Manan Kapur: I Was Ready To Fetch Coffee For Free Just To Be On A Film Set- EXCLUSIVE

At Filmibeat, we love interacting with artists who are passionate about their craft. I had a blast as I caught up with actor, director, and casting professional Manan Kapur over a cup of coffee. He believes creativity should never be restricted to a single profession.

In an exclusive conversation with Filmibeat Assistant Editor Abhishek Ranjit, Manan Kapur got candid about the experience that helped shape him into a better storyteller. He has donned multiple hats as he built his career across casting, assistant direction, acting and now direction.

Also Read

Maine Kabhi Numbers Ke Baare Mein Nahi Socha: Sourav Joshi On Becoming India's Biggest Vlogger- EXCLUSIVE

Things Changed When Manan Kapur Worked As...

"When I first came to Mumbai, my only dream was to become an actor. I had done theatre, attended acting classes and that's all I wanted," Manan recalls.

However, things changed when he started working in casting.

"I realised I was genuinely enjoying casting. It was exciting, but after some time, I wanted to understand what happened on set. I had heard from senior actors that the biggest film school is a film set because that's where you truly understand acting, direction, and filmmaking," the actor-director adds.

Was Ready To Do Everything: Printouts To Coffee..

Determined to learn, Manan reached out to several assistant directors, offering to work purely for the experience.

"I told them I didn't even need money. I was ready to do everything-from taking printouts to getting coffee. I just wanted to observe and learn."

His persistence led him to work as an Assistant Director on *Heer Sara*. Watching the director at work completely changed his perspective.

"Seeing the director execute a vision was fascinating. Everyone on set looked to him for answers. That's when I realised I also wanted to become a director."

Since then, Manan has progressed from Assistant Director to Director's Assistant and recently directed the music video Aa Chalein Hum Kahin.

Manan Kapur Has No Plans To Leave Acting

Despite his growing success behind the camera, he has no plans to give up acting.

"I don't believe you have to choose just one path. Great actors can become great directors, and vice versa. Farhan Akhtar is someone I really admire for that. Creativity has no limits. You can wear many hats, as long as you're equally passionate and committed to each one," he quickly tells Filmibeat.

For Manan, the goal has never been about chasing titles. It's about continuing to tell meaningful stories, no matter which role allows him to do it best.