CRY ME A HIT

Siddharth Roy Kapur's obsession with films has led to some of India's biggest productions

- PUJA AWASTHI

Siddharth Roy Kapur’s earliest relationship with films was birthed in tears. The then some four-year-old Kapur rushed out of a cinema hall crying. The film he watched was For the Love of Benji (1977), which was the story of a stray dog longing for a home and humans. Though the film ended happily, the distraught Kapur could not bear to wait till then, choosing to bolt when the dog was lost. “I can’t remember a time when I was not obsessed with films. I loved the experience of being in a dark cinema hall watching a film unfold,” said Kapur.

That obsession grew to a voracious reading of film magazines, including trade publications, to understand what went on behind producing magic. It helped that the Roy Kapur home was subsumed in art. His mother, Salome, a trained Indian and western dancer and choreographer, was born to parents who were dance teachers. His father Kumud, an Army officer, had a father who had produced films. Theatre was a big part of the family’s leisure time. It was no surprise thus that Kapur’s younger brothers—Kunaal and Aditya—would also walk into acting careers.

Kapur’s obsession with films has led to some of India’s biggest and best productions—both in his earlier capacity as managing director of The Walt Disney Company, India; and now as founder and MD of Roy Kapur Films. In his former role, he oversaw Barfi! (2012) which was chosen as India’s official entry to the Oscars. More recently, the Roy Kapur Films production Last Film Show (Chhello Show) became the country’s entry to the Oscars.