Actor Tusshar Kapoor has opened up about his working relationship with producer Ektaa Kapoor, revealing that the siblings have never consciously planned films together. Despite Ektaa producing several successful projects over the years, Tusshar has appeared in only a select few. According to the actor, their collaborations have always happened organically rather than through family planning or deliberate decisions.Speaking to Variety India about how they choose projects, Tusshar explained that the final call usually depends on the filmmaker’s vision and whether the role suits him. He said there has never been a strategy to cast him in every Ektaa Kapoor production. “We have never really planned these things. But you never know something might just come up… Maybe another ‘Kyaa Kool Hai Hum’ or another ‘Shootout.’ Ektaa doesn’t really plan films with me in mind. If the director expresses the desire to have me on board, then we try to collaborate.”
How he landed ‘The Dirty Picture’
Tusshar also recalled how he became part of ‘The Dirty Picture’, saying the opportunity arose because director Milan Luthria wanted him in the film. He explained that Ektaa left the decision entirely to the filmmaker and him, instead of influencing the casting process. Sharing his admiration for his sister’s abilities as a producer, Tusshar said he would be happy to work with her again whenever the right opportunity comes along. “In ‘The Dirty Picture,’ Milan Luthria told her that he wanted to approach me. She told him, ‘It is up to you and him.’ I hope we get to work together again. She’s an excellent producer and markets her films very well. She knows the pulse of the audience, so I would love to work with her soon.”Over the years, the siblings have collaborated on films such as ‘Kyaa Kool Hain Hum’, ‘The Dirty Picture’, ‘Shor in the City’, ‘C Kkompany,’ ‘Kucch To Hai,’ and the ‘Shootout’ franchise.
Why Tusshar Kapoor stepped away from production
Apart from acting, Tusshar also explored filmmaking as a producer with Laxmii, which released in 2020. The film starred Akshay Kumar, Kiara Advani, and Sharad Kelkar. While the experience helped him understand the responsibilities behind the camera, he admitted that producing demands complete commitment.He revealed that once acting assignments became regular again after the pandemic, it became difficult to devote enough time to production.“I won’t be a regular producer because it’s a full-time job and I have to keep my acting assignments aside. Before the pandemic, I had a little time off. I was only doing some work on OTT, so I decided to produce the film. Thereafter, I have again started shooting regularly, so I don’t have the time to focus on production.” Tusshar also described film production as one of the most demanding jobs in the entertainment industry. From assembling the cast to ensuring a smooth production schedule, he said every stage requires constant attention and dedication. “It’s damn hard. Casting is such a challenge… film actors are so fickle-minded, everybody’s so overtly cautious. You can’t be a producer if you aren’t doing it full time. I won’t get into it; I need to be fully immersed to get the project together, then ensure it starts and releases on time. Everything is really a Herculean task. Production is not a cakewalk.”
Recent work and looking ahead
Although Tusshar has stayed away from production after Laxmii, he continues to remain active as an actor. His most recent major theatrical release was the horror-comedy Kapkapiii, which hit cinemas on May 23, 2025
