Lives in balance

He began his career in Bollywood as assistant director to Rakeysh Mehra and his acting debut in 2004 in artist M. F. Hussain's Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities went largely unnoticed. But last year's hit film Rang De Basanti has changed all that for Kunal Kapoor. The good-looking, soft-spoken actor won accolades for his intense performance in the film and is now flooded with offers from the biggest Bollywood banners.

Lara Dutta on the other hand, was catapulted into the international limelight after winning the Miss Universe 2000 title and had a dream debut in Bollywood with Andaaz, which won her the Filmfare best debut award. Confident, articulate and outspoken, the actress has since starred in hit films such as Masti, Kaal and No Entry.

The two actors were in the UAE this week to participate in a book launch and workshops organised by the Art of Living Foundation. They spoke to tabloid! about coping with failure and success and finding balance in life.

Kunal Kapoor

What has life been like post-Rang De Basanti?

Very hectic. While we were making Rang De Basanti, we knew it was special but we did not expect it to touch the chord it has. Though personally nothing has changed, professionally there is a dramatic change for me. I have been flooded with offers and have signed two films with Yash Raj Films, Laaga Chunri Mein Daag and Aaja Nachle. Every actor dreams of working with this banner and I am lucky to get two films with them at this stage of my career.

What kind of roles would you like to do?

As an actor, the most exciting thing for me is to get a chance to play people that are different from me — somebody far removed from my life, somebody beyond Kunal. Through my characters I want to explore new lives, new circumstances and new backgrounds.

Do you regret having done Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities?

Not at all. I never look back or regret anything because I believe that things will work out anyway. I made a lot of mistakes in that movie and was able to learn from them and rectify them in Rang De Basanti. Otherwise, I would have probably made those mistakes in this movie and not had the acceptance I got now.

Why did you choose to start your career behind the camera?

I have always been involved in theatre. In Delhi I did workshops with Barry John and many street plays and in Mumbai I worked with Naseeruddin Shah's group, Motley. My dream was to be associated with the movies in some capacity and working as an assistant director with Rakeysh Mehra helped me to gauge the industry and figure things out before getting in front of the camera.

How does it feel to be nominated for so many awards?

As a newcomer, these nominations mean a lot to me. They make me feel welcomed into the industry. I am happy that there are so many award functions these days because that increases my chances of winning an award.

We heard you are writing a script for a movie?

Yes, it is the first time I am trying my hand at writing because it is a subject I feel strongly about. Rakeysh Mehra has agreed to produce the film and I will act in it. But I don't want to say any more at this stage.

Lara Dutta

You won several awards for "most promising debut" in 2000. Are you satisfied with the way your career has developed since then?

Certainly. I was not born into an acting family, but I rate myself quite highly as an actor and if given the opportunity, I have the potential to do something great on screen. Some of the best actors around the world, especially women, have come into their own only in their 30s, so I am in no hurry. Bollywood is not the be-all and end-all of my life. Rather than being number one, I want to be known as a great actor throughout my career. I do not want to ride to success on someone else's coattails and am prepared to give myself the time to discover the talent within me.

What has been your most challenging role so far?

No Entry because comedy is a genre I had not tried and the character was different from anything I have done before. I am happy the audience accepted me in this role and it has got me more accolades than ever before. Art of Living techniques have helped me to loosen up and laugh at myself and be uninhibited in front of the camera, which in turn has made me more willing to take chances and experiment.

What are your forthcoming films?

I have a fun, light-hearted and interesting role in Jhoom Barabar Jhoom to be released next month. The cast includes Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan, Bobby Deol and Preity Zinta. I am excited about working with Salman Khan for the first time in Partner and we have already shot some scenes in Dubai. He is a fabulous actor, brilliant human being and great fun to be with.

Any role that you are keen to do?

I would love to do a period film. If such a role does not come along soon, I intend to go out and create it for myself.

What is your view on the recent controversies in India regarding kissing on screen?

If a kiss is justified by the script and will enhance the film then most Indian actors, at least those who are serious about their craft, will do it. I have already done a screen kiss and I view it as just a part of my job, no different from crying, dancing or singing. As long as it is done tastefully, I don't see any problem with it.

Lara on Art of Living

I first did the Art of Living course because it was part of the training for all Miss India pageant participants, but at that time I did not realise its value and did not practise the techniques regularly. But surprisingly, during the Miss Universe contest I found myself doing the breathing techniques without even being conscious of it and they really helped me to stay calm.

Last year I did the course again primarily because I had a bout of gastroenteritis that lasted 12 months. The Art of Living breathing techniques cured me within 45 days. It has also helped me in other ways. As actors, we are constantly projecting what people want to see and it is easy to lose touch with reality and with yourself and start believing what you are projecting. The breathing and meditation techniques I have learnt have helped me to keep in touch with myself and stay centred. They have taught me to celebrate life and deal calmly with adversity. An added bonus is my glowing complexion, which reflects my inner wellbeing.

Lara's message:

To Miss India and Universe aspirants: Know your strengths and work on polishing and enhancing them rather than changing your personality to fit into a stereotype based on previous winners. Individuality will make you stand out from the crowd.

To women in the UAE:

Art of Living will hold a conference on women's empowerment in June at their Bangalore head quarters. In today's scenario of violence against women, I want to invite women in the UAE to come and show their support.

Kunal on Art of Living:

I did the Art of Living course 14 years ago. But I began practising the breathing and yoga techniques regularly only three years ago when I suffered from chronic bronchitis and migraines that did not respond to any medicine. Not only did that help me physically, but over the years it has also helped me emotionally and mentally.

The techniques I learnt through Art of Living have given me a lot of happiness and a new perspective on life. I am here because I want to share this with others and want more people to experience this magic.

As a child I learnt Tai Chi and other martial arts. My teacher was an old Japanese Buddhist but the techniques he taught me transcend all borders of age, nationality and religion. Similarly, Art of Living originated in India but over 20 million people of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds in 140 countries have benefitted from these techniques and it will be wonderful if my presence here encourages more people to do the course and be touched by it.

Some of Kunal Kapoor's favourite things:

Dream role: anything far removed from my personality.

Dream co-star: Madhuri Dixit. My big regret was that she had retired by the time I became an actor. But now I am working with her in Aaja Nachle.

Dream woman: I am touched by simplicity and for me it is very important to constantly look at life like I know nothing and can learn something new everyday. My dream woman is someone who has a similar outlook and is open to life and learning.

His impressions about Dubai: This is my first visit here and I am completely amazed by the city. Not only is Dubai beautiful to look at but it also has a soul because the people here are so warm and welcoming.

For information on Art of Living courses in the UAE write to aol1@eim.ae