Kashika Kapoor: Social media sensation to film stardom
The online sensation makes her feature film debut in the empowering drama Aayushmati Geeta Matric Pass, which centres on a young woman fighting against the odds to get an education
Kashika Kapoor
By Asjad NazirOct 17, 2024
WITH her huge social media following, stunning looks and natural screen presence, it was inevitable that Kashika Kapoor would make the anticipated leap into films.
Instead of choosing a glamorous role, the online sensation makes her feature film debut in the empowering drama Aayushmati Geeta Matric Pass, which centres on a young woman fighting against the odds to get an education. At a time when Indian cinema is in need of fresh talent, this newly released film marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for the actress, with more projects already lined up.
Eastern Eye caught up with the rising star, who has more than 18 million Instagram followers, to talk about her creativity and important, hope-filled new film. The talented actress also discussed her inspirations, dream role, passions beyond work, and the filmmakers she admires.
What first connected you to creativity?
I’ve always been drawn to storytelling in one form or another. As a child, I loved expressing myself through dance, drama, and even acting out scenes with friends.
Creativity became my way of exploring the world around me, and I felt a deep connection with how stories could influence emotions and perspectives. This curiosity naturally led me to acting, where I could channel that creative energy.
Did you expect to become so popular online?
Honestly, I didn’t expect it, but I’m so grateful for the love and support I’ve received. I’ve always focused on giving my best to each project and staying authentic to who I am. I believe people resonate with that authenticity, and it’s heartwarming to know my work connects with so many people.
What do you think has been the secret to your very big social media popularity?
I think the key has been staying real and relatable. Whether I’m sharing personal moments, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or my thoughts on important issues, I try to be genuine. Engaging meaningfully with my audience and showing them all sides of my journey – not just the highlights – has made a difference.
Was acting always part of the plan?
In a way, yes. I’ve been passionate about acting since I was 15. My journey started early, and I always knew I wanted to be involved in the creative arts. Over time, I realised acting was the perfect medium to channel my emotions and experiences. It’s been a fulfilling path, and I’m grateful for where it’s taken me so far.
Kapoor in 'Aayushmati Geeta Matric Pass'
What did you especially like about Aayushmati Geeta Matric Pass?
What I loved most about Aayushmati Geeta Matric Pass is its heart. The film addresses the critical issue of girls’ education in a way that is emotional, powerful, and relatable. I was deeply moved by the message, and from the moment I heard the script, I knew this was a story I wanted to be part of. The character of Geeta resonated with me because she represents resilience and hope, qualities that I believe can inspire many people.
Tell us about the film and the character you play.
In Aayushmati Geeta Matric Pass, I play Geeta, a determined young girl who fights against the odds to pursue her education. The film is rooted in the beti bachao, beti padhao theme, emphasising the importance of empowering girls through education. Geeta is strong-willed, compassionate, and feels a deep sense of responsibility toward her family and society. Playing her was a challenge because of the struggles she faces, but her resilience and hope made me fall in love with the character. I hope her story inspires audiences to believe in the power of education and never give up on their dreams.
What is your absolute favourite moment in the movie?
One of my favourite moments is when Geeta, despite all the hardships, finally stands up for herself and her right to education. It’s a pivotal scene filled with emotion and strength. I was running a high fever during the shoot, yet that scene turned out to be one of my best performances. It reminds me of how dedicated I was to Geeta’s journey and how much this story means to me.
How do you feel about being seen as a symbol of girl power, especially with your role in Aayushmati Geeta Matric Pass?
Playing Geeta has been an empowering experience. The character represents strength, resilience, and the transformative power of education. I’m proud that through her, I can inspire young girls to believe in themselves and break barriers. Being seen as a symbol of girl power is an honour, and it motivates me to continue choosing roles and projects that have a positive impact, especially for women.
Which other projects do you have on the way?
Along with Aayushmati Geeta Matric Pass, I have some exciting projects lined up, including Love Your Father, a Tollywood film, and several Bollywood films, like Missing Container. Each project offers a new challenge, and I’m excited for audiences to see the range of characters I get to portray.
Do you have a dream role?
My dream role would be to play a character with deep emotional layers, perhaps someone with a complex psychological background or a real-life figure who has made a significant impact on society. I love roles that challenge me and push me to explore new aspects of my craft. A biopic of a historical figure or a role in a period drama would be amazing.
Who would you love to work with?
There are so many talented directors I admire. I’d love to work with Sanjay Leela Bhansali for his unmatched vision and ability to create visually stunning, emotionally rich films. Zoya Akhtar’s contemporary take on storytelling and her portrayal of human relationships deeply resonate with me. Directors like Rajkumar Hirani, who blends social messages with humour and heart, and Anurag Kashyap, who brings raw, gritty narratives, are also on my list.
Which other filmmakers do you admire?
I’m equally in awe of Meghna Gulzar’s intricate storytelling and her ability to create powerful female characters. Working with directors like Karan Johar, for his flair in emotional drama, and Mani Ratnam, for his classic approach to cinema, would be an honour. These are filmmakers who push boundaries, and I would love to bring their characters to life.
What do you enjoy watching as an audience?
As an audience member, I enjoy a wide range of genres. I love films that evoke strong emotions, whether it’s a heartwarming drama, an intense thriller, or even a light-hearted rom-com. I also enjoy watching documentaries and biopics because they offer deep insights into real-life stories and experiences.
Your fashion gets a lot of attention. What are your style inspirations?
For me, fashion is about feeling comfortable in your own skin while expressing your personality. I love experimenting with styles that blend elegance with a bit of edge. My inspirations come from various sources – sometimes a classic film star, other times street style. But I always try to keep my looks fresh and unique, staying true to myself.
Tell us something interesting that not many people know about you.
Not many people know that I’m an introvert at heart. While I love performing and engaging with my fans, I cherish quiet moments where I can reflect, read, or write. Those moments of solitude help me recharge and stay connected to my inner self.
What are your passions away from work?
Outside of acting, I’m passionate about sports, especially basketball – I’ve competed at a national level in multiple sports, including basketball, swimming, running, tennis, and table tennis. Whether it’s dancing, travelling, or doing charity work, I believe it’s important to have interests that nourish your soul beyond your career. It helps me stay balanced and energised.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by stories of perseverance and resilience. Whether in real life or through the characters I play, I’m always moved by people who refuse to give up, no matter how tough the circumstances. I believe in the power of hope and hard work, and that keeps me going in my journey as an actor and a person.
It’s been 26 years since Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam hit the big screen, but Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s rich, emotional tale of love and longing still lingers in the hearts of movie lovers. Starring Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Ajay Devgn, this film was a cultural moment. Here are five things you may not know about this now-iconic musical drama.
1. KK’s Bollywood debut began with heartbreak
Before he became one of the most beloved voices of the 2000s, singer KK got his big Bollywood break with the heart-wrenching song Tadap Tadap. The track, composed by Ismail Darbar and written by Mehboob, captured the raw ache of lost love, and KK’s soul-stirring vocals made it unforgettable. Few know that Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was his first major entry into Hindi cinema, thanks to Bhansali's knack for spotting rare talent.
Aishwarya Rai and Salman Khan in a still from Bhansali’s unforgettable love storyInstagram/bhansaliproductions
2. Tadap Tadap still strikes a nerve with heartbroken souls
Even decades later, Tadap Tadap remains a go-to song for anyone nursing heartbreak. Its haunting melody and painful lyrics have earned it a permanent place on every “breakup playlist.” It’s not just a song, it’s a punch to the gut, and Gen X especially holds it close, often revisiting it during nostalgic or emotional moments.
Aishwarya Rai’s performance brought grace and heartbreak in equal measureInstagram/bhansaliproductions
3. It was only Bhansali’s second film
Most directors take a while to find their signature style. Not Sanjay Leela Bhansali. After Khamoshi: The Musical, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was only his second directorial project, but it cemented his place as a filmmaker known for blending grand visuals with emotional depth. The film’s cultural textures, sweeping sets, and deep emotions became a Bhansali trademark.
Salman Khan’s raw vulnerability added soul to Bhansali’s tale of longing and lossInstagram/bhansaliproductions
4. It echoed the storytelling of Indian film legends
Many critics at the time drew parallels between Bhansali and classic directors like Guru Dutt, Raj Kapoor, and K. Asif. Like them, Bhansali crafted scenes with intense emotional weight, often using music, silence, and visual flair to convey what words couldn’t.
Ajay Devgn delivered quiet intensity in Bhansali’s emotionally charged love triangleInstagram/bhansaliproductions
5. The music album was a blockbuster on its own
Beyond Tadap Tadap, the film’s soundtrack was packed with gems. From the playful Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyaan to the devotional Albela Sajan, the album was a complete package. Ismail Darbar’s score, paired with poetic lyrics and powerful vocals, played a major role in the film’s emotional impact.
Bhansali’s next film is already making waves
Two and a half decades later, Bhansali remains a force in Indian cinema. His upcoming film Love and War, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal, is already one of the most anticipated releases. And while Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam remains a fan favourite, expectations are sky-high for his next chapter.
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SS Rajamouli recreates Varanasi at Ramoji Film City for a key action sequence in SSMB29
SS Rajamouli isn’t holding back with SSMB29, his latest big-screen spectacle starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The filmmaker, known for his visual scale and attention to detail, has recreated the holy city of Varanasi in Hyderabad’s Ramoji Film City instead of shooting on location. The reason? The chaotic logistics of filming in the spiritual capital of India.
The set, rumoured to cost £4.8 million (₹50 crore), is a massive replica built specifically for a key sequence in the film. Leaked photos from the set have already gone viral online, giving fans a glimpse of the scale Rajamouli is aiming for. Mahesh Babu will be filming an action sequence here, with VFX work enhancing the visuals. In true Rajamouli style, international graphics studios, some of the best from Hollywood, have been roped in to bring the visuals to life.
SS Rajamouli builds Varanasi set in Hyderabad for SSMB29 shootGetty Images
Kenya schedule to kick off in July with action-packed jungle scenes
After wrapping up earlier schedules in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, the SSMB29 team is now gearing up for its first international leg in Kenya. Originally planned for March, the schedule was delayed due to extreme heat in the region. Now rescheduled for July, the shoot will take place in some of East Africa’s most scenic locations, including Kenya’s Masai Mara, Tsavo, and Amboseli national parks.
This phase will see Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas dive into adrenaline-heavy sequences set deep in the African wilderness. The story reportedly involves Mahesh’s character searching for a rare herbal remedy, adding a mythical twist to the film.
Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran joins SSMB29Getty Images
For Priyanka, this film will mark her major comeback to Indian cinema after a six-year gap since The Sky Is Pink (2019). Her return in a Rajamouli project has fans across continents eager to see her back on the big screen.
A global vision with roots in mythology
While the team hasn’t confirmed the plot officially, reports suggest that the film is inspired by Ramayana-esque themes, with Mahesh Babu’s character on a spiritual and physical quest. The combination of Indian mythology, jungle survival, and stunning visual effects makes SSMB29 one of the most awaited Indian films currently in production.
Jason Isaacs has revealed that every cast member of The White Lotus Season 3, regardless of experience or fame, earned the same salary: £32,000 (₹33,60,000) per episode. That totals around £256,000 (₹2,68,80,000) for the full eight-episode run. While that figure might seem significant, Isaacs called it “a very low price” for a hit HBO show, but said he had no complaints.
“We would’ve paid to be in it,” Isaacs said in an interview, adding, “We probably would’ve given a body part.”
Jason Isaacs opens up about financial regrets and career lowsGetty Images
Equal pay, no ego
The show’s ensemble approach meant that veterans like Isaacs and Parker Posey received the same as newer faces such as Patrick Schwarzenegger and Sam Nivola. Asked if it bothered him to be paid the same as his younger co-stars, Isaacs shrugged it off: “I never work for money. I’ve done alright. People assume I have piles of cash, but I’ve basically matched my spending to my income and spent everything over the years.”
The pay structure, introduced from Season 1, was meant to ensure fairness and avoid ego clashes. “Everyone is treated the same,” said producer David Bernad in an earlier interview, explaining how the alphabetical billing and equal salaries were key to creating a drama-free, committed cast.
The White Lotus cast shares the screen and the paycheck equallyGetty Images
Isaacs admitted that while the rate was lower than typical network or streaming pay outs, the prestige of working on The White Lotus and with creator Mike White made it worthwhile.
Cautionary tales and career lows
Isaacs also took the opportunity to share hard-earned lessons with his younger co-stars, urging them not to get emotionally attached to the final product. “You don’t control how it’s received. That’s Mike’s job,” he said. Reflecting on his own past, he pointed to Peter Pan (2003), where he played Captain Hook, a big-budget project that tanked commercially and nearly derailed his career.
“It was the lowest I’ve ever felt professionally. I thought I’d never work again,” he confessed. Isaacs said it was his partner Emma Hewitt who helped him through that dark phase, crediting her support over their decades-long relationship.
Jason Isaacs says Emma Hewitt helped him through his dark phase in lifeGetty Images
The White Lotus Season 3 is now streaming on Max, and while the actors may not have earned big bucks, the series continues to score big on screen, with critics and fans alike.
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Scarlett Johansson kisses Jonathan Bailey and dazzles in couture at Jurassic World Rebirth premiere
Scarlett Johansson returned to the spotlight in a dazzling pink gown at the world premiere of Jurassic World Rebirth, held at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London. The event wasn’t just a celebration of the film’s release but also a major red carpet moment for the 39-year-old actress, who has been out of the public eye in recent months.
Wearing a custom Vivienne Westwood corset gown with sequins, Johansson lit up the green carpet with elegance and glamour. Her blush-toned dress featured a sculpted silhouette and soft draping that recalled golden-age Hollywood style, minus the fuss. The styling, handled by her long-time collaborator Kate Young, kept things minimal yet classy, letting the dress do all the talking.
Scarlett Johansson stuns in Vivienne Westwood gown at Jurassic World Rebirth London premiereGetty Images
All eyes on Scarlett, not the dinosaurs
Johansson’s outfit was a standout, softly shimmering, vintage-inspired, and unmistakably hers. The gown’s romantic structure paired beautifully with her classic Hollywood waves, styled by Renato Campora, and glowy makeup by Hung Vanngo, featuring soft pink tones and bold brows.
The green carpet itself mirrored the film’s jungle setting, with faux foliage and warning signs nodding to the franchise’s roots. Yet despite the dramatic décor and loud dinosaur displays, all attention shifted to Johansson’s presence and her surprise red carpet moment with co-star Jonathan Bailey.
Scarlett and Jonathan Bailey share a friendly kiss that gets fans buzzing on social mediaGetty Images
Fans went into a frenzy after the actress greeted Bailey with a quick, friendly kiss on the lips, sparking a flood of reactions online. The moment, caught on video, added a spark to an already buzzworthy evening. Bailey, dressed in a relaxed 1990s-inspired look with a cap and sunglasses, looked just as thrilled to reunite with his co-star.
A major comeback with a mega-franchise
Jurassic World Rebirth is Johansson’s first big-budget outing since stepping away from Marvel. She plays Zora Bennett, a covert operative sent on a high-stakes mission involving dinosaur DNA. She stars alongside Jonathan Bailey, Mahershala Ali, and Rupert Friend in this next chapter of the billion-pound (₹10,000 crore) franchise, directed by Gareth Edwards.
With the film expected to open strong, tracking at around £95 million (₹1,000 crore) globally, it’s a big summer bet for Universal. And for Scarlett Johansson, star power has never been in question, no theme costume required. Just a killer dress, a bold kiss, and a dash of old-school charm.
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James Cameron’s The Abyss pulled from Disney Plus UK after decades-old controversy resurfaces
Nearly four decades after its release, James Cameron’s 1989 sci-fi thriller The Abyss has sparked controversy again, this time on streaming. Disney+ quietly pulled the newly uploaded 4K remaster of the film from its UK platform after complaints resurfaced about a banned scene involving live animal testing.
The specific scene, showing a rat being submerged in oxygenated liquid, has long been a point of contention in the UK. Though the rat reportedly survived the experiment during filming, the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) had previously ruled it in breach of the Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act 1937. As a result, the sequence was cut from all UK theatrical, television, DVD, and Blu-ray releases. Yet, when Disney+ added the remastered version in April, the uncut version slipped through, triggering backlash from animal welfare groups.
RSPCA flags “loophole” as Disney+ removes unedited version
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), which had campaigned for the scene’s removal since the 1980s, raised fresh concerns when the unedited version began streaming. David Bowles, Head of Public Affairs at the charity, stressed this wasn’t about censorship but consistency.
“We're not calling for the film to be banned,” Bowles clarified. “We’d fully support Disney+ reinstating it, just without the disturbing rat scene. This is about closing a loophole that lets animal abuse scenes bypass the same restrictions applied to TV, DVD, and cinema.”
While UK content is regulated under BBFC guidelines, streaming platforms often fall outside traditional classifications. This regulatory gap allowed the uncut version of The Abyss to appear online, unnoticed until viewers flagged it. The scene reportedly used five rats, all of whom survived, but their visible distress on-screen led to public discomfort and long-standing restrictions.
Future availability unclear, but alternative platforms exist
Disney+ has yet to confirm whether an edited version of The Abyss will return to its UK library. For now, viewers can still find the film on digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV, albeit without the controversial scene. The cinematic version was also available briefly on ITVX but has since been taken down.
The Abyss pulled from UK streaming after animal welfare complaints reach DisneyIMDB
Starring Ed Harris, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, and Michael Biehn, The Abyss remains a cult favourite for its iconic underwater visuals and suspense-driven plot. But its legacy now includes a sharp reminder that even classics must face new scrutiny in the age of streaming.