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.

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.

You’ve earned a reputation of being a party animal. Is it a fair one?
Actually no. I’m a homebody. I admit that there was a phase when I was totally into the party scene but now I’ve mellowed a bit.

Recently when you made an appearance on Star Voice of India, girls kissed you on your cheek. How was it?
(Laughs) It was quite heartwarming actually. An actor always dreams for a moment like this to happen, you know, one day when you come out and girls queue up to kiss you but when it really happens then it feels quite surreal. But it was nice.

What was immediate reaction when you saw yourself on screen for the very first time?
I couldn’t believe it was me up there. I pinched myself and spoke to my mom.

Confession time. Is it true that you drop the towel in a scene in the film?
Well, you’ll see that when you see the film. I’m not going to say anything beyond this.

Ok then another confession, is it true that you still get pocket money from your mom?
Yes that’s right. I get Rs 1,500 per week. What to do? I’m still not earning so I have to survive somehow.

I’m sure it helps that you don’t have to pay the rent?
(Laughs) You bet. Thank god for small mercies.

What does stardom mean to you?
It means nothing to me. It’s just the work and the journey towards stardom that matters to me.

Saawariya in one word?
Krishna.

The double event has triggered speculation in the Indian media about which one is going to be a bigger hit.

Kapoor dismissed this as “mindless comparison” in an interview with The Indian Express newspaper.

“I’m no one to be compared with him (Shahrukh Khan),” he said. “I’m starting my career and he’s the star.”

Kapoor also has to live with his family’s reputation in the field of acting. His grandfather Raj Kapoor was one of Bollywood’s most successful filmmakers and actors and his parents, Neetu Singh and Rishi Kapoor, were established stars in the 1970s and 1980s.

He said his parents were nervous about his debut, but he was confident he would not let his family down.

“My grandfather is my idol, but I am not him,” he said. “It is an honor when people compare me with him, but I think it is not right.”

Ranbir seems closer to you than to his father.
Isn’t that the way it is with most children? Kids are a reflection of the mother. Both my kids are gentle and in school they never behaved like star-children. My husband’s work was such that he was never home. He never knew about homework, PTA meetings and the kids’ daily routines. We were together for lunch, dinner and vacation. Ranbir didn’t get a chance to be close to his father until he assisted him when my husband directed Aa Ab Laut Chalen. Now that my husband has been home more often Ranbir has become close to him too. He’s much closer to me.

As an actress and mother do you feel Ranbir will match up to expectations?
How can I say? I’m told he has a lot of grace and rhythm. And that he has a cute face and an athletic body. And he isn’t a chaap of his dad either. It’s impossible to imitate my husband. Johnny Lever once told Rishi he’s the only actor he can’t ape because Rishi is such a natural. I did 11 films with him, I should know.

How do you feel about ‘Karz’ being remade?
I don’t think you can replicate any of those
classics. People are doing it. And I wish them all the best.

Did Ranbir come and tell you he wanted to be an actor?
He always wanted to be an actor. Even as a kid he’d recite Amitabh Bachchan dialogues. He’d always be dancing at birthday parties. Even now when he cries or gets angry he looks for a mirror to see how he’s looking…

After being pampered at home, Ranbir had to work really hard on his first film.
But I never pampered Ranbir! I pampered Ridhima because I always knew she was going to get married and go away, so I gave her everything.

But Ranbir had it much tougher. I never gave him anything on a platter. Ranbir still gets a fixed pocket money. I like the ritual. Even when Ranbir is earning in crores I’d like to continue giving him pocket money. I’ve given him a good foundation in life. I’ve taught him to be nice to people, no matter what.

What’s your equation with Ranbir now?
We’re friends. He tells me about everything, and I mean everything… girlfriends included. I guide him. But I don’t force him to do anything. And I’ve got to see him once a day. That’s enough. I don’t want him to sit on my lap or go to movies with me. All three of us go out for dinner every two-three days. Otherwise I don’t go out much.

And Rishi?
Oh, he can’t do without me even for a minute. When I go for my weekly movies with friends he calls me constantly. That’s why I don’t act in movies any longer. He never stopped me. But if I were away shooting he wouldn’t be able to take it. He can’t be in the house without me. Since Rishi and I grew up together and sort of merged into marriage I don’t mind his dependence on me. By the way he looks I can see what he’s looking for in the house.

Would you and Rishi like to play Ranbir’s parents?
I’d like that.

It should be a home production.
Yes, provided my husband finds the right subject. Ranbir has a director lurking within him. One day I’m sure he’ll make a film and I’d love to be in it.

Why didn’t your daughter become an actress?
We never stopped her from doing anything. From childhood she wanted to do fashion designing and said acting wasn’t her cup of tea. I must say she’s very gifted and an excellent mimic. She got lots of tempting offers but desisted. And I’m happy for that. This industry is sometimes harsh on women. Men have it easier. But a woman has to be very strong to take all that goes on.

Ranbir is constantly being written about.
I know! The other day there was a story that he was in a fistfight with someone at a public place. In his 24 years I’ve never seen him lose his cool. Even in school Ranbir sorted out all the fights among his friends; he’s the eternal peacemaker. He came home and said, ‘Mom is that really me? I do normal things like go out with friends, have khana at a restaurant. Next thing I know they’re running me down.’ I tell him it’s part of being part of entertainment industry. Of course he can have as many girlfriends as he wants but let him have them first.