HIT theatre comedy Mrs Kapoor’s Daughter’s Wedding 2: Mauritius recently returned for another successful UK tour.
The story of a dysfunctional family planning a destination wedding has been delighting audiences nationwide and gearing up for a history-making performance in London’s West End at the Adelphi Theatre on July 16.
Manoj Kerai brilliantly plays the title role of an overbearing Gujarati mother in the laughter-filled show and discussed it with Eastern Eye, along with the nuances of acting.
What has the experience of playing the title role in Mrs Kapoor been like?
To play a much older Indian woman was a challenge to start with. But it’s now so much fun. Exhausting, but fun.
What has been your most memorable moment from playing this character?
There was one time where I was performing in front of an audience of 1,800. The show started and I had forgotten my mic. In the end someone rushed my mic to me and without untangling my bright red headphones stuck to the mic, put it on me and pushed me onto stage.
Luckily, the bright red headphones somehow looked like a hair ribbon. It wasn’t funny at the time, but really hilarious now.
What do you most love about the character?
I love how Mrs Kapoor is larger than life. She is definitely a few sandwiches short of a picnic, but it’s fun playing someone with no social filter.
Why do you think the show is so loved by audiences?
The show is so relatable. It’s funny and the humour is really witty. The talented actors, singers, dhol players and dancers all bring different elements, which cater to everyone who loves the arts and theatre productions.
There are also many unique moments in this show, that you don’t see anywhere else. Where else would you get to join a postshow wedding reception or vidaai (Indian wedding ritual) ceremony with the characters?
What is your own favourite moment in the show?
There are so many because Mrs Kapoor has outstanding one-liners throughout the show. However, I am in awe of the final wedding scene. There is no dialogue as Shahid Abbas Khan sings a beautiful song over the wedding. Before being involved in this show, I would never have thought a scene with no words would be hilarious, but the entire cast comes together to make the audience laugh out loud so many times, without using any words.
Mrs Kapoor in the play
How much are you looking forward to Mrs Kapoor being performed in London’s West End?
I don’t think it’s truly hit me yet that we’re about to become the first Gujarati production to hit London’s West End. If I think too much about what a game changer this is for us as a community, I’ll get severe anxiety. So, I’m currently just thinking about how to refine my skill, to bring my A game.
What is the secret of creating great comedy on stage?
I think it’s clever humour the audience doesn’t see coming and lived experiences. I created my version of Mrs Kapoor using people I actually know and make me laugh.
It’s important that you yourself believe the humour and comedy, because if you don’t find it funny, you’ll struggle to convince others it’s funny.
Do you ever get nervous before going on stage?
Yes. I get severe anxiety. It manifests from me needing a few comfort items before the show to calm down. I’m lucky that so many people behind the scenes are there to help overcome the nerves. One thing that really helps is chanting the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra before each show.
What inspires you as an actor?
I am driven by purpose and want my work to improve the lives of others – whether it’s being involved in issue based dramas or brightening someone’s day by making them laugh. I’d love Mrs Kapoor to educate people on important issues through humour.
Why should we all watch the show?
It will honestly brighten your day and have you leave on a high. Mrs Kapoor will be making history on July 16. Come and witness for yourself why this show is the first one of its kind.
Mrs Kapoor’s Daughter’s Wedding 2: Mauritius is being staged at De Montfort Hall, Leicester (next Saturday and Sunday, 11-12), RNCM Theatre, Manchester (June 2), New Theatre, Cardiff (June 15), The Alexandra, Birmingham (June 23) and Adelphi Theatre, London (July 16). www.mkdw.co.uk .
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.