Tuesday

Bollywood Masala, Movie Reviews

Saawariya Superstar: Ranbir Kapoor

By: Tirusha Dave

Ranbir Kapoor, born September 28th, 1982 in Mumbai, comes from the Bollywood-elite family of the Kapoors. He’s already made waves with his directorial debut in the movie Aa Ab Laut Chalen, but really caught everyone’s eyes as he was an assistant director in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s hit-film, Black. Now Ranbir is raising the eyes-brows of Bollywood’s leaders, as he showcases his acting talents in Bhansali’s up-coming film, Saawariya, which released on Diwali – November 9th, 2007. Editor-in-Chief, Tirusha Dave, had the chance to sit down with Bollywood’s latest heartthrob! 

Saawariya has been a long awaited film since it was first introduced to the public and it will be released by Sony Pictures. Therefore, this makes Saawariya the first Indian movie produced by a Hollywood production house. Saawariya made its splash on the ‘New York Times,’ which got access to the first official teaser of the film. The movie is based on Fyodor Dostoevsky’s short story, White Nights. And if that wasn’t enough, the film also stars Salman Khan and Rani Mukherjee in supporting roles. Ranbir is truly the “man of the moment,” as all eyes are glued on him. Not only is he the son of actors Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh, but he is also the grandson of well-known Raj Kapoor. Ranbir shares his family tree with cousins Karisma Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor – so there is no doubt in my mind that he will not be a phenomenal actor and follow in his family’s footsteps. Proud father, Rishi Kapoor, was ecstatic to confirm at the Zee Cine Awards that Ranbir Kapoor will make his debut with Anil Kapoor’s daughter Sonam Kapoor in Bhansali’s film. Even before the release of his first movie, Ranbir is already being touted as the most sought after talent in Indian cinema – and I was lucky to be able to chat with this Bollywood heart-throb on the rise and find out more about himself and Saawariya.

Tirusha Dave: Before anything, must say that you’re the first Bollywood actor I’m interviewing and I’m very much nervous.
Ranbir Kapoor: (laughing) Everything will be alright! You’ll do a great job!

Thanks! (laughing) So Ranbir, Saawariya is one of the most highly anticipated movies of this year. What are your expectations from this film in relation to your newly found career in acting?
I have huge expectations! It’s my first film and I have put in a lot of hard work and I am a huge fan of Mr. Sanjay Leela Bhansali and I know that this film will bring out the best of everyone.

What type of formal training have you received in acting?
I have had training was since I was born, basically ever since my family was into film making and acting. But professionally I started my acting class in New York, where I attended the School of Visual Art for two years. And then I spent one year at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute. Each experience helped to define me as an actor.

Were your parents supportive of your decision to pursue a career in the film industry?
Absolutely. My parents are very supportive, I can make my own decision and follow it, even if I would have decided to become a lawyer, they would have supported me. But I wanted to take forward the legacy of my family. Yes, I always grew up in the film environment; therefore, I wanted to be a part of it. Maybe directing, or scripting or something or the other, but I wanted to be involved. Subconsciously I always wanted to get into acting.

Who would you consider to be your role models or mentors in the film industry?
No questions – Raj Kapoor.

You worked as an assistant to director, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, during the film Black. Tell us what this experience was like for you?
Gosh, it was a brilliant experience! I got to know more about cinema and more importantly, cinema making. I was able to get to know actors like Mr. Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukherjee. With Sanjay sir, there is lot to learn, even for life, not only cinema.

There is a lot of pressure on star kids who are entering the industry to succeed. What kind of effect has this had on you?
Honestly, no pressure. It’s more of responsibility and regards to my family. I hope to make them proud.

I’m certain that you will Ranbir. So tell us a little about Saawariya and what sets’ it apart from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s other films?
Everybody on the set was of an average age of 20 to 24. And every one from Sonam, my co-star, to Yogesh – the music director – are new. It was fun on the sets. But moreover, it was also a good learning experience. Everybody have their own ideas and with every idea, it was new learning experience.

Your co-star Sonam Kapoor is also considered a newcomer in the film. Did you feel that working with a newcomer helped or hindered your performance?
No way! I have known her since childhood. When I came to know that she is been cast, I was very happy. It was great working with Sonam; she was very caring and we were very supporting to each other. There was no ego hassles. We both pushed each other to give our best performance.

What was the excitement like to share the screen with other such talented actors as Salman Khan and Rani Mukherjee?
Though I really didn’t share the screen with Salman sir, off-screen he was very much like elder brother. Rani is very spontaneous and natural and I have to deliver back. That allowed me learn a lot from the acting prospectus.

Do you have any other projects in the works after the release of Saawariya?
Saawariya is my first movie. I have lived Saawariya for two and half year. I am completely concentrating on the film. I don’t want to think about any thing else till the movie releases.

What advice would you give to other newcomers like yourself who are trying to step into the world of Bollywood?
Work hard! Bollywood is not as glamorous as it looks; there is lots of hard wok, and sacrifice to be made – but don’t loose heart. You loose everything in work but at the end, all the hard work pays off. So do the hard work, like I did.

Taking into consideration the fact that you come from a family whose name is embedded in the Bollywood film industry, do you feel as if you have a certain “standard” you have to live up to? Or do you believe that you will initiate your own “standard” for others to follow?
I know my family and my parents are all great actors but I don’t want others to compare me to them. I have tried my level best. Yes, I am inspired by them, but never tried to copy them. I want make my own individuality.

That’s an excellent insight Ranbir. Now, I’ve read that your favorite actress is Kajol. If you had the chance to work with her in a film, who would you want to have as the director?
Myself – she is directors’ delight!

Time for a quick speed round! Favorite Bollywood movie?
Shri 420.

If you could spend the day in one actor’s shoes, who would it be?
Hritik Roshan.

If you could play the main role in any movie, which would it be?
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s, Devdas.

Bollywood movies keep setting the levels higher than before. There have been crossover films such as “Marigold,” and “Bride & Prejudice,” which have featured non-Indian actors in there as well. Do you believe that such films will help our film industry in gaining the respect which it deserves in the mainstream film industry?
I don’t believe in anything called parallel cinema. There is no difference in cinema. Cinema is cinema. Cinema is made in different formats; there should be good story and a good presentation that should be well conveyed.

Were your parents supportive of your decision to pursue a career in the film industry?
Absolutely. My parents are very supportive, I can make my own decision and follow it, even if I would have decided to become a lawyer, they would have supported me. But I wanted to take forward the legacy of my family. Yes, I always grew up in the film environment; therefore, I wanted to be a part of it. Maybe directing, or scripting or something or the other, but I wanted to be involved. Subconsciously I always wanted to get into acting.

Who would you consider to be your role models or mentors in the film industry?
No questions – Raj Kapoor.

You worked as an assistant to director, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, during the film Black. Tell us what this experience was like for you?
Gosh, it was a brilliant experience! I got to know more about cinema and more importantly, cinema making. I was able to get to know actors like Mr. Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukherjee. With Sanjay sir, there is lot to learn, even for life, not only cinema.

There is a lot of pressure on star kids who are entering the industry to succeed. What kind of effect has this had on you?
Honestly, no pressure. It’s more of responsibility and regards to my family. I hope to make them proud.

I’m certain that you will Ranbir. So tell us a little about Saawariya and what sets’ it apart from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s other films?
Everybody on the set was of an average age of 20 to 24. And every one from Sonam, my co-star, to Yogesh – the music director – are new. It was fun on the sets. But moreover, it was also a good learning experience. Everybody have their own ideas and with every idea, it was new learning experience.

Your co-star Sonam Kapoor is also considered a newcomer in the film. Did you feel that working with a newcomer helped or hindered your performance?
No way! I have known her since childhood. When I came to know that she is been cast, I was very happy. It was great working with Sonam; she was very caring and we were very supporting to each other. There was no ego hassles. We both pushed each other to give our best performance.

What was the excitement like to share the screen with other such talented actors as Salman Khan and Rani Mukherjee?
Though I really didn’t share the screen with Salman sir, off-screen he was very much like elder brother. Rani is very spontaneous and natural and I have to deliver back. That allowed me learn a lot from the acting prospectus.

Do you have any other projects in the works after the release of Saawariya?
Saawariya is my first movie. I have lived Saawariya for two and half year. I am completely concentrating on the film. I don’t want to think about any thing else till the movie releases.

What advice would you give to other newcomers like yourself who are trying to step into the world of Bollywood?
Work hard! Bollywood is not as glamorous as it looks; there is lots of hard wok, and sacrifice to be made – but don’t loose heart. You loose everything in work but at the end, all the hard work pays off. So do the hard work, like I did.

Taking into consideration the fact that you come from a family whose name is embedded in the Bollywood film industry, do you feel as if you have a certain “standard” you have to live up to? Or do you believe that you will initiate your own “standard” for others to follow?
I know my family and my parents are all great actors but I don’t want others to compare me to them. I have tried my level best. Yes, I am inspired by them, but never tried to copy them. I want make my own individuality.

That’s an excellent insight Ranbir. Now, I’ve read that your favorite actress is Kajol. If you had the chance to work with her in a film, who would you want to have as the director?

Myself – she is directors’ delight!

Ranbir, I want to thank you for your time. This was an amazing opportunity. We wish you all the success with the release of Saawariya and your future as well. Any last words for your fans and the readers of Bravura Artist?

I told you it would be fine! Thank you Tirusha for your time. I thank everyone for supporting me and please continue doing so. Give me a chance! Please see my film Saawariya!