‘I have this desire to be better’
...Ranbir Kapoor talks about the way he has evolved as an actor and as a man
Ranbir Kapoor’s film Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar is set to release this Friday. The actor discusses the expectations riding on this movie and on Bholaa, and the collective responsibility of filmmakers and actors to ensure good results at the box office. Biopics, RK Films and RK Studios also came up for discussion. Read on for details.
Q Do you agree that there’s a lot resting on TJMM?
It’s a collective responsibility. After Covid, our industry is going through a corrective phase. Everybody is concerned and working hard to bring audiences back to theatres. We saw good films last year like Gangubai, Dhrishyam, Bhramastra — and now Pathaan is doing well. We are slowly and steadily improving. The endeavour is always to give audiences experiences to come to theatres. Today we have an OTT platform which allows audiences to enjoy films sitting at home. But cinema is an experience which cannot be substituted. If you make a bad film, there is no middle ground.
Q Have you been approached for a biopic on cricketer Sourav Ganguly?
Yes, if I am approached, why not? We have not written it yet. Dada is a huge personality not only in India but worldwide. Biopics are always very tricky. They involve a person’s entire life from birth, his accomplishments, his personal life and his conflicts. I don’t know what Luv-Ranjan is doing. But if I am approached, I will consider it.
Q What about the biopic of Kishore Kumar that you were supposed to do?
We have been talking about that for the last 11 years but nothing concrete has happened yet. We are still working on it. Dada [Anurag Basu] has locked the script.
Q When will Raj Kapoor’s biopic be made?
Making his biopic will be difficult, as he had a controversial life. If you wish to make a biopic, you have to make an honest one. It should not just be a propaganda film. But a biopic on him would be really good. I have the ambition to make it. I am not a writer so I’m struggling with it.
Q What about Rishi Kapoor’s biopic?
My father was such an open man. We all live dual lives but he was the one person who didn’t. Everyone knows about his life as he has been so open about it. Maybe in 30 years, my son or daughter may make it.
Q Will you ever revive R.K Films?
RK Films is synonymous with Raj Kapoor’s films. I am very proud I come from that family. But tomorrow if I direct or produce a film, it will either be ‘Ranbir Films’ or ‘RK Junior Films.’ RK Films should remain RK as they’re Raj Kapoor films.
Q What do you feel about the RK Studios premises being sold to Godrej?
It was a family decision. There are many family members who wanted that. Even my grandmother wished to sell it. It was not being maintained, as nobody was staying there. It’s a bitter-sweet feeling. There are a lot of memories, and I feel sad that there won’t be any more.
Q What would you advice a younger Ranbir if you had that chance?
I would tell him to spend more time with his father.
Q You are an actor, a son, a husband, and now a father. How do you find yourself evolving?
You feel overall you are doing better. But life is such that it is never going to be perfect. I don’t think I am a great son, a great husband, or a brother. But I think I have the desire to be better, and that’s important. As long as you are aware of it, you are on the right track.
Q Do you discuss work with Alia and take her advice?
Yes indeed. Alia is a trade pundit! Today, she is constantly tracking TJMM which is trending. She enjoys being analytic. When you live with an actor of
Alia’s calibre, getting any feedback from her is awesome. She is my cheer leader, she loves me as much as she loves Shamshera. I think the two people in my life, my mother and Alia, are very important. They tell me the truth. They tell me when I go wrong, so I have a balanced life.
MY LIFE WITH TWO BEAUTIFUL WOMEN (ALIA AND MY MOTHER) AROUND ME IS VERY BEAUTIFUL AND MAGICAL. BUT AS A PARENT I AM ONLY THREE-AND-A-HALF MONTHS OLD. IT’S BEEN AMAZING SO FAR, I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO AN AMAZING JOURNEY AHEAD. I AM A HANDS-ON FATHER. I’M A NEWLY-TURNED FATHER SO I AM LEARNING AND CONTINUING WITH IT
Q What changes have come into your life with fatherhood?
My life with two beautiful women around me is very beautiful and magical. But as a parent
I am only three-and-a-half months old. It’s been amazing so far, I’m looking forward to an amazing journey ahead. I am a hands-on father.
Q Are you taking any parenting tips from anyone?
I’m a newly-turned father so I am learning and continuing with it. No one gives me parenting tips. No matter how many tips you take, you need to try it out yourself. She allows me to sleep at night. I can put her to sleep. Actually, I am a burping specialist. That’s my job — in just two seconds I can make her burp.
SELLING RK STUDIOS PREMISES WAS A FAMILY DECISION. THERE ARE MANY FAMILY MEMBERS WHO WANTED THAT. EVEN MY GRANDMOTHER WISHED TO SELL IT. IT WAS NOT BEING MAINTAINED, AS NOBODY WAS STAYING THERE. IT’S A BITTERSWEET FEELING. THERE ARE A LOT OF MEMORIES, AND I FEEL SAD THAT THERE WON’T BE ANY MORE*