Jodhpur, February 1.
During the 12th edition of the Rajasthan International Film Festival (RIFF), a special Master Class session was held on Sunday, where renowned Indian actor Rajit Kapur shared his rich experiences on acting, character preparation, discipline, and the mindset required for aspiring performers. The session proved to be highly inspiring for young artists aiming to build a career in cinema and theatre.
In an interactive conversation with RIFF Founder and Festival Director Anshu Harsh, Rajit Kapur emphasized that there is no fixed rule or formula for acting. Every character begins with a starting point, and in nearly 90 percent of cases, that starting point is the script and the story. He stated that the script is the seed from which a character grows. In some exceptional cases, the director’s vision may also serve as the initial foundation for an actor.
He further explained that an actor should focus more on understanding the director’s vision rather than emotions alone. An actor functions as a medium who must shape himself according to the script and the director’s imagination. Comparing acting to wet clay, Rajit Kapur said that an actor must always remain flexible; once the clay dries, neither change nor growth is possible.
Referring to his acclaimed National Award–winning film “The Making of the Mahatma,” he said that challenges are what push an artist forward. He shared that roles which appear too easy rarely interest him, while difficult characters excite him the most, as they compel the actor to question himself and explore new dimensions of performance.
Addressing young aspirants and children in particular, Rajit Kapur stated that to become an actor, one must possess passion to the level of madness. He also revealed that throughout his acting career, he has never kept a mobile phone with him while performing a role, as it disrupts concentration and breaks the actor’s connection with the character.
Speaking on the occasion, RIFF Founder Anshu Harsh said that such Master Class sessions not only teach the finer nuances of cinema but also instill the values of discipline, dedication, and commitment in young minds. He added that RIFF aims to provide the right platform and guidance to emerging talent through meaningful cinematic dialogue.
The Master Class emerged as a significant learning experience, reinforcing the idea that acting is not merely a profession, but a form of discipline and creative devotion.