13 Years of Kai Po Che: Pragya Kapoor Says Sushant Singh Rajput’s Role Still Strikes a Chord

Thirteen years after its release, Kai Po Che! continues to hold a special place in audiences’ hearts.

On the film’s anniversary, producer Pragya Kapoor looked back at the journey and revealed that the character she connected with most was Ishaan, played by late actor Sushant Singh Rajput. To mark the milestone, Pragya hosted an AMA session on Instagram, where she answered fan questions about the making of the film and her memories from the set.

Challenging shoot, especially cricket scenes

When asked about the toughest scenes to film, Pragya said the entire process was demanding, with the cricket sequences proving particularly exhausting due to extreme heat and multiple camera angles. She described the outdoor shoots as physically intense, adding that capturing the matches realistically required long hours under the blazing sun.

A first-time experience she’ll never forget

“Kai Po Che!” was Pragya’s first time on a movie set, and she recalled being fascinated by every aspect of filmmaking. From watching scenes unfold during production to seeing the final edit come together, the experience left a lasting impression on her.

Among her lighter memories were the daily breakfast buffets on set — small but cherished moments during a hectic schedule.

Ishaan’s lasting impact

Speaking about her favourite character, Pragya said Ishaan resonated deeply with her.

“He reminds me that belief is what turns big dreams into reality,” she shared, highlighting the passion and conviction Sushant brought to the role. She also remembered the emotional first screening of the film for friends and industry members. Overwhelmed by the warmth and genuine feedback, she recalled shedding “happy tears” and feeling grateful for how the film had shaped up.

Directed by Abhishek Kapoor, the coming-of-age drama also featured Rajkummar Rao and Amit Sadh in key roles. The film was adapted from Chetan Bhagat’s novel The 3 Mistakes of My Life and followed three friends navigating ambition, friendship and social change in Ahmedabad.