Amity School of Film and Drama, Amity University Noida campus hosted Ms. Sohaila Kapur, a talented actor, journalist, playwright and theatre artist, to interact with students. Ms. Kapur, known for her extensive work in theatre as well as screen performances in acclaimed productions, including Aarya and The Family Man, brought with her decades of experience and an unflinching commitment to the craft of performance. During her visit, Ms. Kapur addressed the students, shared tips on acting, challenges of the profession and stressed on the importance of hard work, perseverance and dedication.
In an engaging conversation with Dr. Abhishek Kukreja. Assistant Professor, Amity School of Film and Drama, Ms. Sohaila Kapur shared about her journey and said, “When we were younger, films were not the best career choice for most people and acting was a not a respectable profession for women. Doctors, engineers and chartered accountants were considered mainstream professions and actresses used to join films because they needed money. However, times have changed and now parents encourage their children to take up a career of their choice, including acting. Acting is not an easy profession, one has to work very hard, be courageous, and willing to face rejection and heartbreak. Film-making has evolved over the years and just like other fields, cutting-edge technology is being used for making films, enhancing the quality of production.”
Speaking about her inspirational background, she stated, “I come from a family of actors and directors, where my maternal uncles Dev Anand, Vijay Anand and Chetan Anand were legendary actors and directors, who always inspired me. I observed them from an early age and their passion and perseverance motivated me to be the best at my work.” She recalled her joyous moments with Dev Anand, whose charm and optimism left a lasting impression on her, and spoke fondly of her brother Shekhar Kapur, whose filmmaking career redefined Indian cinema on the global stage. Her personal anecdotes gave students a rare glimpse into the lives of some of India’s cultural icons.
Addressing the students, she said, “Acting cannot be learnt. When it comes to technical aspects like script writing, editing or handling a camera, training is very helpful, wherein you need to follow certain do’s and don’ts. Whereas when it comes to acting, you either have it in you, or you do not have it. We did not receive formal training in acting and learnt it on the job. On stage, the audience’s reaction tells you whether you are doing a good job or not, whereas, in front of the camera, the energy within you tells you whether you are a good actor or not. I started at a very young age as an actor and learnt it by trial and error. Initially I used to be nervous, but the response of the audience encouraged me to perform better.” She advised the students to get into acting only if they enjoy it, not just for fame or adulation.
In an extended Q&A session, Ms. Kapur responded patiently to students’ questions about navigating the acting world. She addressed practical concerns such as how aspiring actors can seek opportunities in Mumbai while safeguarding themselves against fraudulent agents and exploitative practices. She also shared that respect and dignity must be central to the director–actor relationship, particularly when working with young or emerging actors. She called upon aspiring actors to remain rooted in professional standards while also staying open to learning and experimentation. She urged the students to be vigilant about the business side of the industry but never lose sight of the passion that drives them towards performance.