The Non - Hero

Aditya Roy Kapur Has Talent and Fans in Equal Measure, but He’s Also the Most Down–to–earth Chap in an Industry Filled With Inflated Egos and Airs. Post a Lull in His Career, He Insists He’s Never Been More Eager to Do Good Work, Because “life Is Sorted” on the Sets.

- Shweta Mehta Sen

“I’ve had a good month,” Aditya Roy Kapur grins sheepishly, as the hook of a pair of trousers he’s trying on misses the bar ever so slightly. We’re at his sea–facing Carter Road apartment, in the Mumbai suburb of Bandra, with stacks of clothes being brought out for fittings ahead of our cover shoot.

The abs we saw in Fitoor — which sent scores of women into a collective tizzy (and probably became the only reason the film made any sort of money) — are gone. After Ok Jaanu released (and tanked) in January, Aditya’s been “chilling,” as he likes to put it. His waistline also tells us he’s been eating everything he isn’t allowed to while he’s shooting, because Bollywood’s obsession with looks means that the leading man will likely flaunt a six–pack even when he’s playing an average Joe.

Average Joe, actually, may be the most apt words to describe Kapur — and there are few bigger compliments I can pay him. I’ve been to his house twice, and he’s opened the door to his sparsely furnished apartment himself and offered me tea and coffee. He’s most comfortable in chappals, shorts and solid T–shirts, his hair tousled and a carefree smile that refuses to leave his face. Conversation flows as easily as it would with a friend I’ve known for years. If you’re of the opinion that Bollywood stars are prima donnas, you haven’t met this guy.

Back–to–back flops have earned him a chunk of criticism, and many will tell you that while Kapur’s an effortless actor, it’s his choice of scripts that has often let him down. He may not say it in as many words, but this sabbatical–of– sorts may just be the shot his career so badly needs in its arm.