Arjun Kapoor Reveals He Quit Studies To Pursue Acting After Flunking 11th Grade; ‘If Ishaqzaade Hadn’t Worked, I Would Have Had To Live With Regret’

Arjun Kapoor opened up on how he dropped out of studies after failing in 11th standard to pursue a career in Bollywood.

Arjun Kapoor, in a new interview, opened up on how he took a risk by solely depending on his debut film Ishqzaade after he quit education post failing 11th standard, and called it the ‘biggest gamble’ he made in his life.

In a conversation with Pinkvilla, Arjun revealed that he flunked 11th standard when he was studying at Narsee Monjee college in Mumbai. Admitting that he had the luxury to quit studies to pursue a career in acting, the actor said, “My family allowed me to go through with that choice. It is very tough for any parent to allow their child to not continue educating. But, I was very vehemently clear that I wanted to be a part of the film profession.”

The actor said that he thought he would only assist in Kal Ho Naa Ho and go back home. But destiny had other plans for him.

Recalling how his mother passed away just 45 days before the release of his debut film Ishqazaade, Arjun shared, “I was completely numb during promotions and was only distracting myself. I went to a theatre and saw the audience’ reaction. They were whistling on ‘Chokra Jawaan’. It meant a lot to me. That day it sunk in that this could be the rest of my life.”

ALSO READ: Arjun Kapoor Reveals He Was Going Through ‘Worst Phase’ Of His Life When He Signed Singham Again; ‘I Was Not A Happy Person And The Fire Within Me Diminished’

He added, “A lot of people don’t realise but if Ishaqzaade wouldn’t have worked, then I was actually in a situation where I would have had to live with regret that I didn’t have educational qualifications to rely on. One Friday can decide what your life will be, so that Friday changed my whole life professionally, emotionally, and personally. I feel my mom blessed that day. I took a risk to not educate myself but I don’t think I would agree with today if I go back in time. It is the biggest gamble I made.”

Ishaqzaade, helmed by Habib Faisal, also marked the Bollywood debut of Parineeti Chopra. The film revolves around two rebellious individuals from politically rival families, who turn lovers from foes. The romantic action flick was a commercial success upon its release.

Meanwhile, Arjun Kapoor was recently seen as the main antagonist in Rohit Shetty’s multistarrer Singham Again which released in theatres in Diwali this year.