Arjun Kapoor Was Initially Against Parineeti Chopra Being Cast in Ishaqzaade: Here’s Why He Changed His Mind
Arjun Kapoor, who debuted in Bollywood with the 2012 romantic action film Ishaqzaade, has recently opened up about his initial reservations regarding his co-star Parineeti Chopra. While Parineeti went on to deliver a memorable performance that earned her a National Film Award – Special Mention, Arjun candidly admitted that he had serious doubts about her being cast in the film. The actor, known for his honesty, revealed that he initially found her demeanor and approach to work off-putting, even fearing that her performance might jeopardize his career.
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Fast forward to 2024, Arjun Kapoor has been making headlines for his promising portrayal of the antagonist in Rohit Shetty’s highly anticipated action film Singham Again. While he’s managed to shift some public perceptions about his acting capabilities, it wasn’t always smooth sailing for the actor. Reflecting on his early career choices, Arjun shared insights into how he initially underestimated Parineeti Chopra’s talent and professionalism.
A Career at a Crossroads
Arjun Kapoor’s career began with much promise when he starred in Habib Faisal’s Ishaqzaade. Produced by Yash Raj Films, the movie was a gritty tale of love and revenge, set against the backdrop of small-town India. Arjun played Parma Chauhan, a hot-headed youth who falls for Parineeti’s Zoya Qureshi, a feisty and rebellious woman from a rival political family.
However, after Ishaqzaade, Arjun faced a string of underwhelming projects. His most recent film, The Lady Killer (2023), was a commercial disaster, earning just Rs. 60,000 against its reported budget of Rs. 45 crore. Despite these setbacks, Arjun appears determined to rebuild his career, starting with his role in Singham Again.
Initial Reservations About Parineeti Chopra
In a recent interview with Mashable India, Arjun Kapoor revisited his Ishaqzaade days, admitting that he was skeptical when Parineeti Chopra was cast opposite him. His concerns were not about her acting skills initially but rather her personality and approach to work.
“I was very against her when the casting happened,” Arjun confessed. “I thought, ‘Yeh bahut baat karti hai (she talks too much).’ Her readings during workshops were also bad. Parineeti doesn’t like doing workshops or rehearsals; she’s more of a spontaneous actor. Or maybe, she saves her energy for the actual shoot.”
Arjun, who had spent months preparing for his role in Ishaqzaade, was unnerved by Parineeti’s casual attitude during their early interactions. He recounted one particular incident that left him annoyed. “On the first day, I cracked a joke, and she replied with ‘lol.’ I was taken aback. I thought, ‘Why can’t you just laugh? This isn’t a chat; it’s real life.’ She talked in emojis, and it irritated me. I felt she wasn’t taking the project seriously, even though it was such a significant opportunity.”
Fearing the Worst
At the time, Parineeti was fresh off her supporting role in Ladies vs Ricky Bahl (2011), another Yash Raj production, where she had gained recognition. However, Arjun perceived her success as a sign of overconfidence. “I judged her harshly,” he admitted. “I thought, ‘She’s just come into the industry, worked at YRF, done one film with Ranveer Singh, and now she thinks she’s a big star. What does she know about acting?’”
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Arjun’s apprehension went so far that he feared Parineeti’s perceived lack of seriousness might ruin the film—and his budding career. “I was 24 and desperate to make a mark. I had waited six months for the perfect co-star to play Zoya, and now here was someone who didn’t seem invested. I genuinely thought, ‘Mera career khatam hogaya (my career is over).’”
A Turning Point
Despite his initial misgivings, Arjun’s opinion of Parineeti took a dramatic turn during a mock shoot. “I have to confess, I was so shocked by her performance that I forgot my lines. All my months of preparation seemed meaningless in comparison to the fire in her eyes. She was absolutely terrific,” he said.
That moment marked a turning point in their professional equation. Arjun acknowledged, “From that point on, I realized she was more than capable. She brought Zoya to life in ways I couldn’t have imagined. She had an innate understanding of the character, and her performance added depth to the film.”
Ishaqzaade’s Success
Ishaqzaade turned out to be a critical and commercial success. The film showcased Parineeti’s versatility and earned her the National Film Award – Special Mention for her portrayal of Zoya Qureshi. Arjun, too, garnered praise for his raw and intense performance as Parma Chauhan.
The movie was a stepping stone for both actors, proving that their on-screen chemistry could overcome any initial doubts or misunderstandings. It also solidified Parineeti’s position as a rising star in Bollywood, paving the way for her subsequent successes.
Reflecting on Growth
Looking back, Arjun Kapoor seems to have learned an important lesson about the pitfalls of quick judgments. “At that age, you tend to judge people harshly without understanding where they’re coming from,” he admitted. “Parineeti’s approach might have been different from mine, but she had her process, and it worked beautifully for her.”
While Arjun continues to navigate the challenges of a fluctuating career, his experiences with Ishaqzaade and Parineeti Chopra serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of showbiz. What initially seemed like a potential career misstep turned out to be a defining moment for both actors.
Moving Forward
As Arjun Kapoor gears up for Singham Again, he appears to be embracing a fresh perspective on his craft. Whether it’s taking on unconventional roles or acknowledging past mistakes, Arjun seems intent on proving his mettle as an actor.
His journey—from harboring doubts about his co-stars to recognizing and respecting their talent—reflects a maturing artist willing to grow and adapt. With a renewed focus on his career, Arjun Kapoor hopes to leave a lasting impression on audiences, just as he and Parineeti did with their unforgettable performances in Ishaqzaade.