Aditya Roy Kapur had to look like Shikhar Dhawan

Most of the younger lot of actors in Bollywood seem to share a warm equation with each other. They pose for pictures at parties and make time to hang out outside work pursuits. Aditya Roy Kapur, however, admits that he doesn’t go out of his way to make friends with other actors. He likes to maintain a fine balance between being buddies and professional rivals.

“It’s a healthy thing that everyone is getting along. But it’s not like I’m very close to anyone in particular. My close friends are still my school friends who I continue to meet. Sure, it’s nice to meet with your contemporaries at parties, but I am not close to them. The only person I’m close to is Ranbir Kapoor. He’s my senior and we have worked on a film together. With others I share a good laugh on and off, because everyone is fairly relaxed about themselves.”

Not many know that Aditya’s look in Daawat-e-Ishq is inspired by cricketer Shikhar Dhawan. “Habib (Faisal) sir was very clear about what he wanted and I wasn’t sure because the character is nothing like I am. As an actor it’s important to use your look to your advantage. Habib sir wanted people to feel they have never seen this guy before. I wasn’t too happy because people have just started recognising me. Now suddenly you don’t want them to not recognise you, right!” he says with a laugh. He adds, “Habib wanted my character to look like Shikhar Dhawan. My moustache doesn’t grow long and twirly like Shikhar’s. It droops down a bit, but it looks convincing. When the kajal was added, I told him that I would be sharing my heroine’s make-up.”