Exclusive: How ‘Well Done CA Sahab’ Star Jyoti Kapoor Listened to Her Inner Voice and Became an Fabulous Actor with a Purpose

In an exclusive interview with us Jyoti Kapoor opens up about her unconventional journey into acting, the importance of inner voice, and how she's carving her space in the entertainment industry.

Q.1 : Jyoti, there are two kind of actors. The first one is the accidental one where they find themselves in the industry after a totally different dream or a job and the second one is the born actor where they always knew that they will grow up to become only an actor. Which category do you put yourself in?

I think I’m both! I knew I wanted to become an actor when I was just nine years old. It was crystal clear in my head. But I grew up in a conservative family where acting wasn’t even an option, especially for girls. My grandparents strongly disapproved, and I gave up on that dream early on. I went on to study in New York, started a jewellery business, got married. But somewhere deep down, acting stayed with me. After we moved back to Mumbai, I took a break and during that time, I found myself pulled back towards this dream. I joined theatre, fell in love with the process all over again, and slowly gave up everything else. So yes, I’m an accidental actor who always knew deep inside that this is what she was meant to do. Destiny brought me back to it.

Q.2 : What’s the reaction and state of your parents now that you have become a fulltime actor? I am asking you this because they were not at the page earlier…

They are beyond happy! Honestly, I think it was more my grandparents who had issues earlier. My parents never really had a problem with me acting, but back then, it was more about not going against family norms. Today, they are so proud. My dad had tears in his eyes during the premiere of my film. The happiness and pride in his eyes mean the world to me. Having their support now feels like I’ve truly got my wings.

Q.3 : Whenever new actors enter the industry, they are constantly bombarded with a lot of opinions and suggestions which confuses them even more. Did people give you a lot of gyaan as well and how did you navigate through them compartmentalising between them coming from a genuine space versus those which are said just to put you down?

Yes, there was a lot of advice, some helpful, some not so much. But living in New York made me tougher and more independent. Plus, meditation and practising Kriya helped me listen to my inner voice. I learned to separate noise from genuine advice. Some people, with industry experience, told me to consider production or other roles because of how competitive it is, especially starting out later in life. I respected their opinions but reminded myself that everyone’s journey is unique. I kept going, kept performing, and theatre became my anchor. I also have a strong support system—family, friends, a therapist—who helped me stay true to why I started.

Q.4 : How did you land your first acting project? Was it through the usual audition processes or was it a result of someone liking your performance in a play after seeing you live?

My first project happened through a traditional audition process. I went for a casting, gave the audition, and within a week or so, I got the call for Mumbai Diaries on Amazon Prime. It was a small role but a big moment for me. I remember the excitement of signing that first contract so clearly—it was really special.

Q.5 : How do you place yourself in your career right now and your filmography? Having done projects like Sunflower and Citadel, how do you see the future?

I think it’s still early days. My recent film is an indie release—it’s not a big mainstream movie—so many people still don’t know about it. Even though the response has been beautiful, I have a very clear reality check about where I stand. I’m grateful for everything so far, but I know I’ll still need to hustle, audition, and ask for work. I’m just taking it one day at a time, appreciating the journey while keeping my expectations grounded.

Q.6 : Do you network in Mumbai? How strong is your networking game? How do you take it?

Honestly, I believe it has to be a balance. I’m very passionate about my craft—that feeling you get when you give a great performance is irreplaceable. But just focusing on craft isn’t enough. We live in a world where visibility matters. So yes, I do go out, I meet people, I attend events. Networking opens doors to auditions and projects, but at the same time, it’s my work and my performance that will sustain me. I’ve seen both sides, and I believe you need to nurture both.

Q.7 : What did your latest project, ‘Well Done CA Sahab’ teach you as an actor?

‘Well Done CA Sahab’ really stretched me as an actor. The character, Mithila, is not someone who expresses much through words, but her emotions run deep. Conveying that internal world—her frustration, her quiet strength—without melodrama was a challenge. There were scenes I was genuinely scared of, especially the emotional ones shot early on. But when I saw the final result, I realised I had done justice to it. It taught me not to underestimate myself.

Q.8 : You’ve done comedy, you’ve done drama and you’ve touched different themes and genres. What would you manifest next for yourself as an actor?

A love story! That’s been a childhood dream—to do a beautiful romantic film. Of course, I’m open to everything—comedy, drama, experimental roles—but a pure love story is something I would really love to explore. Love as an emotion is so universal, and I’d love to portray that on screen.