Mohan Kapur Reflects on His Inspiring Marvel Journey

Actor Mohan Kapur recently shared insights into his experiences on the set of Marvel’s Ms. Marvel, where he plays the role of Yusuf Khan, the father of superhero Kamala Khan. During a conversation with filmmaker Pooja Bhatt on her podcast, Kapur described the atmosphere of the international production as “heartening” and “deeply disciplined.”

Kapur emphasized the strong work ethic evident on set, particularly noting the involvement of women in physically demanding roles. He expressed admiration for female crew members who operated heavy equipment, stating, “I saw women doing heavy lifting… big ass lights, literally lifting weights.” This observation highlighted the egalitarian nature of the production environment, which stood out to him.

Reflecting on the structured nature of the set, Kapur drew an analogy to his experiences during the Covid pandemic. He recalled an encounter at a supermarket where staff members adhered strictly to their responsibilities. “In a professional environment on a shooting set, everybody was queued into it,” he explained. He noted that this level of organization was crucial during the pandemic, creating a “well-oiled machine” where punctuality was paramount.

The actor also pointed out the culture of accountability prevalent on the Ms. Marvel set. He recounted an incident from the first day of filming when a one-hour delay caused by a camera malfunction was documented by the executive producer. “Everything had to be accounted for… I find that as a problem in India holistically. There is no accountability,” he remarked, underscoring the differences he perceives between international and domestic film industries.

Despite being the most senior actor on the set, Kapur actively sought feedback from his younger co-stars. He acknowledged the differing performance sensibilities between Indian and international productions. “Even after hearing a wow from people, I would go to the younger actors and say, ‘Was I alright? Did I pitch it right?’” he said, reflecting a commitment to continuous improvement.

Kapur’s Marvel journey is notable for his appearances across three franchises: Ms. Marvel, The Marvels, and Daredevil: Born Again. He remarked, “Three Marvel franchises… the only character in the Marvel universe that traversed Ms. Marvel, The Marvels, and Daredevil.” He described the experience as surreal, particularly during red carpet events where he was asked if his dreams had come true. “Coming from India, I never dreamt that I would be here. I don’t have that audacity… But what I am doing is my dream and I don’t want to wake up,” he reflected.

Kapur’s candid remarks provide a unique perspective on the disciplined, structured, and inclusive environment prevalent in international film productions. His experiences contrast sharply with those in the Indian film industry, celebrating the significant milestones of his remarkable journey within the Marvel universe.