Ranbir Kapoor - Sonam
- Saawariya
With your debut Saawariya
just round the corner what's your state of mind?
I've gone through a see-saw
of emotions right from excitement to nervousness to fright. Right now,
I'm completely blank and emotionless, which is a good thing otherwise my
nerves would have cracked by now
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Did you always want to
act?
I always wanted to do
something related to films. For a long time, I was debating between acting
and direction. However slowly and gradually the feeling crept in that I
want to act.
So whom did you tell first:
mom or dad?
I don't think I ever
really told anyone. Everyone sort of expected it. It came out during a
routine conversation at the dinner table. When I told them, both my parents
said, "We always knew that." So I never really had to tell them.
And how did you go about
preparing to become a Hindi film hero?
Well, I went through
the mandatory diction, dance and horse riding classes. I also did a two-year
course at the School of Visual Arts in New York and studied acting at the
Lee Strasborg Film Institute. Then I came home and assisted Sanjay Leela
Bhansali on Black. |
But at the back of your mind
you wanted Bhansali to cast you in his next film?
(Laughs) Well that thought
was there at the back of my mind. I've always been a Bhansali fan. When
I was studying in America, I got a few acting offers but I always harboured
the dream of working with Bhansali. So I flew back home, made a resume
and went to his office to apply for the post of an assistant director for
Black. Of course I was hoping he'd see me and tell me that he wants to
cast me in a film. And believe it or not but when he met me, the very first
thing he told me was that he sees an actor in me. Destiny stepped in at
the right time, I guess.
Are all those stories
of Bhansali being a tyrant on the sets, true?
It's all made up. It's
true that he is a genius and a perfectionist. It's also true that he expects
the same level of passion and perfectionism from his team. Films come before
his life. So he wants to make sure whatever he is doing is the best he
can do. He never shouts without a reason.
So you admit he shouted
at you?
Oh yes, plenty of time.
And I'm very grateful to him for that since today whatever I know about
acting is because of him. He's truly my mentor. We spend a lot of time
together, go out for dinners and films and every time I learn something
from him.
From what we can see in
the promos, you dance well. Did the jazz and ballet training came in handy?
It's true that I've been
trained in jazz and ballet but I didn't really perfect the dance forms.
I'm really not a good dancer. If you like what you see then the credit
should go to Mr. Bhansali because he's a genius in shooting songs.
Which actor
do you think dances the best?
My dad (Rishi Kapoor)
and Hrithik Roshan.
Speaking of your dad,
which is your favourite Rishi Kapoor film?
Zamaane Ko Dikhana Hai.
And your favourite Raj
Kapoor film?
Shree 420.
Is it true you were very
scared of your dad when you were growing up?
Yes I was quite petrified
of him. He was very strict about a few things, like he used to insist that
I eat green vegetables. I didn't really get to know him when I was growing
up because he was very busy. But once I started assisting him during Aa
Ab Laut Chalen , we really bonded well. Every night after pack-up he would
take me to fancy restaurants. He's quite adventurous in checking out new
cuisines and that's something he has instilled in me.
What's your co-star Sonam
Kapoor like?
I've known her since
we were kids. Her grandfather and my grandfather were friends, our parents
are friends so we ended up being friends by default. I never imagined that
we'll make a debut together but I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful
and loving co-star than Sonam. There is nothing materialistic about her.
Sonam is all heart.
Was it awkward to work
with Salman Khan in Saawariya especially since you had a famous brawl with
him a few years back?
There is no truth to
that story. I love Salman to death. He treats me like a younger brother.
The whole incident is hogwash. I never got a chance to give my side of
the story. The fact is that Salman and I never fought.
Have you prepared yourself
for the intense media scrutiny that an actor's life involves?
Well it's not something
that comes easy. It hurts when people write lies about you. But my mom
(Neetu Singh) has been very supportive. She always tells me to keep a cool
head. I guess, eventually I'll get used to it.
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So what's the status with
you and Deepika Padukone?
I knew her as a friend,
that's all.
You used the past tense,
are you guys no longer friends?
We're not in touch these
days. I guess she's busy promoting Om Shanti Om while I'm busy with Saawariya.
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