The first poster of Rajkumar Santoshi’s upcoming period drama ‘Batwara 1947’ generated significant conversation online, but not just for the film itself. Several social media users mistook actress Kanikka Kapur for Kiara Advani, while others even wondered if the poster had been created using artificial intelligence. Reacting to the unexpected attention, Kanikka says the comparisons no longer bother her and that she is simply delighted to be part of the ambitious project.Kanikka admitted that seeing people compare her to Kiara Advani is nothing new. While the latest poster reignited the conversation, she says she has reached a point where she no longer feels the need to explain herself.Talking to Variety India, she shared, “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.“Kanikka Kapur also revealed that the topic never came up in conversations with the film’s makers. “I did not discuss it with anyone and no one spoke to me about it. I am just happy to be on the poster.”
Kanikka Kapur on the pressure of auditioning for Rajkumar Santoshi’s film
Kanikka shared that auditioning for ‘Batwara 1947’ felt very different from her earlier experiences because she was aware of the scale of the project from the beginning. Having already met filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi before the auditions, she understood the expectations and prepared extensively, particularly for the film’s dialect.“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.“
Kanikka Kapur on the audition in front of Aamir Khan and applause from Preity Zinta
The actress revealed that earning the role involved several rounds of auditions, including one where Aamir Khan personally watched her performance. Understandably nervous, she recalled the experience as one of the biggest moments of her career. “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.”Her final audition took place on the film’s set, where she received an overwhelming response from the team. “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.”
Kanikka Kapur on finding a friend in Preity Zinta
Although most of Kanikka’s scenes are opposite Karan Deol, she said the cast spent time together during script-reading sessions and developed a warm rapport off camera. “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.”For Kanikka, the excitement of being part of ‘Batwara 1947’ outweighs the online chatter, and she is choosing to focus on the opportunity rather than the comparisons.
More about ‘Batwara 1947’
‘Batwara 1947’ is a historical drama directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and backed by Aamir Khan under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions. Originally announced as ‘Lahore 1947’, the film is slated to arrive in theatres on August 14, 2026.Adapted from Asghar Wajahat’s celebrated play ‘Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya O Jamyai Nai’, the film delves into the emotional aftermath of the Partition of India in 1947. It follows the lives of families torn apart by one of history’s most painful events, highlighting the loss, displacement and human resilience that emerged during the turbulent period.