I could sense that he was proud. This is his victory. I’m on the cover of a magazine. This is my way of telling the world what he has done for me.
Quotes from Arjun Kapoor’s Interview, Another Son Rise
