EXCLUSIVE: Kunal Kapoor Feels Dejected That Rang De Basanti Is Relevant Even After 19 Years; Sadly Says, “Nothing Really Changed In The Last…”

Kunal Kapoor is an Indian actor, writer, and entrepreneur known for his powerful screen presence and thoughtful film choices. He rose to fame with his role in the critically acclaimed Rang De Basanti (2006) and has since appeared in a mix of mainstream and independent films. Beyond acting, Kunal is also a co-founder of Ketto, a popular crowdfunding platform, and is recognised for his involvement in social causes and tech-driven ventures. With his distinct blend of charisma and intellect, he continues to be a dynamic force in the Indian entertainment industry. In an exclusive chat, Kunal talks about how Rang De Basanti is still relevant to this day.

Kunal Kapoor On Rang De Basanti

In an exclusive chat with Bollywood Bubble, Kunal Kapoor shares an anecdote about his film, Rang De Basanti being relevant to this day. He says, “Yeah, I was just saying, I was just telling them ki ab ab shayad aisa ho ki main kisi college fest mein jaaun aur jaadu baje, kyunki ab tak main jahan bhi jaata hoon Rang De Basanti bajta hai, 19 saal baad bhi. So maybe there’s another song that plays, which will be nice. But you know, I think somebody had put it really nicely.”

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He added, “Someone had messaged me the other day saying, they watched the film and they said that the sad part is that the film is still relevant today, you know, which means that nothing really changed in the last whatever, 19-20 years. It still feels relatable. And it would have been nice if you looked at the film now and said, yaar ab toh aisa nahi hota. But it does.”

“And I mean, for us it was, you know, it was so overwhelming. Kyunki hume laga tha, hum picture kar rahe hain. But it just ended up being a movement. You know, you went to a theater and log ro rahe the, kisi ne chitthi likhi hui thi ki ‘Mera bhai bol raha hai ki main ab America se wapas aa raha hoon, kyunki main India mein kuchh karna chahta hoon.’ ‘I am a doctor in America now, I am going to come back and I am going to work in India.’ So it became, you know, you had the Jessica Lal case and everybody was at the India Gate with candles. You know, the candle march became sort of a way of protesting for anything that happened.”

Kunal Kapoor On What Aamir Khan Said

“It also spoiled us, you know, because when you’re starting off and the first kind of big film that you do is Rang De Basanti, you get really spoiled because it’s a really successful film, but it’s also a film that’s had this huge social impact. And I remember Aamir saying, he’s like, “Really enjoy this because I’ve been acting for 20 years now, and you know, this happens once or twice in your career.” But when you’re starting off, you’re like, yaar ab toh yeh toh matlab… this is the standard, this is going to happen over and over.”

About Rang De Basanti

Rang De Basanti is a powerful drama directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra that blends history with contemporary socio-political issues. The film follows a group of Delhi University students who, while portraying Indian freedom fighters for a British documentary, experience a personal and political awakening that pushes them to challenge corruption in present-day India. Featuring a stellar cast including Aamir Khan, Kunal Kapoor, Siddharth, and Soha Ali Khan, the film struck a chord with audiences for its emotional depth, stirring performances, and A.R. Rahman’s unforgettable soundtrack. It not only became a box office success but also sparked real-life youth movements, making it a landmark film in Indian cinema.

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Also Read: Aamir Khan starrer Rang De Basanti turns 19: 5 lessons we’ve learnt from this timeless drama that continues to inspire generations