Janhvi Kapoor, a prominent actress in the Indian film industry, has openly discussed the challenges she faces, particularly concerning the egos of her male colleagues. In a recent appearance on the talk show “Two Much With Kajol and Twinkle,” Kapoor revealed a tactic she employs to navigate these dynamics: she often pretends to be less intelligent or capable than she is.
A Calculated Approach to Industry Egos
During the candid conversation, hosted by veteran actors Kajol and Twinkle Khanna, Kapoor shared that while she now finds herself in more supportive environments, she has previously encountered situations where she felt the need to “tiptoe around” and “pretend to be dumb.” She explained that this approach helps her to convey her points and navigate professional interactions without causing offense or ruffling feathers.
Kapoor elaborated on this strategy, stating, “I need to tell them 10 nice things and pretend I am not capable enough to perform this way, just because I think it’s too politically incorrect to perform the scene in this way. I will just say, ‘mujhe samajh nahi aa raha (I am not getting it)’, instead of saying this is f***ed up!” This highlights a conscious effort to choose her battles wisely and manage perceptions in a competitive industry.
Twinkle Khanna, who was also a guest on the show, expressed her understanding and empathy, noting that she experienced similar challenges during her early acting career in the 1990s. She admitted that she didn’t always understand the need for diplomacy, a sentiment that resonated with Kapoor’s own observations.
Navigating Professional Relationships
Kapoor’s comments shed light on the subtle yet significant ways women in the industry often adapt to ensure their voices are heard and their careers progress. By feigning a lack of understanding or capability, she aims to disarm potential defensiveness and create a more conducive atmosphere for collaboration.
Janhvi Kapoor was recently seen in the romantic comedy “Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari,” which garnered significant attention and commercial success, grossing over ₹100 crore worldwide.