In Bollywood, where fortunes can change overnight, actor Arjun Kapoor is riding high on the roaring success of Singham Again. Kapoor, who plays the antagonist Danger Lanka, has been praised for his bold and unique portrayal. For him, however, this success isn’t just about box office numbers—it’s a milestone that reflects years of hard work and perseverance.
“It’s overwhelming to hear people call me Danger Lanka wherever I go,” Kapoor shared, his gratitude evident. For the actor, this role is a turning point in his career, which has seen its share of ups and downs.
Reflecting on Success and Failure
“When you fail, you introspect. When you succeed, you celebrate. But both are fleeting,” Kapoor told Khaleej Times. “What truly matters is the love and acceptance from the audience—that’s what drives me.”
Fans and critics have dubbed this phase of his career Arjun 2.0, which Kapoor views as a chance to rediscover himself. “When you debut with 100-crore hits like 2 States and other blockbusters, there are expectations. Some films don’t work, but when something clicks universally, like Singham Again, it feels empowering,” he said.
A Calculated Risk That Paid Off
Kapoor’s portrayal of Danger Lanka was a bold move, playing a fully unhinged antagonist with charisma and menace. “I approached him as the hero of his own story. For me, the violence was secondary—it was more about his calm confidence in chaos,” he explained.
This role also aligns with a growing cinematic trend of compelling villains. “There’s a darker side to everyone, and audiences connect with multi-dimensional characters. I’ve played shades of grey before, but this was a deep dive into that space,” Kapoor shared.
He also credited director Rohit Shetty for shaping the character. “Rohit sir loved the smile I used during the look test, and we made it a signature in the film,” Kapoor said.
Facing Challenges with Resilience
Kapoor has faced challenges in both his personal and professional life. He admitted, “When your films don’t work, people focus on the failures. But I’ve always backed myself. You don’t suddenly become a bad actor. You just need better projects and persistence.”
His resilience comes from personal trials. “Life has taught me perspective. If you can survive personal struggles, you can handle professional setbacks too,” he added.
Speaking Up About Mental Health
Kapoor is also breaking stereotypes by openly discussing mental health. During Movember, a month focused on men’s mental well-being, Kapoor shared his journey with depression. “In our culture, men are told to ‘man up,’ but that’s harmful. We need safe spaces for open conversations,” he said.
The younger generation is more open to mental health issues, but Kapoor acknowledged that older generations still struggle to accept its importance. “It’s about respecting cultural nuances while fostering awareness,” he noted.
Finding Support Through Therapy
Kapoor credits therapy and self-reflection for helping him cope. “Talking openly in therapy made me feel lighter. Sometimes, you can’t solve everything on your own, and that’s okay,” he said. He also highlighted the importance of exploring multiple solutions to mental health challenges.
His advice? “Step back, analyze what’s wrong, and keep moving forward. Staying stuck won’t help—find what works for you.”
What’s Next for Arjun Kapoor?
When asked about the possibility of a Danger Lanka spin-off, Kapoor laughed, “That would be exciting! But for now, I’m enjoying this moment and looking forward to what’s ahead.”
