On behalf of all the Ranbir Kapoor fans around the world and here at Ranbir-Kapoor.com, we wish him a lot of success for Saawariya.

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.”

With SAAWARIYA slated for release next Friday, there’s talk that Bhansali is planning to revive BAJIRAO MASTANI, which he had announced a few years ago. There’s also talk that he’s planning to start a film on the famed Heera Mandi of Lahore. The grapevine is also abuzz that the film-maker is planning a love story again, with freshers heading the cast yet again. “I am not revealing anything right now… Honestly, I haven’t decided what my next move would be. I cannot think of anything till SAAWARIYA releases,” he smiles.

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.

Here’s yet another interview of upcoming artist Ranbir Kapoor, son of Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor. Ranbir is nervous about his first release but at the same time is sure that he has given his best shot hoping not to disappoint anyone.

So, how nervous are you? Or should I say thrilled?

You know, honestly, I think it’s a mixture of all. Three-four days back, I was quite blank, I was in a state of zen. And I loved that feeling because I wasn’t nervous, excited or anxious. But now it’s seeping in. The reactions have started coming in from the promos and the music, and so I’m a bit scared and hopefully, everything will come out well.

You’ve seen the film. How did you like it?

You know, because we worked on the film for so long, you can’t really get objective about the film. I’m in love with the film, I’m in love with my character, and I think that even if I’d lasted 10 years in this industry, I wouldn’t get a film like Saawariya.

It’s such a great opportunity to work with someone like Sanjay Leela Bhansali. I hope and pray, and will work doubly hard to work with this man again, because it was just an out-of-control, brilliant experience working with that man. Yeah, you do feel awkward, the first time you see yourself on screen. But it’s just such a beautiful story, and so excellently crafted that it’s a good feeling.

How do you think you’ve done?

I think I’ve done really well. I can’t compare myself with anyone, but on a personal level I think I’ve done a very good job.

You’ve worked before on Black, as an assistant to Bhansali. And now you’re his leading man. How different are things?

I don’t think there’s much of a difference, because I was learning then and am still learning now. He’s given me and Sonam a lot of love. He’s imparted a lot of knowledge about cinema, and about life, to us. And we’re just grateful to him for giving us such a big opportunity and launching us in such a big way. It was always a dream to work under him and my dream came true, so I’ll always be thankful to him. I just hope and wish that he continues to love me as much as he does right now.

Assuming you won’t tell us too many specifics about the character before the movie is out, is the character a lot like you?

Yes. The character’s name is Ranbir Raj, which happens to be my grandfather’s real name, his name was Ranbir Raj Kapoor. There are a lot of things, a lot of character traits which are very personal. There are conscious tributes, like the name, made by Mr Bhansali to my family and my grandfather. It’s a happy-go-lucky character, there’s a lot of inspiration taken from Charlie Chaplin and Raj Kapoor. If the character from Shree 420 was alive today, he would be this character.

Did your parents give you a lot of inputs on acting?

I don’t think I actually went to them for advice. Of course, since I’ve been growing up, they’ve always been subconsciously telling me things which have stayed with me. They don’t sit me down and say ‘these are the things you have to follow.’ They’ve never done that, they’ve left my decisions up to me. They guide me.

I just remember when I was shooting my first song, Masha Allah, I was really nervous. You know, people look forward to Sanjayji’s songs, he has this understanding of song picturisation and music. So I messaged dad, told him that I was really nervous, and asked, ‘What do I do?’

He messaged me back saying ‘Don’t be silly, what are you nervous about? You’re a Kapoor! Just smile and sing the song, don’t act like you’re singing just sing it passionately, and everything will turn out okay.’

Those were really encouraging words and really helped me. And then Sanjayji was guiding me throughout the film.

You’ve spent time on the sets as an assistant director. How much do you think that helps you, as an actor?

Oh, a lot. You know, before this I went to a film school for two years, then to an acting school. I’ve gone through the experiences and I must tell every budding actor or director that the amount you learn on a film set in just two months is something you won’t learn from even 10 years of film school. The grounding experience you get in cinema, the exposure you get…

And I got the opportunity to see Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukerji, such great actors. Everything was just magical because they are geniuses in their respective fields. I think it’s really important to assist on a film, especially if it’s a director you believe in and respect. You learn a lot, experience a lot and see a lot.

Did you have a plan in mind, to assist first?

Yes, completely. I loved Devdas and wondered if Sanjay Leela Bhansali knew I existed. So I kept a conscious agenda in mind that I would go to him, assist him, get my learning experience and also make it a point that he likes me and casts me in his next film.

You’ve known Sonam forever. Was it fun working with her?

Oh, we’ve grown up together. Such close family friends, our grandparents, parents and finally me and her. She’s such a good human being and apart from that she’s such a talented actress. Everything with her is all-heart. If she likes something she’ll say it, if she doesn’t, she’ll say it. Everything’s black or white, there’s nothing in the middle. And you know, we’re the only two people right now who feel the same thing at this moment, and our friendship has grown as we share the same nervousness and anxiety and excitement. We have the same kind of expectations and we share a lot together, so I think we’re really close friends and our relationship has grown stronger because we did our first film.

It’s one of the year’s most-hyped releases. Is all the buzz scary or exciting?

I think it’s a mixture of both. Scary because you think about all the expectations. The expectations are so high, and the fall will hurt more. But I don’t think about all that. I think of it as a responsibility, and I’ve worked very hard on this film and hopefully people will like it. I’m just asking people to give me a chance and not compare me to anyone. See me as an individual. I haven’t tried to copy or mimic anyone. This is all me, this is all Mr Bhansali and see it as Saawariya.

You’re starting your career with a big Sanjay Leela Bhansali film. Where do you go from here?

It’s scary, because if I had been in the industry for two-three years, and then go to Sanjay Leela Bhansali, I would understand the value of working with him. Getting to work with him in my first film itself, it’s like a diamond-encrusted spoon which is being fed to me. I just hope I can live up to the expectations of working with him.

I don’t know where I go from here. There’s no timetable, no decision on steps I want to take ahead, or the kind of films I want to do. I want to work with everyone and hopefully my journey will be enriching.

What do you think of the way Bollywood has grown over the last couple of years?

It’s fabulous. The exposure to Indian cinema internationally has grown drastically, and people look at it as a form of art. Earlier, it was just entertainment but now people are actually looking at Indian cinema. People say that films of the 1950s and 1960s, the stories they had aren’t being told anymore. I disagree. I feel people are making beautiful films, they have a lot to say.

What kind of films do you like to watch?

All kinds of films. I watch all the Hindi films, a lot of English films, foreign films. If you ask me favourites, I’ll say Shree 420, Life Is Beautfiul and Devdas — Mr Bhansali’s Devdas, that is.

As a student of cinema, how do you categorise Mr Bhansali’s work?

I wouldn’t categorise him, he’s a genius and that’s his style. You don’t come across people like this often. I have worked with him as an assistant director and I can say this with authority that he is the most hard-working person I have come across. To him things haven’t come very easily.

You love the film, you enjoyed working on it. How important is commercial success for you now?

It’s extremely important. You work so hard at it, you’ve given it your all, and who doesn’t want appreciation? At the end, you work for the appreciation, and want the film to do well. I haven’t gotten around to thinking of what’ll happen if it doesn’t do well. I have a positive outlook to it, and we’ll see what happens.

Are you looking at reviving the RK Studios banner?

Definitely, that’s my top priority. I want to bring all the glory days back to the banner. We are working on something right now and soon we’ll have something materialised. In the next two years, there will be a film releasing under the RK banner.

Alot of your contemporaries from film backgrounds are making their debuts. Are you guys competitive about this?

All the newcomers are my friends. I wish all of them luck as they wish for me. It’s like a brotherhood. It could be Neil, Sikandar, Harman, Imaad…

Sanjay Bhansali knows exactly what he wants. Was it hard being his leading man?

Sanjayji is a perfectionist, and he’s worked with such greats as Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan. Him working with newcomers means the expectation is on him: what kind of a performance will he take out from the newcomers. I can’t gauge how well I’ve done, if I’ve kept up to his expectations. I worked really hard and Sanjayji is really, really happy with my performance. The biggest compliment he gave me was at the music launch when he said ‘you are the true successor of Raj Kapoor.’

Coming back to your question, there were a lot of stories that Sanjayji would shout a lot, would scold Sonam and me. There was nothing like that. The three of us are like a family: we go out for dinners, movies… Now, if he has certain kind of expectations about our performances, he has the right to shout at us. At the end of the day when you see yourself on screen, you’re just thankful to the man that he did that to us. Without that, I wouldn’t be able to do this performance.

Finally, speaking of Mr Bhansali’s stars and Shah Rukh Khan, how does it feel going up against him on the year’s most-awaited opening weekend?

Honestly, I’m so nervous and excited about it being my debut film that I can’t worry about things like that. Yes, I respect Shah Rukh Khan a lot, and I’ve been a fan of his. I hope his film does well, and our film does well too.

Just that our film does a little better.

Bollywood’s latest and most talked about entrant is Ranbir Kapoor. He has won the hearts of many young girls and guys even before his debut movie hit the screens. To make his career strong in Bollywood, the young lad is ever ready to do anything for his movie. For his first film ‘Saawariya’ directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, he goes bare bum.

In ‘Saanwariya’ the young man has done a scene in which he’s offfered more a peek of his bare backside, but to his credit, he’s quite cool about it.

“Yes, I have bared my butt in the film, and it’s for a song. I was not all embarrassed to do it at all. I would do anything at all for cinema. There are no inhibitions involved. I may be a very shy person otherwise, but once in front of the camera, I can open up. I hope people enjoy watching the scene,” he says.

Dressed in a casual shirt and jeans, lounging on his massive couch, and sipping a chocolate milkshake, Ranbir Kapoor gives no sign of the tumult in his mind. But with less than a month to go before he bares his soul in his debut film ‘Saawariya’ (director Sanjay Leela Bhansali), it seems that ‘star son’, and ‘has it all’ are phrases that are beginning to bother him seriously.

Starry snag
“People think that I have it all on a platter just because I am a Kapoor. But please don’t look down on me just because I am born into a ‘film’ family. We have our own disadvantages, our own disappointments. Sure, my rise is faster, but my fall could be harder,” he says with a hint of irritation.

“I just want respect for the fact that I also had my own struggle. I went through some very tough times during the making of the film. There were times when I would get depressed, but I kept myself going,”he admits softly.

Career mantra
However, Ranbir adds, “I know that even if I had been launched by my own banner, I wouldn’t have got such a great launch. Sanjay sir has taught me a great deal. Everything I do from now on will always be compared to ‘Saawariya’. It is the benchmark for all I’ll do later.”

So is that the reason why he hasn’t signed any films as yet? “I’m reading scripts, listening to story ideas. I want to do all kinds of films. My dad has always told me that many people depend on films for their livelihood, and it’s my job to keep on doing films. That is exactly what I intend to do.”

Pre-release pangs
Right now, life revolves around November 9 (the release date of ‘Saawariya’) for Ranbir. “All I can think of is the release of my film. I am too excited, too scared, too nervous to be thinking of anything else, let alone my next films.”

What does he think he’ll be doing a day before the film releases? After a minute or two of deep thought, he smiles, “I’ll Probably be jumping all over my house, screaming out loudly (a la Tom Cruise?). And, on a more sober note, I’ll be spending time with my family.”

If it bothers him that his debut is releasing at the same time as a Shah Rukh Khan film, he doesn’t let it show. “I want ‘Om Shanti Om’ (‘OSO’) to do well, and I wish them all the best. I want people to like ‘OSO’,” he says, before flashing that famed Kapoor smile and adding a postscript, “I just hope my film does better than theirs!”

Ranbir Kapoor makes his debut in bollywood in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s most coveted project of the year ‘Saawariya’, a young love story featuring Sonam Kapoor opposite him. With charismatic look and innocent smile, Ranbir has already won the hearts of many young girls and guys even before the movie hit the screens. Even though he is nervous slightly about his first release, the young lad is confident about his acting skills and aims to meet up to the huge expectations that surround him.

Q: Are you nervous about your Bollywood debut in “Saawariya”?
A: Honestly, I am not a bit nervous. I was anxious when the promos of the film started showing on television. I received a range of reactions from people I know and that made me both nervous and excited (laughs). I am happy that I am getting so much attention in my very first film.

Q: Are you happy that you are being launched in “Saawariya”?
A: Absolutely, we all have worked very hard for this film. When we completed it, I watched it as one in the audience. Not only did I like the movie but I also liked the character I have portrayed. Right from the time the film went on the floors, I tried to give my best in every shot.

I knew that bagging a film like “Saawariya” and working with a director like Sanjay sir would have been difficult even if I had spent 10 years in this industry now. I hope I get to work with him again.

Q: Does the character you play in this film resemble you in any way?
A: Oh yes, the role I play is much like the real me. My character has been named Ranvir Raj, in dedication to my grandfather Raj Kapoor. I am grateful to Sanjay sir for the way he has paid a tribute to my grandfather and my family through this film.
I love my character in the film, who is inspired by the legendary Charlie Chaplin and the role my grandfather Raj Kapoor played in “Shree 420″.

Q: Your parents have been great actors. What tips did you get from them as you step into Bollywood?
A: I haven’t received any special tips from them for “Saawariya”. They have never made me sit down and take notes from them. They have been teaching me a lot gradually right from my childhood. I have always taken my own decisions but they have been by my side to encourage and guide me.

They have never stopped me from doing anything, instead they have just made me foresee the benefits and the drawbacks of my decisions. I can recall how nervous I was for the shoot of my first song “Masha Allah”.

I just didn’t know what to do so I sent across an sms to my father telling him about my state. He replied via an sms that I shouldn’t be foolish.

He reminded me that I belong to the Kapoor family, he told me that instead of just acting I should sing along and emote with all my heart. His words gave me a lot of strength.

Q: When did you decide that you wanted to become an actor?
A: I didn’t take that decision in a day or two. I am from a family where acting runs in the genes. I was in America when I watched Sanjay sir’s “Devdas”. I had then decided that I would debut only with him. I was already getting many acting offers then but not from Sanjay sir.

I was wondering whether he knows about me at all. So I decided to take the first step and go and meet him, assist him in film-making and then work in his film as an actor. Fortunately, this dream of mine has come true.

Q: How was the experience of working with Sonam?
A: I am very happy that I have worked with her in my very first film. We knew each other since childhood. Sonam is very intelligent and straightforward, she talks from her heart. If she doesn’t approve of something she would go ahead and speak out.

Our friendship has grown stronger during the shooting of this film since as newcomers both of us were going through the same emotions. We have shared a lot of feelings.

Q: Are you under any kind of pressure to perform since you are from the illustrious Kapoor clan?
A: No, not at all. At this point of time, I don’t want to think that people would compare me with other members of my family who have been or are into acting.

I don’t want to think whether I would stand up to their expectations or not. I am responsible for what I am doing. I want to work very hard so that people don’t write me off as worthless. I don’t want to let anybody down.

Q: Did you join this profession because you are from the Kapoor family or do you genuinely love acting?
A: I wouldn’t say that I was mentally prepared to play a hero on reel. I just wanted to be part of cinema, I didn’t know whether as an actor, or director or producer or as someone else. At the same time, it is true that I am where I am because of my parents and grandfather. As of now, I want to add to their reputation.

Q: How’s Sanjay as a director?
A: He is not only an excellent director but also a good human being. He is a rare gem you won’t find everywhere. Many people say he is very lucky but the truth is he has sweated out a lot to achieve the top place in the industry.

Q: In the promos of “Saawariya”, you are spotted in a cap and with a guitar in hand, just like your father. Whose idea was this?
A: Every bit of the movie is Sanjay sir’s concept and idea. If I am resembling my father in any scene then that’s very good. We have received very good response to our first promo though I have not been intentionally made to look like my father. I have just acted out what the character demanded.

Q: The RK banner is going to be revived soon. Would you like to work under it?
A: Of course, that would be my first priority. I am going to bring back the golden days of the RK banner. We are going to start work in this direction very soon. I can’t reveal any more now but I promise you will get to watch a film under the RK banner in the coming two years.

Q: You are a big competition to other newcomers in the industry. What’s your take on that?
A: Come on, it’s not like that. Most of the newcomers in the industry are my childhood friends. They are all working hard the way I am, so my best wishes to all of them. Neil, Harman, Sikandar, Imaad and Imran are all like my brothers. I want them to wish me well the way I wish them well.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus ‘Saawariya’ and its stars Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor have become the talk of the town. Even before the movie goers got to see the real picture there is a huge fan following for Ranbir Kapoor. He is already considered the Gay Icon but his female fans are no less too. An incident that happened during Ranbir’s visit to Hyderabad on October 8 to promote his debut film Saawariya proves this statement right.

A source who travelled with Ranbir says, “Ranbir is hugely popular with the girls. I’ve seen them go berserk when he’s around. We were in Indore when a girl jumped from the crowd and couldn’t stop smooching Ranbir. On Monday, we had another crazy experience in Hyderabad.”

Ranbir and Co were travelling by car from their hotel Taj Krishna to PVR Mall in Hyderabad on Monday afternoon, when a crazy fan brought traffic to a halt.

Says the source, “A blue-coloured Santro stopped next to Ranbir’s car at a signal and a young girl was in the driver’s seat. When she saw Ranbir, she did a double take and ran out of her car with the engine still running!

She asked Ranbir for an autograph and he was horrified by her behaviour. He tried to persuade her to get back into her car since she was obstructing traffic, but she wouldn’t budge. Finally, the police had to come and sort out the massive traffic snarl she had caused!”

The source adds that Ranbir gets very embarrassed by his fans’ antics and is still to come to terms with his popularity.

“Sometimes, girls shout at him not to pull his car window up and bang on the car’s doors, or they tear his shirt, jacket or whatever he’s wearing and blow flying kisses at him. It’s crazy and he doesn’t know how to handle it!”

When we ask Ranbir, he sounds equally excited but sheepish. He says, “I felt like Tom Cruise.”

What are the advantages of having filmy background?
Sonam Kapoor: If I were not the daughter of Anil Kapoor, I would not have got this opportunity. It would have been very difficult.
Ranbir Kapoor: It is written for us. I would have been difficult if I were not from Kapoor family. But there are disadvantages too. The expectations are huge on us. The old adage – Rise is higher, fall is harder – applies to us.

Did you undergo any professional training?
Sonam Kapoor: I had been working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali for the past four years in the direction department. Working with SLB is like going to college and learning things.
Ranbir Kapoor: I did an acting course in a film school, New York. But what I learnt from Sanjay Leela Bhansali while working for him is much more valuable than I what I learnt at film school.

Why did you choose Sanjay Leela Bhansali for your first film?
Sonam Kapoor: I did not choose him. He chose me. He is my favorite director and the best filmmaker in the entire India. I never expected him to pick me up as heroine for this film.

Is acting there in your genes?
Sonam Kapoor: I could say that Ranbir inherited lot of acting from his parents Rishi and Neetu.
Ranbir Kapoor: Sonam inherited dedication and passion for cinema from her father Anil Kapoor.

Did you get any privileged treatment because of your filmy background?
Sonam Kapoor: People in the sets are nonchalant about our filmy background. And we never expected any special privileges.

Shall Anil Kapoor stop romancing on screen because you became a heroine?
Sonam Kapoor: No. Both of us are individuals and are free to choose the right characters for us.

How did you manage to shed your weight?
Sonam Kapoor: I could not believe it when Sanjay Leela Bhansali asked me to act in this film. I took the assistance of two experts from Hyderabad – Shervir and his wife. They made me lose all my weight.

Did you enjoy dances in this film?
Ranbir Kapoor: I struggled with my dances. But it was Sanjay Leela Bhansali who made my dances appear good on screen.

What is the story of Sawariya?
Sonam Kapoor: Sawariya is a simple and beautiful love story. It is about two souls consumed by love.

Were you nervous while doing this film?
Sonam Kapoor: when I asked the same question to Rishi Kapoor about Bobby, he said that he was not nervous. But very anxious and excited. The same applies to me.
Ranbir Kapoor: Yes, I was nervous.

You look good onscreen together? What is the secret?
Sonam Kapoor: We are good friends even before we signed up for this film. When you are good friends it shows on screen.

What kind of roles will you be doing in future? Are you up for exposing?
Sonam Kapoor: My family left the decision of choosing roles to me. I never stoop to the level of vulgarity. My parents trust me and they feel that I have good judgment. I would like to do both different films and typical glamorous roles.

Will you act in Telugu?
Sonam Kapoor: Yes. I am open for it. My father started his career in south films. I have high regard for the south films and south Indian directors.

Tell us about your aunt Sridevi Kapoor?
She is a legend. She is like my second mom. She did films like Sadma and Chal Baaz at the same time. That shows the kind of variety she offers. She balanced her career with commercial and critically acclaimed films. She is my god!

Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor – Saawariya Promotional Tour Pictures