Kapilakshi Malhotra: Playing the female lead in my debut Bollywood film seemed very exhausting mentally – Exclusive! – Times of India

Actress Kapilakshi Malhotra captivated cinephiles with her performance in Murali Ramaswamy’s romantic entertainer ‘Prema Pipasi’ in 2020. Also, she was already an accomplished theatre actor before, and thus, by the time she bagged the female lead in her debut Tollywood film, she was already a 3-year stage veteran. There has been some buzz around Kapilakshi starring in a Bollywood film as well. And now, in an interview with ETimes, the actress has finally spoken about her Bollywood debut, alongside various other topics like her favorite actors, childhood crush, and more.

Excerpts from the interview:

How did ‘Prema Pipasi’ happen?

”Because of my theatre experience, I have had a lot of casting calls, so I went for an audition in Mumbai, and it turns out it was for ‘Prema Pipasi’. A few days later I got a call back from the team that I was signed for the movie! Trust me, it was one of the most endearing moments in my life!”

With just one Telugu film, how did you get the opportunity in Bollywood?


”I had no idea I would get such a great response for my debut in a Tollywood film. The success of the movie has not only pushed my career notches higher but also given me my own place in the Bollywood industry!”

Can you tell us about your role in your debut Hindi film? And how do you prepare for it?

”Playing the female lead for my debut in a Hindi film seemed very exhausting mentally. However, the key for me has been to understand the character and improvise on my execution with sheer practice to bring out the best in my role.”

If not an actor, what would you be?

”If not being an actor, I’d like to be an entrepreneur with a cause.”

Who is your favorite actor?

”Suriya Sivakumar from Kollywood and Abhishek Bachchan from Bollywood will always be my favorites! Distinctive roles and their work never ceased to amaze me and have been so inspiring as well.”

Who is your childhood crush in films?

”I guess he’s not just my crush but for a million others too! Hrithik Roshan, the handsome hunk has always been a treat with his performances!”

What’s your favourite film in recent times?

”Recently movies in India have gotten super creative in all aspects. ‘Pushpa’ would be the blockbuster that made a special place in my heart.”