THE STAR NEXT DOOR

Aditya Roy Kapur is more about meaningful connections than flashy displays. The actor shares his love for the craft, his balance approach in life, and why he has never consciously tried to craft an image.

- RASNA BHASIN

I step onto the set and find Aditya Roy Kapur lounging comfortably—a relaxed sight on our shoot set. Dressed in a suit—far removed from his usual heartthrob image, where fans are more likely to be urging him to take his shirt off—Aditya looks like a man at ease with himself, even if it’s a far cry from the usual roles he plays on screen.

Aditya is a man of contrasts. On one hand, he embodies the quintessential poster boy of Indian cinema—charming, effortlessly good looking, and with an undeniable presence that has won him legions of fans. On the other hand, he’s someone who doesn’t easily wear his emotions on his sleeve. Though known for his choice of diverse roles in action thrillers, dramas, and romantic comedies, he’s not one for long conversations. His quiet confidence and laid-back demeanour make him a refreshing presence in an industry often associated with grandeur and glamour.

Several days after this cover shoot, and after countless attempts to coordinate our schedules, I finally find myself on a call with Aditya at midnight on a Monday. He has just wrapped up his day on set and is calling me on his way home. Aditya chuckles when I ask him to describe himself in three words. “I’m terrible at these kinds of questions,” he admits. “But okay, give me one word and I’ll figure out the rest.” I throw “tall” at him, and he laughs again. “Okay, facts. Tall. And dark brown eyes—don’t forget the fade,” he adds with a grin. “That’s as good as I can do at midnight. Maybe I’ll have a better answer tomorrow.”