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At Jagran Film Festival 2025, Rajat Kapoor revealed that most of his time goes into arranging funds for films, calling it the “most exhausting part” of filmmaking.
At the Jagran Film Festival 2025, acclaimed filmmaker Rajat Kapoor spoke candidly about the struggles of funding independent cinema, his love for the creative process, and the premiere of his latest film Putul.
The 13th edition of Rajnigandha presents Jagran Film Festival 2025, the world’s largest travelling film festival, continued its celebration of cinema on Day 3 in Delhi with a special session titled “In Conversation: Rajat Kapoor & Radheshyam Pipalwa.”
Acclaimed actor, writer, and filmmaker Rajat Kapoor, known for his deeply introspective storytelling, spoke candidly about the joys and struggles of making films ahead of the premiere of his latest project Putul. The film was screened right after the conversation to an eager audience.
Rajat Kapoor On Filmmaking: Joy And Exhaustion
Reflecting on his journey as an independent filmmaker, Kapoor admitted that the hardest part of his process has always been arranging funds for his projects.
“Most of my time is spent looking for money to make a film, and that’s the most tedious, exhausting part of it,” he shared. “Writing, on the other hand, is great fun. What I love about filmmaking is that every stage is so different. Writing is a solitary joy, shooting is a beautiful chaos with 120 people, and editing is a quiet, intimate process. There isn’t a part of filmmaking that I don’t love.”
His candid words struck a chord with audiences, offering them an intimate glimpse into the passion, vulnerability, and perseverance that drive him as a filmmaker.
A Distinguished Career In Cinema
Born in 1961, Rajat Kapoor has carved a niche for himself as one of India’s most versatile cinematic voices. A graduate of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, Kapoor began his career as a theatre actor and director before venturing into films.
He made his acting debut in Kumar Shahani’s Khayal Gatha (1989), and gradually gained recognition for his subtle, layered performances in films such as Dil Chahta Hai (2001), where he played Preity Zinta’s mature love interest, and Corporate (2006). Kapoor later delivered critically acclaimed performances in Bheja Fry (2007), Kapoor & Sons (2016), and Kadakh (2019), balancing commercial appeal with indie sensibilities.
As a filmmaker, Kapoor has consistently pushed boundaries in Indian independent cinema. His directorial debut Private Detective: Two Plus Two Plus One (1997) set the tone for a career defined by unconventional narratives. His 2003 film Raghu Romeo won the National Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi, cementing his reputation as a distinctive storyteller. He followed it up with Mixed Doubles (2006) and Mithya (2008), both praised for their quirky, original narratives.
Perhaps his most celebrated film as a director is Ankhon Dekhi (2013), a philosophical dramedy starring Sanjay Mishra, which was hailed as a modern classic for its humanism and simplicity. The film won several accolades, including Filmfare Awards for Best Film (Critics) and Best Story.
Despite critical acclaim, Kapoor has often struggled with funding his projects, frequently turning to crowdfunding for films like RK/RKay (2021). Yet, he continues to be regarded as one of the most fearless voices in Indian cinema, unafraid to experiment with form, style, and subject matter.
The Premiere Of Putul
Kapoor’s new film Putul, premiered at Jagran Film Festival, carries forward his legacy of introspective and unconventional storytelling. While details about the plot remain under wraps, its unveiling at the festival has already sparked curiosity and conversation among cinephiles.
By combining heartfelt honesty with artistic brilliance, Rajat Kapoor remains a filmmaker who embodies both the struggles and triumphs of independent cinema in India.
Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he’s breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, he’s always on the hun…Read More
Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he’s breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, he’s always on the hun… Read More
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September 07, 2025, 20:26 IST
