Star kids will tell you that when it comes to making acting debuts, things are no different for them. But Arjun Kapoor, son of producer Boney Kapoor, accepts that it does open doors. His second film, Aurangzeb, opens a rather big one, this is Yash Raj Films’ first big release after the demise of filmmaker Yash Chopra. Here, Arjun talks about the film, the rumoured fight with his Gunday co-star Ranveer Singh and his relationship with mentor Salman Khan and family.

Do star kids have it easy?
It’s not our fault that we were born in the industry, but it’s our duty to make the most of it and do good work. I don’t think anyone sitting in Jabalpur or the interiors of the country cares what my surname is. Yes, I make sure I know what’s around me and I make the most of it. It’d be stupid not to. It’s easier to meet people and have doors open for you, but once you’re in, it’s your work that will speak. I don’t think (producer) Aditya Chopra will spend money on a newcomer just because he’s someone’s son. I had to audition for my movies; I had my own struggles.

You’re close to Salman Khan and his family. How did you maintain relations after you and Arpita (Salman’s sister) parted ways?
Arpita and I dated a long time ago. The equation with the Khans hasn’t changed a bit. That’s the magnanimity of that family. It’s difficult for exes to be friends; so we don’t hang out the way we used to, but when we meet, we talk.

People don’t get a double role this early in their career. Was it a challenge?
Hrithik Roshan made his debut with a double role (Kaho Na… Pyaar Hai; 2001). Anyway, it’s good to be the exception and break the mould. When a producer gives you a film like this even before your first film releases, it feels great. When I read the script, I realised it’s completely different from what I thought my second film would be like. And when you have somebody backing you with a vision where they see you in a manner even you can’t, it’s a challenge.

Did it help to be working with senior actors in Aurangzeb?
Ishaqzaade (2012) was like putting school children in a playground. We were taught everything. Aurangzeb is like my graduation. And it helps to have experienced actors, because the kind of energy they have is commendable. I was able to observe them and their working style. And they don’t take their stardom seriously. They are all grounded even after doing such great work for so many years; that’s the true quality of a star. There’s certain understanding of the craft that only comes from experience.

How much truth is there to your alleged fight with Ranveer Singh?
Some days he sends me flowers, on other days he punches me, and so on and so forth. The media needs to decide whether we’re fighting or no. We are friends and have always been. We’ve known each other from long before we entered the industry, but unfortunately, no one knows this.