Rajat Kapoor, the acclaimed actor and filmmaker, has offered insights into his filmmaking journey, highlighting the contrasting experiences of creative fulfillment and the challenges of securing funding. Kapoor's experiences, shared at the Jagran Film Festival, resonate with independent filmmakers who often navigate similar hurdles.

Kapoor's passion for storytelling is evident in his dedication to both theatre and cinema. He emphasizes the significance of maintaining a balance between the two, highlighting the unique creative outlets each provides. Kapoor has mentioned that he has three plays running, with which he travels all over the country and the world. Despite working in films as an actor or director, this balance between theatre and cinema is very important for him.

While Kapoor finds joy in the creative process of writing and directing, he acknowledges the difficulties in bringing his visions to life due to funding constraints. He candidly admits that "writing is joy, funding is exhaustion," encapsulating the emotional rollercoaster of independent filmmaking. The struggle to find financial support often adds years to the production timeline of his films. This struggle is a common theme among independent filmmakers who prioritize artistic integrity over commercial viability.

Kapoor's film "Ankhon Dekhi" received critical acclaim but had a lukewarm response at the box office. He recognizes the role of film festivals like Jagran in building an audience for films that may not have immediate commercial appeal. These festivals provide exposure to a wider audience, connecting filmmakers with cine-enthusiasts and creating opportunities for discussion and appreciation. Kapoor notes that film festivals, especially those that travel to smaller cities, allow more people to experience different kinds of cinema. He views getting at least 200 people to watch a small film as a victory, and film festivals make that possibility more likely.

Kapoor also touched upon the art of acting, emphasizing the importance of "not acting". He believes that actors should surrender to the director's vision and be a part of the overall image, rather than trying to dominate it. Kapoor suggests that actors should give up the idea of acting and give themselves up to the image. He stresses that the film image is created by the director through the camera, and the actor is a small part of that image. According to Kapoor, the image includes location, colors, costumes, texture, light, camera movement, sound, and editing.

Rajat Kapoor's journey exemplifies the passion and perseverance required to thrive in the world of independent filmmaking. While funding remains a significant challenge, his commitment to storytelling and his ability to find joy in the creative process serve as an inspiration to aspiring filmmakers.