The actor, who is currently promoting his upcoming film Uttar Da Puttar, reflected on the role of destiny, hardship and perseverance in his life during a candid interaction about the film’s central theme — whether life is driven more by karma or fate.

Kapoor said he had a strong academic record and aspired to join the civil services. However, financial constraints at home prevented him from pursuing higher education. With no scholarship support or influential backing, he found himself drawn into his father’s theatre world, not by choice but by circumstance.

According to the actor, theatre became a necessity rather than a planned career move. He compared the situation to a son helping in a family business when no other opportunities are available. While many people today view his acting career as a success story, Kapoor admitted that he never got the chance to pursue the profession he had originally envisioned for himself.

Discussing the idea of destiny, Kapoor said he believes human life follows a path that may already be mapped out in ways people often fail to understand. While individuals like to believe that effort alone changes outcomes, he suggested that circumstances, opportunities and even decisions may be influenced by forces beyond human control.

The actor also recalled a difficult phase in the early 1990s when his career had stalled and work had virtually disappeared. Kapoor described spending months without any significant income, living in a modest rented room and struggling to manage basic expenses. There were no film projects, no television work and little certainty about what the future held.

One of the most emotional memories from that period involved his driver, Keshav Dutt. Kapoor said he advised the driver to leave and take a better-paying job elsewhere because he could no longer afford to pay regular wages. Instead, the driver chose to stay.

The actor remembered being deeply moved when Keshav reportedly told him that abandoning someone during difficult times would weigh heavily on his conscience. Kapoor described the loyalty as one of the most valuable gifts life had given him.

The breakthrough eventually arrived in 1993. Kapoor recalled receiving a small advance payment for a video project after months of financial uncertainty. Soon after came what he considers one of the biggest turning points of his professional life — the launch of the television show Antakshari.

He remembered watching the first episode of the programme on television while spending an evening with friends. What began as another ordinary day soon became a defining moment. Kapoor said the popularity of Antakshari transformed his public image and opened doors that had previously remained closed.

Over the years, Antakshari became one of Indian television’s most successful and recognisable entertainment shows, helping establish Kapoor as a household name far beyond the world of cinema.

During the conversation, Kapoor also criticised the growing market around superstition and so-called destiny-changing remedies promoted on social media. He argued that fear and hope are often exploited commercially through claims about gemstones, astrology and similar practices. In his view, true value lies not in material possessions but in perspective, timing and contentment.

The actor cited experiences from his own life to illustrate how happiness is often found in simple moments rather than wealth or status. He said the satisfaction he derived from projects such as Kabir, Antakshari and Vicky Donor remained among the most rewarding aspects of his career.

Kapoor’s upcoming film Uttar Da Puttar explores questions surrounding fate, choice and human belief systems. The actor believes audiences will leave the film with questions rather than answers, reflecting on whether life is shaped primarily by personal action or by forces that remain beyond understanding.