Ruhan Kapoor, Singer-actor

“I had posters of Elvis Presley and Tom Jones on my cupboard”

When you were 22, what stage of your career were you at?

I was doing theatre when I was selected by Yash Chopra to play the romantic lead in his directorial venture, Faasle (1985).

What was your bank balance like?

There is a tradition in my house—my father (renowned playback singer Mahendra Kapoor) gave my mom all his earnings. I did the same. I would take pocket money.

What was your frame of mind then?

I had assisted Manoj Kumarji on Kranti when I was 16, was familiar with filmmaking and had seen great actors performing. So, I

“WHEN I GOT MY FIRST FILM, I BOUGHT MY FIRST CAR—A RED MARUTI 800. I STILL REMEMBER THE NUMBER”

@freddy_birdy

“How much you don’t miss what you don’t have is how happy you will be.”

Learning the subtle nuances of singing from his father Mahendra Kapoor at their home in Mitra Kunj building, Peddar Road, Mumbai

At a Diwali party with Yash Chopra and Rekha at Hotel Holiday Inn, Mumbai

THEN AND NOW Ruhan Kapoor at 22 (top) and at 56 (above)

(From L to R) Rajan Sippy (extreme last), Karan Shah, Khushboo, Atlee Brar, Ruhan Kapoor (in blue), Neelam, Shekhar Suman, Farha flanked by three newcomers; (inset) With Farha at a photo shoot for the Prakash Mehra produced film Imaandaar