Junaid Khan balances theatre and cinema, gears up for second film "Loveyapa"

Junaid Khan, son of Bollywood legend Aamir Khan and producer Reena Dutta, is carving his niche in acting by seamlessly blending his passion for theatre and cinema. The actor, who made his debut in the period drama Maharaj in 2024, has pledged to pursue both mediums throughout his career, as each brings unique satisfaction.

"I fell in love with theatre at 16. It helped me overcome my shyness and gave me the freedom to perform and even make a fool of myself," Junaid shared in an interview with PTI. With over 100 shows spanning seven to eight plays under his belt, he credits theatre for shaping his craft.

Junaid, who describes himself as “genre-agnostic,” is awaiting the release of his second film Loveyapa, a romantic comedy directed by Advait Chandan and co-starring Khushi Kapoor. Produced by Phantom Studios and AGS Entertainment, the film is set to hit theatres on February 7. This marks Junaid’s first theatrical release, as Maharaj premiered directly on Netflix.

Loveyapa is described as a “tangled tale of love and its complications,” where secrets unravel when a young couple, played by Junaid and Khushi, exchange smartphones. Reflecting on the film, Junaid said, “This was a very different experience for me. The team had a mix of fresh talent, and I hope I’ve grown as an artist from Maharaj to Loveyapa.”

Junaid fondly recalled his days as a movie buff at Mumbai’s single-screen theatres, such as Eros and Regal, and expressed his excitement about Loveyapa hitting cinemas. “Watching films in a theatre is a unique experience,” he said.

He also shared how his father, Aamir Khan, has been supportive of his journey. "Papa is juggling five productions and his own film, but he has been around to support Loveyapa," Junaid said, adding that the family hasn’t finalized plans for Aamir’s 60th birthday, given his unpredictable schedule.

Looking ahead, Junaid has another project lined up, Ek Din, opposite Sai Pallavi. Directed by newcomer Sunil Pandey and produced by Aamir Khan, the film promises to further showcase Junaid’s versatility. “Working with Sai was fantastic. She has immense experience and is incredible at what she does,” he said.

As Junaid continues to explore his artistic journey, he remains committed to balancing the worlds of theatre and cinema, driven by his love for storytelling.