Janhvi Kapoor once recalled auditioning for her debut film Dhadak with Karan Johar: ‘He said I want you to meet Shashank Khaitan…’ |

Before achieving Bollywood stardom, Janhvi Kapoor navigated auditions for her debut film, Dhadak. She auditioned for Karan Johar, attended readings with director Shashank Khaitan, and practiced scenes from various films. The selection process lasted three to four months, filled with uncertainty and acting practice, before she finally landed the role opposite Ishaan Khatter.

Before becoming one of Bollywood’s most promising young stars, Janhvi Kapoor had to work her way up through auditions and readings, including for her debut film Dhadak. As she gears up for her next rom-com Param Sundari, an old video of the actress recalling her journey to landing her first big break has resurfaced, offering fans a glimpse of the hard work behind her rise in the industry.

The audition process

Janhvi once opened up to Mashable India about how she landed her Bollywood debut with Dhadak opposite Ishaan Khatter. She revealed that she had to audition for the role, meeting Karan Johar—who knew of her through designer Manish Malhotra—without expecting much. Janhvi described enjoying the experience, learning acting tips during the audition, and eventually being asked to meet director Shashank Khaitan for a series of readings. She practiced scenes from films like Badri and Humpty, but the confirmation that she had been selected for the film came much later.

Months of uncertainty

When asked if the process was uncertain for a while, Janhvi said that with Karan Johar, it actually stretched over three to four months. During that time, she kept doing multiple readings and practicing her craft, feeling like she was in an acting workshop but unsure about what the future held. Today, the young actor has clearly come a long way.

About Param Sundari

Helmed by Tushar Jalota, the film is backed by Dinesh Vijan. Apart from Janhvi Kapoor and Sidharth Malhotra, the film also stars Renji Panicker, Siddhartha Shankar, Manjot Singh, Sanjay Kapoor, and Inayat Verma. The movie is scheduled to hit theaters on August 29, 2025.After Param Sundari, releasing in theatres on August 29, Janhvi Kapoor will reunite with her Bawaal co-star Varun Dhawan in Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari.