Vaani, A Voice of Change

The Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui actor, Vaani Kapoor is excited about
working in the period film Shamshera, as she continues to shine on her
own terms be it in fashion, fitness or flamboyance.

I keep it simple, classy and chic. I mean, that’s what I aim at. But if I don’t have to dress up and go to an event, I could just be very happy sitting in my track pants all day long, or just a pair of jeans with a T-shirt. I like basic monotones. It’s not exactly a splurge but I do like having a nice handbag, or investing in a really good jacket.

Vaani Kapoor has won our hearts in Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui, even as the Shamshera actor tells us why she still has the newcomer nerves. In a freewheeling chat, she shares stories from her childhood and lessons straight from her fitness and skincare book. Here’s to the vivacious Vaani as she talks about her distinctive Bollywood journey.

FL: You have received positive reviews for playing the role of a trans woman in Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui. What attracted you to the role? How was the experience? And what kind of preparation did you undertake to play the role?

VK: There was a lot of research-and-development (R&D) that I did on my end: there were documentaries I went through; there were films that I watched, including global cinema. The fact that I had a director (Abhishek Kapoor), who was very clear about how he wanted to portray Maanvi (her character) made it easier for me. And, I think, it was also all about, you know, having faith in each other, him in me as an actor, and, I in him as a filmmaker. It’s such a unique path that I charted; it has never been explored in Hindi cinema earlier. At least, it’s never been portrayed the way it has been in this film. It was all very exciting for me.

FL: What kind of response did you get from the transgender community? What would you have to say about the evolution of LGBTQIA+ representation in Hindi cinema? And at this moment, what does it mean for the future?

VK: I definitely feel that this is a conversation starter. It’s a baby step towards making a change and a difference. I hope this has some impact. I am very grateful for the response that I got from the transgender community because they really did resonate with the character. At least, the role, the writing and the portrayal was a conversation starter.

FL: You won the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut (Shuddh Desi Romance). The film dealt with the contemporary subject of live-in relationships. How would you describe the film and your role?

VK: I think it was ahead of its time but the fact that it was received really well makes me happy that people are progressive and took the concept in their stride. Tara is very different from me, the role that I played is definitely thought-provoking and very contrasting to who I am, and how I would react as a person. I would definitely have to give the credit to Maneesh Sharma (director) for making her so

I definitely feel that this is a conversation starter. It’s a
baby step towards making a change and a difference. I hope this has some impact. I am very grateful for the response that I got from the transgender community because they really did resonate with the character. At least, the role, the writing and the portrayal was a conversation starter.

(On Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui)

unique and refreshing, and for having a very different unique take on her.

FL: How would you describe your journey in Bollywood so far?

VK: I still feel like a newcomer and a beginner. I still feel nervous. And there’s the same amount of energy before I start any project. It’s the same jitteriness that I go through every time but it’s exciting and it’s the same
with every project, you know. You’re learning something and evolving as a human being and as an artist, so it’s only helping me evolve overall.

FL: What would you like to say about Shamshera considering it’s a period film and you have a very different role?

VK: My role is that of a travelling performer. The film is based in the 1800s. It’s again a very refreshing path. I’ve never done that before in any of my previous films. What makes it even more amazing is the fact that I got to collaborate with Karan Malhotra (I loved his Agneepath), and Ranbir Kapoor, who is one of the finest actors and one of my favourites too, whom I look up to. All of this is so inspiring; I think it was just a blessing.

FL: You’re also a fitness influencer in your own right. Could you share your fitness regime for our readers, and any special tips that you might have?

VK: Eat healthy, eat right, eat on time. Balance it out with the right workout, be it any kind of sporting activity, it could be cardio-driven, weights-driven, or even yoga- driven. Just keep yourself active. And it’s not only for your body, but also for your mind. I think there’s a certain amount of discipline that it brings into your lifestyle, which is very much required, especially for
someone like me as I’m aware that my parents have had a lot of health issues and ailments. And I do understand the importance of fitness, not just to look good appearance-wise, but to feel and live a healthier life.

FL: Going back to your growing up years, would you like to share any memories with us, especially since you grew up with a sister. Were there dress playoffs or were you more into sports and outdoor activities?

VK: So, my mom made sure we have a fully rounded childhood. We lived in a town where we didn’t actually have neighbours. We grew up in acres of land where we had all sorts of animals. We had horses, dogs, cats, monkeys (and everything else) as pets! So, I think I had

Just hydrate; keep yourself hydrated. I like lymphatic massages for the face and the body. I think that drains out the excess fluid from your body, which causes water retention. Get the right skincare products for your skin since you know your skin better. I mean, if you have oily skin, you would know best what products to use. Also, remember the basics: Don’t overhydrate if you have oily skin; don’t under-hydrate if you have dry skin.

a very unique experience growing up. My sister and me have always had a love-hate relationship growing up, and now I realise as we have come to a certain phase of our life, she’s always been a protective, motherly figure in my life, but there are times when there is a a role-reversal and I become her agony aunt.

FL: How strict are you about your diet and what do you like to have on your cheat days?

VK: I do have a lot of cheat days but when I know one has to work on a certain project or a certain event is coming up close, I do discipline myself really well.

FL: Do you have any go-to skincare ritual?

VK: Just hydrate; keep yourself hydrated. I like lymphatic massages for the face and the body. I think that drains out the excess fluid from your body, which causes water retention. Get the right skincare products for your skin since you know your skin better. I mean, if you have oily skin, you would know best what products to use. Also, remember the basics: Don’t overhydrate if you have oily skin; don’t under-hydrate if you have dry skin.

FL: What is your personal style quotient? And what are some of your most extravagant fashion splurges?

VK: I keep it simple, classy and chic. I mean, that’s what I aim at. But if I don’t have to dress up and go to an event, I could just be very happy sitting in my track pants all day long, or just a pair of jeans with a T-shirt. I like basic monotones. It’s not exactly a splurge but I do like having a nice handbag, or investing in a really good jacket. And maybe nice jackets that I can team up with a lot of things. So they’re multi-taskers; very versatile.

FL: Any summer dress code that you live by?

VK: I love maxi dresses. I love wrap dresses, summer wrap dresses.

FL: Do you have any favourite designers?

VK: Internationally, there are many. If I talk about the ones that I really like they would be Jacques Jacamo or Dion Lee. There’s the new sensation: Mark Ricker. Then there’s Oscar de la Renta. And, if I talk about Indian designers, I think I would love to say Manish Malhotra is one of the finest designers; he is my all-time favourite. There’s Nikhil Thampi; I love Arpita Mehta. There are so many.

FL: What kind of a traveller are you? Are there any destinations on your travel wish list?

VK: Iceland, Japan, and Los Angeles. I’ve never been to LA, actually.

FL: What’s your personal mantra of work-life balance?

VK: Our job is such that our personal lives kind of get intertwined with our professional lives. But you just need to draw the line for your own sanity. You have to know where to and how much to share with people and how much to keep it to yourself. I think I pretty much balance this aspect.