Rishi Kapoor: Need to bust myth that all Muslims are terrorists

Rishi Kapoor opens up on why his upcoming film Mulk is relevant today

Rishi Kapoor, on several occasions, has expressed how he has been fortunate to find challenging roles in the second innings of his career. In what could well be another significant part, the veteran will be seen playing the patriarch of a Muslim family that is trying to reclaim its lost honour in his upcoming release, Mulk. Apart from the creative satisfaction he derived from essaying the layered role, Kapoor is glad that the Anubhav Sinha-directed film unflinchingly puts the spotlight on a subject that few dare to discuss — communal conflicts in India.

"There is a general belief that every terrorist is a Muslim. But one has to understand that not all Muslims are terrorists. With Mulk, we are trying to challenge that misguided belief," says the actor, adding, "Muslims are looked upon with a suspicious eye, all over the world. Our film is based on a Muslim family, but it can be true for any community. It's a human saga that is throwing light on the happenings in our society."

Rishi Kapoor and Taapsee Pannu in Mulk

At a time when lynching and mobocracy is unfortunately on the rise, the senior actor feels that it is only apt that cinema reflect the grim reality that we live in. "Mulk is a film that needs to be seen. The film shows people's attitude towards each other in society. After all, a country is made by the people living in it. So essentially, we are responsible for what happens here. Lynching has become common these days. The world is progressing, and we are still fighting over communal issues."

Satisfied as an artiste, Kapoor says the only dream he harbours at 65 is to visit his ancestral home in Peshawar. "I have been fortunate enough to visit Pakistan [he shot Heena there in 1990], but I would love to go there again. It's been 70 years and we are still fighting over Kashmir. Pakistan should realise India will never give Kashmir to them."

Also Read: When Rishi Kapoor felt uncomfortable on set of Mulk

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