Janhvi Kapoor Opens Up About Pulling Double Duty as an Assistant Director on ‘Pedri’

When Janhvi Kapoor stepped onto the set of her upcoming film “Pedri,” most people assumed she’d be solely focused on memorising lines and perfecting expressions. Little did they know that, behind the glamour, the actress was also rolling up her sleeves and working like an assistant director.

In a candid interview that aired last week, Janhvi laughed that she was “basically a ‘Buchi Babu’ on set” – a colloquial term she used to describe someone who does all the little, often unnoticed jobs that keep a shoot running smoothly. “I was there early, I helped the crew move equipment, I even took notes on lighting and camera angles,” she confessed, a mischievous grin evident in her voice.

The decision wasn’t some grand career strategy; it was pure curiosity. “I’ve always been fascinated by what happens off‑camera,” she explained. “When the director invited me to shadow the AD for a day, I thought, why not? It’s a chance to learn the language of filmmaking from the ground up.”

What started as a one‑day experiment quickly turned into a regular habit. Janhvi found herself coordinating with the script supervisor, checking continuity, and even assisting the assistant director during complex stunt sequences. “There were moments when I’d be holding a megaphone, calling ‘Action!’ just to feel the rhythm of the set,” she said, chuckling.

Industry insiders note that such immersion is rare for an actor of her stature, especially in Bollywood where star power often keeps talent insulated from the nuts‑and‑bolts of production. Yet Janhvi’s willingness to get her hands dirty has earned her admiration from crew members, who describe her as “enthusiastic, observant, and never afraid to ask questions.”

She also admits that the experience humbled her. “Seeing how many moving parts have to click together makes you respect everyone’s role a lot more,” she reflected. “It’s not just about the star’s performance; it’s about the collective effort that brings a story to life.”

Beyond the practical lessons, Janhvi believes the stint has sharpened her own acting. “Understanding camera angles and lighting helps me position myself better, adjust my expressions, and hit those subtle beats the director wants,” she noted.

Fans of the actress are already buzzing about what this could mean for her future. Some speculate that she might step behind the camera someday, perhaps directing a film of her own. While Janhvi shyly declined to confirm any immediate plans, she did say, “If I ever get the chance to direct, I’ll cherish this experience as the foundation.”

“Pedri” itself remains under wraps, with producers promising a fresh narrative and striking visuals. With Janhvi’s behind‑the‑scenes apprenticeship now part of the film’s lore, the anticipation is only growing.

In the end, Janhvi’s story is a reminder that even in the glittering world of cinema, the real magic often begins with simple, unglamorous tasks. And perhaps, as she proves, a little curiosity can turn a regular day on set into a masterclass in storytelling.