In an interview with Koimoi.com Editor Komal Nahta, Ranbir Kapoor talks about his father, living up to the Kapoor legacy, moving on after Deepika Padukone. He also shares his experience of shooting for his forthcoming film, Rockstar.
I’m A Little Scared Of My Dad
Ranbir Kapoor acknowledges that he’s intimidated by his father, Rishi Kapoor. “I’m a little scared of my dad. We never had a friendly relationship. Now that I’m working, it’s a bit better. He’s the only person in life who intimidates me.” Even working with Rishi Kapoor in an television advertisement did not help things and Ranbir had cold feet before the ad shoot, he confesses.
Father Is My Critic, Mother Is My Fan
“My father has not liked me in any of my films. He has never openly appreciated me. I hope some day he’ll appreciate me,” says Ranbir. He goes a step further and reveals, “I never look into his eyes when I speak to him, I look down whenever we talk.” But RK doesn’t mind being called a mama’s boy. “My mom (Neetu Kapoor) is my biggest fan. She’ll clap and whistle when she sees my shows. She never criticizes me; her only complaint is that my face looks fat.”

Living Up To The Legacy
“I want to live up to my grandfather Raj Kapoor’s name. I am so inspired by them (his grandfather, father and uncles) but I want to move out of their shadow and achieve much more.”
Brickbats & Laurels
“I faced a lot of backlash last year especially with articles about this Casanova image of mine. But there are good times and bad times. But again, I’ve always got more than I deserve. My first film was a commercial and critical disaster. Yet, I got good opportunities from big banners and good producers.”
I Want To Go Beyond The Khans
“The three Khans are today’s stars but I want to go beyond all of them. I want to achieve much more. I’ve been hearing that I’m the next big thing for quite some time now. But I believe that you’re either a superstar or you’re not. I’m not a superstar but one day I will be.”
Working With Deepika
Ranbir emphasizes that he and Deepika Padukone have moved on after their relationship. “I don’t think it will be awkward working with Deepika (in Ayan Mukerji’s Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani). We both have moved on. We were in a relationship for one and a half years. I think we will be able to get rid of the baggage.” He adds that he hasn’t had a relationship since the one with Deepika.
On Rockstar
“My role in Rockstar (as Janardhan/Jordan) was the role of a lifetime. I got to work with A.R. Rahman, Imtiaz Ali and Shammi Kapoor. Rockstar is a little closer to me (than the rest of my films) because I’m quite fond of Imtiaz Ali and Nargis Fakhri. I learnt to play the guitar for the film. We used to go to Rahman sir’s studio to record each song so that I got the proper feel of the song. I’m very positive about the film because it has an original story. And the way Sadda Haq and Kun Faaya Kun have caught on is really very good.”
Drawbacks Of Working In The Industry
“One has to focus on one’s journey. The industry is not a sunshine place. You have to work very hard and sacrifice a lot. Your personal life takes a backseat. You don’t get time to spend with your friends or parents. You almost become a gypsy.”