Arjun Kapoor made his big Bollywood debut with Ishaqzaade in 2012 and thereafter there was no looking back for him. However, Arjun’s stardom journey started way back in 2003 when he worked as an assistant director for Nikkhil Advani’s Kal Ho Naa Ho and later on for Salaam-e-Ishq in 2007.
In a recent Clubhouse session with The Bollywood Film Club, by Janice Sequeira and Aniruddha Guha, Arjun spoke about his days as an assistant director and shared his experience. He revealed how initially he used to fall asleep on set and take hours to finish a job that can be completed in 10 minutes. From 2 States to Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar, Arjun has clearly come a long way and his journey as an actor is truly remarkable.
Speaking about his days as an assistant director, Arjun reveals-
I was a terrible assistant when I started out. I was horrible. I thought it would be a piece of cake and I hate saying this, much like somebody who has grown up in an environment that is sheltered, protected and privileged. Being privileged does not only mean the financial aspect of it, it is about the security that you have from knowing you can make mistakes and stumble and learn along the way even without getting a qualification in place. I was allowed to do those things, make mistakes without consequences that have bigger ramifications.
I became an assistant on Kal Ho Naa Ho and I was a terrible one. Terrible in the sense, I used to sleep off on set, I used to walk in after Nikkhil sir, I used to do things that could be done in 15 minutes over four hours. I was just not very good but on set, I was very in love with the process. Then, I started working on Salaam-e-Ishq, I got better. So, I learnt on the job and I realised that I want to make films in some capacity or the other
On the work front, Arjun will next be seen in Bhoot Police alongside Saif Ali Khan, Yami Gautam, and Jacqueline Fernandez. The film is slated to premiere on Hotstar from September 23 onwards.