The first poster of Batwara 1947 generated plenty of conversation online, but not just because of the film itself. Soon after its release, many social media users mistook actor Kanikka Kapur for Kiara Advani, while others even speculated that the poster had been created using artificial intelligence. Now, Kanikka has responded to the unexpected buzz, saying she finds the comparisons flattering rather than frustrating.
The actor, who stars opposite Karan Deol in Rajkumar Santoshi’s period drama, says this isn’t the first time people have noticed similarities between her and Kiara Advani. Instead of trying to correct every comment, she has learned to enjoy the discussion and focus on her work.
Kanikka Kapur responds to Kiara Advani comparisons
Speaking to Variety India, Kanikka Kapur said she has seen the wide range of reactions that followed the poster’s release. While some viewers were convinced they were looking at Kiara Advani, others felt there was little resemblance. Rather than taking the debate seriously, the actor said she is happy to let audiences form their own opinions.
Without changing her words, Kanikka said, “I am leaving it to the people to judge if they find me like Kiara (Advani). I have been reading mixed comments. Many people are convinced that I look like her in the poster, while some have said that I don’t. I have been compared to Kiara before as well. So, I am used to it now. Earlier, I would clarify whether it’s her or me, but now I laugh it off. I am used to it and I find her very pretty. So, I have no problem with the comparisons.”
She also revealed that the online discussion never became a topic of conversation with the film’s team. Without altering her statement, she added, “I did not discuss it with anyone and no one spoke to me about it. I am just happy to be on the poster.”
Landing Batwara 1947 wasn’t easy
While social media has focused on the poster, Kanikka says the journey to securing the role was far more challenging than many people realize. Knowing she was auditioning for a Rajkumar Santoshi film made the process especially intimidating, prompting her to spend extra time preparing before every audition.
Without changing her words, she explained, “Sometimes, you don’t know what you are auditioning for, so cracking it becomes easier. When I was selected for ‘Dono,’ I did not know I was auditioning for Rajshri Productions. For this film, I met Rajkumar Santoshi before my auditions. So, I knew about the project’s scale. I did feel the pressure, but I gave it my best. I had to work on my dialect. But since I belong to a Punjabi family that has witnessed the Partition. I have grown up with my grandparents who speak the dialect.”
She revealed that the casting process involved multiple rounds, beginning with the casting director before moving to Aamir Khan Productions, where even Aamir Khan watched one of her auditions. Kanikka admitted she was nervous performing while knowing the superstar was observing her.
Recalling the final stage of the selection process, she said, “There were multiple rounds of auditions. First with the casting director, then at Aamir Khan Productions’ office where even Aamir Khan saw my audition. While performing the scene, I could see him watching. I was scared, as it was a huge deal for me. Before being finalized, the last audition was on the sets. When the director said ‘cut,’ I could hear everyone clapping. Then I saw Preity Zinta standing up and clapping for me. I went and hugged her. She told me that I performed the scene really well.”
Bonding with the cast
Although most of her scenes are with Karan Deol, Kanikka said the cast developed a comfortable bond during script-reading sessions and time spent together off camera. She especially enjoyed getting to know Preity Zinta, describing the actor’s personality as warm and easygoing.
Without changing her words, Kanikka shared, “Most of my scenes were with Karan Deol. I would interact with the other cast members off-set during readings. Preity Zinta is very goofy and fun to be with. She is very chill. I love her vibe.”
Directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, Batwara 1947 explores one of the most significant chapters in Indian history through a large ensemble cast. With the film generating attention even before its release, Kanikka Kapur says she is simply grateful to be part of such an ambitious project, regardless of the comparisons sparked by its first poster.
