From sports to cinema, Kashika Kapoor’s remarkable journey is a testament to her dedication and passion. In an exclusive interview with The Pioneer, Kashika opens up about her experiences, challenges and triumphs, offering a unique glimpse into her life as a rising star
Kashika Kapoor, a multifaceted young talent, is quickly making her mark in Indian cinema with a flair that spans both screen and stage. She has represented India in national-level swimming, throwball and basketball, showcasing her athleticism before she delved into acting.
Her journey into the films began with rigorous training at the Jeff Goldberg Studio, followed by a year at the prestigious New York Film Academy. Kashika is now set to captivate pan-Indian audiences in her Tollywood debut, Love You Father, a pan-Indian, multilingual film.
With a fresh role that contrasts her previously celebrated character in Aayushmati Geeta Matric Pass, she opens up about the excitement and challenges of her journey across film industries, her hopes for the future and her drive to keep her audience captivated.
“It’s amazing!” beams Kashika, describing the experience of joining a pan-Indian film. Love Your Father boasts a high-profile cast including Sri Harsha, Nawab Shah and Aman Verma, while being helmed by Pawan Ketharaju, the creative talent who co-directed Pushpa. She praises the entire team, sharing how thrilled she was to work alongside such renowned faces. “Everyone on set was wonderful and it felt like a big, supportive family,” she shares.
For her, portraying Sweety in Love Your Father brings an exciting shift from her role in Aayushmati Geeta Matric Pass. Unlike her traditional portrayal of Geeta, Sweety embraces a modern, Western flair, embodying a lively yet grounded personality. “Sweety is bold, confident and supportive of her partner,” says the young actor, highlighting her character’s unique traits. She believes Sweety’s charm lies in her relatability and her unwavering support for her loved ones.
The shift to Tollywood wasn’t without its challenges, particularly the language barrier. Kapoor had never acted in Telugu before, and she candidly admits it took some time to adjust. “I would get my script just an hour before the shoot. It was intense, but it pushed me out of my comfort zone,” she says with a laugh. Despite her initial concerns, her first take earned praise from the crew. “They were thrilled to hear me speak Telugu so fluently, which was a huge confidence boost.”
Kashika’s poster for Love Your Father has already generated significant buzz and she’s delighted by the audience’s anticipation. “First impressions are everything,” she says. “The poster is what pulls people in and I’m so happy it’s creating that excitement!” The film’s storyline, which centers around family values, resonates with her, who expresses how meaningful it is to be part of a project that connects so deeply with audiences.
Looking ahead, she is eager to explore diverse roles, mentioning her interest in collaborating with Bollywood’s top directors like Karan Johar, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Zoya Akhtar. In Tollywood, she’s excited to take on stories with mass appeal. “It’s all about the content. I want to bring impactful films that everyone can enjoy,” she says passionately. When it comes to what’s next, the actress remains tight-lipped but hints at some thrilling projects on the horizon. With one foot planted in Bollywood and the other in Tollywood, Kashika Kapoor is clearly on her way to becoming a lasting name in Indian cinema.
