THE MAKING OF BRAND RANBIR

RANBIR KAPOOR TALKS ABOUT WHY ACTING IN ROY WAS A MISTAKE, HIS FAMOUS FAMILY AND MORE

Ahead of the release of

Bombay Velvet, Ranbir Kapoor says that he wants to create his own identity as an actor and as a star. “In Saawariya I tried to imitate my

dada ji (Raj Kapoor) a bit. But the audiences always want to watch something new. Therefore I decided to perform my way and choose films that will present my acting calibre in a different way.

“I liked Shri 420 and Sangam. Raj Kapoor’s Mere Nam Joker had flopped initially but then it went on to be a big International hit film. My passion for acting has been there because of my dada Raj Kapoor. He is my idol.”

A WRONG CHOICE

Talking about his last film Roy failing at the box office, he says, “Roy was a wrong choice but I decided to work in it because no one was ready to work for my friend. However, now I have realised that friendship and professionalism need to be dealt with separately.”

SHASHI KAPOOR

About Shashi Kapoor being given the Dada Sahib Phalke Award, Ranbir says, “This is indeed a great moment for the family. Prithviraj Kapoor, Raj Kapoor also received the award. Unfortunately, Shammi Kapoor could not get it.

“I am happy that Shashi Kapoor’s audio for his achievements has been dubbed by me. But I am deeply sad- dened because Shashi Ji is not able to recognise me anymore.”

MUM SACRIFICED A LOT

He adds that he feels that his luck derives from the fact that he looks like his mother, yesteryear actress Neetu Singh. “Me resembling my mother makes me lucky! She is beautiful and I am blessed to have her looks,” he says, adding, “My mom has been a very spontaneous actor. She started working at an early age as she had to support her family. She started as a child actor and worked for many years before settling down in life. “She was happy to give up her professional career for her personal life. She has definitely sacrificed a lot for my sister and I. She was instrumental in teaching us ethical values. My dad was busy professionally so he could not give us much time.” He adds, “One of her qualities that I love is her simplicity. I admire her for being good to one and all. Everyone finds her to be the easiest person and she is a great host. ”

STILL SCARED OF DAD

Talking about Rishi Kapoor, Ranbir says, “My dad has always been there but we have been closer to our mom. All our queries for dad would go via mom. Even today I fear him, but it is because of the respect we give him. He would never praise me, merely because he wanted to see me improve always.”

I am deeply saddened because Shashi Ji is not able to recognise me

anymore