Shekhar Kapur, the celebrated filmmaker known for his iconic films like "Masoom," "Mr. India," and "Bandit Queen," is set to revisit one of his most beloved classics with "Masoom: The Next Generation." What makes this sequel even more special is that it will star his daughter, Kaveri Kapur, in a prominent role. This marks a significant step in Kaveri's burgeoning career and a unique collaboration between father and daughter.
Kaveri Kapur has already begun making her mark in the entertainment industry. Before "Masoom: The Next Generation," she made her Bollywood debut in "Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story," where her performance was well-received. Beyond acting, Kaveri is also a talented singer and songwriter, with four music videos and five songs to her credit. This multifaceted talent makes her a promising artist to watch out for.
"Masoom: The Next Generation" holds particular significance for Kaveri as she will be working under the guidance of her father, Shekhar Kapur, and alongside veteran actors Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi, who starred in the original "Masoom" (1983). This provides her with an incredible learning experience, allowing her to hone her acting skills under the watchful eyes of seasoned professionals.
The original "Masoom" is a poignant story that explores themes of love, adultery, and complex family relationships. Forty years after the original captivated audiences, Shekhar Kapur aims to revisit these themes in a contemporary context, making "Masoom: The Next Generation" equally relatable to modern audiences. The film is reportedly inspired by events surrounding Kaveri and other teenagers who find it easier to bond with their grandparents than their parents. Shekhar Kapur shared that conversations with his daughter and other young individuals about their relationships with their grandparents revealed that they found it easier to discuss anxiety with their grandparents.
Shekhar Kapur has always admired Kaveri's spirituality and her capacity to confront challenges. He sees her as someone who embraces the vastness of existence, mirroring his own beliefs. While he grapples with the instinct to protect his daughter, he also acknowledges her independence and resilience.
Kaveri herself is both nervous and excited about working with her father on "Masoom: The Next Generation." She recognizes the shift in dynamics from father-daughter to director-actor and anticipates learning a great deal from him. She is also aware of the high expectations that come with being part of a sequel to a beloved classic. She told Mid Day that because she is collaborating with her dad and other accomplished performers, she's feeling apprehensive and terrified. The person who is far ahead of her has a lot to teach her; thus, she is trying to see things from a new perspective.
Despite the pressure, Kaveri remains grounded and focused on her craft. She dismisses industry competition, valuing art over rivalry. She believes that everyone can find success in their unique ways and that art loses its charm when it becomes a competitive endeavor.
"Masoom: The Next Generation" is scheduled to begin filming by mid-2025. As the project progresses, it will be interesting to see how Kaveri Kapur's talent shines under the direction of her father and alongside such esteemed actors. This film promises to be a significant milestone in her career and a noteworthy addition to Shekhar Kapur's impressive filmography.