Kashika Kapoor Steps into One of Her Most Challenging Roles in ‘Caste’, Opens Up About Undergoing Physical Transformation

Kashika Kapoor is all geared up for one of her most ambitious Telugu release, Caste, a horror-comedy drama built to serve a bigger social context. The riveting teaser of Caste is out, and it presents Kapoor as Gayathri in a role she’s never done before, marking a prominent shift from the roles she has played previously.

Speaking about the character, Kapoor calls Gayathri “very versatile” as she is doing something entirely different from what she has done before. The actress describes the character a mix of “seriousness and emotions”, one that allows her to be emotional and vulnerable. “I also get possessed at some point in the film,” she says.

It isn’t just that. Kapoor also gained six kilos to fit into the character’s template, within a matter of two and a half weeks. “Later, I had to lose weight again for other films, so it was a constant back and forth. It’s not easy because you’re maintaining different looks for different films at the same time. But I had to transform to do justice to the character,” she adds.

Kapoor mentions that Caste is about our society as the story has been picked up from the constitution. “It’s a constitutional understanding of caste, about guaranteeing equality. No person should face discrimination, exclusion or injustice because of their caste,” she says. What made her more incline towards the film was its grounded approach as it does not just highlight caste as a concept. “It shows how deeply it impacts real lives, choices, and identities even today,” she says, adding, “It doesn’t try to preach. It simply tells a story in a very real and raw way. Nothing is pretentious. It just allows the audience to feel and interpret.”

Her participation in the film is a conscious choice to be a part of films that carry social weight. “As an actor, I felt a responsibility to be part of something that sparks conversation and awareness. It may not change everything overnight, but it can shift mindsets, perspectives, and start conversations. That’s where change begins,” she says.

And she’s clear about the path she wants to walk. “The audience always wants versatility. You need to push yourself out of your comfort zone and get into something extraordinary. You cannot play it safe if you want to grow as an actor,” she says.

With Caste, Kashika Kapoor marks a significant shift in her filmography by making a strong addition that promises to be heavy on impact. All eyes are now on Kapoor, with the audience seated for what’s to unfold!