Kashika Kapoor Steps Into One of Her Most Challenging Roles in the Telugu Horror-Comedy Caste, Opens Up About Intense Physical Transformation!
The Rising Star Gained Six Kilos in Two and a Half Weeks to Play Gayathri in AK Jampanna’s Socially-Driven Feature Co-Starring Varun Sandesh
Actor Kashika Kapoor is all geared up for one of her most ambitious Telugu releases to date, Caste—a gripping horror-comedy drama built around a powerful social context. Following the release of the film’s riveting teaser, which introduces Kapoor as Gayathri, the project marks a striking and prominent shift from the lighter roles she has played previously.
Speaking about stepping into this uncharted territory, Kapoor describes her character as a complex interplay of “seriousness and emotions,” allowing her to explore vulnerability on screen. Sharing details about the demanding nature of the role, she revealed, “I also get possessed at some point in the film.”
Beyond the emotional depth required for the part, Kapoor underwent a rigorous physical transformation to bring authenticity to Gayathri. She gained six kilos within just two and a half weeks to fit the character’s template. Reflecting on the physical toll, she added:
“Later, I had to lose weight again for other films, so it was a constant back and forth. It’s not easy because you’re maintaining different looks for different films at the same time. But I had to transform to do justice to the character.”
Directed by AK Jampanna and featuring an ensemble cast including Varun Sandesh, Satyam Rajesh, and Naga Babu, Caste draws its foundation directly from the Constitution of India. Elaborating on the film’s deeper narrative, Kapoor shared:
“It’s a constitutional understanding of caste, about guaranteeing equality. No person should face discrimination, exclusion or injustice because of their caste. It shows how deeply it impacts real lives, choices, and identities even today. It doesn’t try to preach. It simply tells a story in a very real and raw way. Nothing is pretentious. It just allows the audience to feel and interpret.”
Choosing projects with genuine social weight has been a conscious decision for the actor. Believing that art can drive meaningful dialogue, she noted:
“As an actor, I felt a responsibility to be part of something that sparks conversation and awareness. It may not change everything overnight, but it can shift mindsets, perspectives, and start conversations. That’s where change begins.”
Firm on the trajectory of her career, Kapoor concluded that continuous growth requires embracing discomfort: “The audience always wants versatility. You need to push yourself out of your comfort zone and get into something extraordinary. You cannot play it safe if you want to grow as an actor.”
With Caste shaping up to be a high-impact cinematic statement, all eyes are on Kashika Kapoor as audiences await what promises to be a career-defining performance.
By Keerti Kadam