The North Vs South divide suits politicians, not artistes: Kunal Kapoor

Time of India

17 hours ago

Kunal Kapoor
Kunal Kapoor
, best known for his breakout role in Rang De Basanti, is set to make a comeback in Telugu cinema as the antagonist in Vishwambhara, starring opposite
Chiranjeevi
. At the same time, the actor is also gearing up for Nitesh Tiwari's highly anticipated Ramayana in which he's set to appear in a key role along with
Ranbir Kapoor
,
Sai Pallavi
, Yash, and Sunny Deol.
'It's a little early to talk about Ramayana, given that the release is still far off. But I believe it will be something very special — a cinematic experience worthy of such an integral part of our culture and history,' he says. In a candid conversation with Hyderabad Times, the actor opens up about his admiration for Chiranjeevi, his views on fitness and emotional well-being, and the evolving synergy between film industries across regions.
'Chiranjeevi sir has this ability to make everyone feel like family'
Reflecting on his time shooting for Vishwambhara with Chiranjeevi, Kunal says, 'Chiranjeevi sir is just incredible, both on and off screen. His work ethic is absolutely humbling, and he approaches every film with the energy of a newcomer, even after doing over 150 films.'
Kunal says it was the Megastar's passion that left a lasting impression on him.
'Legendary status isn't just about talent; it's about showing up every day with love for the craft. And that's exactly what he does. Plus, he's got this amazing ability to make everyone feel like family on set. I went in intimidated and came out inspired,' he notes.
Kunal Kapoor
'The North-South divide shouldn't exist for storytellers'
Kunal, who has worked across industries, sees the growing synergy between regional film
industries as one of
Indian cinema
's biggest strengths. 'Whether I'm shooting in Mumbai, Hyderabad or Chennai, the essence is the same. We're all storytellers. The North
vs South narrative serves politicians, not artistes.
Each region brings something unique. Be it storytelling style, visual texture, or cultural flavour. When we combine all of that, we're not just making films that connect within the country, but ones that resonate globally. The cross-pollination that's happening right now is very exciting. It's no longer about regional cinema, but Indian cinema. And the world is watching,' he remarks.
Kunal Kapoor
'You can have six-pack abs and still be an emotional wreck'
Known for his impressive physical fitness, Kunal believes true wellness goes far beyond the surface.
'Fitness isn't just about looking good. It's about feeling balanced, emotionally and mentally. People often overlook the emotional side of fitness. But that's just as important. If you're mentally scattered, it shows — on screen and off. You can have six-pack abs and still be an emotional wreck. Your body and mind are roommates.
If one is struggling, the other will too,' he says.
Kunal Kapoor with his son
Kunal Kapoor: Balancing work and fatherhood in this industry can be tough. Sometimes you're away for weeks at a stretch. But the flipside is, between projects, you get stretches of real quality time that most other professions don't allow for
– Divya Shree