“My Father was Drowning in Debt”: Boney Kapoor shares touching childhood anecdote
Agnibeena Ghosh/18th April 2024
In a candid interview with Galatta Plus, filmmaker Boney Kapoor shared poignant insights into the financial struggles his family endured during their formative years. He recounted the challenges faced by his father, Surinder Kapoor, who bravely advocated for workers’ rights, resulting in the loss of numerous jobs and eventual relocation to Mumbai, a decision facilitated by Prithviraj Kapoor.
Reflecting on his family’s journey, Boney revealed, “My father was brought to Bombay by Prithviraj Kapoor. My grandfather entrusted him to Prithvirajji because my father lost about 10-12 jobs. He was ousted because of his support for workers and their causes.” This narrative underscores the sacrifices made by Surinder Kapoor in pursuit of justice for laborers.
Boney further shared a personal dimension to their family’s resilience, explaining, “When my grandmother passed away, Anil and I decided that he would pursue acting while I would take charge of production. Someone had to manage affairs at home. With my father’s health issues, we didn’t want to burden him.” The decision exemplifies the familial solidarity and adaptability required to navigate adversity.
Additionally, Boney shed light on the humble beginnings of his family, revealing that after his father’s marriage, they resided in the outhouse of Raj Kapoor, typically reserved for household staff. This humble accommodation symbolizes the modesty and perseverance ingrained in their journey towards success.
Recalling his own early career challenges, Boney recounted a pivotal moment when the director of one of his father’s films passed away during production, triggering a cascade of financial woes. “My father was drowning in debt. We were in dire straits,” he confessed, illustrating the gravity of their predicament at the time.
Despite these formidable obstacles, Boney Kapoor has emerged as a prominent figure in the film industry, carving a successful path for himself. His latest project, ‘Maidaan,’ starring Ajay Devgn and Priyamani, has garnered praise, with reported earnings of Rs 31.86 crore worldwide. The film chronicles the inspiring story of coach SA Rahim and his football team’s triumph at the 1962 Asian Games, highlighting themes of resilience and determination.
‘Maidaan’ faces stiff competition from other releases, including ‘Bade MiyanChoteMiyan,’ featuring stars Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff. However, Boney Kapoor’s perseverance and dedication to storytelling have positioned the film as a noteworthy contender in the industry landscape