Janhvi Kapoor on her Birthday Plans!

Janhvi Kapoor who turns 25 on 6 March Tells Subhash  K Jha Her Birthday Plans

Janhvi in many ways, reminds me of her legendary mother Sridevi: the same  aura of  serenity , a rarity among  youngsters  in the  entertainment industry, Janhvi would rather read  a book than dance in a  club, rather watch her iconic  mother in Chaalbaaz  than  catch the Squid Game. Ever since  she  made her debut  in Dhadak in 2018   Jahnvi has been the quiet achiever. Knowing her, I am not surprised at how she has chosen to bring in  her birthday this year.

How  are you bringing in  your birthday this  year?

For my  birthday this  year I climbed up to Tirupathi on foot with my aunt and a friend. I think we all need the blessings of the gods at  a  time when we are just breathing free again after the pandemic . Also,visiting Tirupathi was  something  my mother  loved doing with my Dad. So here I am in  Tirupathi. Tomorrow  will be a quiet family dinner. That’s it.

What  do birthdays mean to you?

I think birthdays are a time for reflection , at least for me. So I do think about what I’ve done with my life so far.I get nervous and anxious on birthdays  because of the way they are hyped by those around me.That’s why I  like to keep it quiet , lie low and  just spend it with loved ones over  a nice  meal.

Do you  like the  candles-balloons-cake  birthday?

(laughs) I don’t dislike it. I specially like the candles. But I  don’t like the hoo-ha that accompanies  every birthday. I like to keep it chilled.

What is your  idea of an ideal  birthday?

To visit  Tirupathi. I did that on my birthdays before Covid. I am doing it again now.My most  cherished  birthday memory is of my mother who  would decorate  the  entire house with balloons and give  a card with a  lovely message.

What has the  film industry taught you during the past four years since your debut?Are you wiser now?

 I have honestly  learnt a lot during these years. Of  course not everything went as per plan…when  does it ever! But I  am so thankful for the experiences and the interesting  people I’ve met during the past few years. I don’t know  about wiser. But I’ve definitely grown up. I don’t think I’m as naïve as I  used to be. I hope I’m better  at  processing the world around me.

How did the pandemic change your life?

The pandemic kind of shifted  , rather re-aligned everyone’s priorities.  More than the four years in the industry, I think it’s the pandemic which has made me wiser. I value my time on the sets and the opportunities that life offers me, much more now. Also, I’ve learnt to prioritize my own happiness much better  now than I  did before.The pandemic has made us realize what is really valuable.

How  much did  the pandemic affect your  life?

Nothing went according to plans. The pandemic postponed, delayed, shelved  projects.This whole OTT movement since the pandemic has changed  the  equation between the artiste  and the audience. There’s  a shift in the way the artiste works and the way audiences  see films .

How did it change you?

I think the pandemic has affected different people in different ways.  But what I  have learnt is  to not  to be anxious  about my work.My work is fulfilling to me.And the reward for that work is more work, however selfish that may sound. But  honestly what matters at the end  of the day is  the  time you spend with  your family and also if you are happy with  yourself.I think the pandemic has  shaped that outlook  for me.

Tell me  about your forthcoming projects?

I have finished  two projects  one for my Dad called Mili and  another for Aanand Rai Sir called Good Luck Jerry. I am very excited about both.  I’ve started  prepping for Mr & Mrs Mahi. There are  a few other projects in the pipeline. It’s all looking very  fulfilling,provided everything goes according to plan.

Your sister Khushi  is all set to make  her  debut. Are  you going to  play her Badi Didi guiding her career?

Honestly between the two of us , Khushi is the  elder sister in terms of her emotional maturity. And in dealing with situations.

Does she ransack your closet?

It almost always me  ransacking her closet.

If you had to change one thing in your life what would it be?

I don’t want to change anything  . I am happy with my life. I am grateful for all the opportunities  that I get, and for all the  people in my  life. I think I am the luckiest girl in the world. I hope God  gives me the strength to do everything that will make my parents proud.