The Megastar of Hindi Cinema Rishi Kapoor Talks to Indus Age

Talks to Indus Age

The ultimate romantic hero, the most versatile and veteran actor of the Indian film industry Rishi Kapoor joins Indus Age in an exclusive interview where he gets candid about his first film, his second innings in the industry, his fans and a lot more. Excerpts:

Compiled By: Nidhi Kumari

Success came to you an early age, when you were awarded in Mera Naam Joker (1970) for best child artist; this was followed by Bobby (1973) which was a huge hit and then you continued to deliver hit after hit. You became the ultimate romantic actor and have reached so far. When you revisit those times, how does your journey feel?

 I have many thoughts on that. But to summarise it, my effort, hardwork sincereity and luck also played its part. Getting the right film at the right time, doing the right kind of roles when young helped me. I got to work with leading ladies who contributed in my career.

My father Mr. Raj Kapoor, introduced me in Mera Naam Joker and then gave me a break in Bobby, all these factors contributed to my journey to a great extent.

Rishi Ji, we want you to tell us how you were offered Mera Naam Joker by your father and what was your reaction?

My father asked my mother, if I could play the younger joker in the film. She said that if it didn’t interfere with my studies and I don’t get distracted she could let my father take me in the film.

When I heard this, I quietly went into my bedroom, and took out a blank sheet from the study table and I started practicing my autograph, thinking I already have become a star. (Smiles).

Film critics argue that you’ve begun your second innings in the industry where you challenge yourself with the characters you play, be it Rauf Lala (in Agneepath), the honest school teacher in Do Dooni Chaar, the vibrant Dean in Student Of The Year or very recently the character of Daddu in Kapoor and Sons. We’ve seen you experimenting and reinventing and challenging yourself every step of the way. Your thoughts on that.

My idea is that in 25 years of my career, I only sang songs and I was only romancing the heroine and never got any acting parts so to speak.  And indeed, I have now gotten into characters and I am trying to variate myself. I am trying to look different in every film. You will see a different Duggal in Do Dooni Chaar, to a Rauf Lala in Agneepath, to a Patiala House, to Hum Tum, so I am trying to give the audience something different, something they might like.

You’ve been a part of the film industry for more than 4 decades, what transition do you see in Indian Cinema and the film industry?

Cinema is cinema and entertainment is entertainment.  In Hindi films we make love stories, soft stories, romantic stories having many songs in it, which has become a part of our culture and tradition and not much has changed in that.  But we are also making off the curve films which are more mature subject wise.

The intelligence level of people going to multiplexes is different to the people of the lower strata whose intelligence sensibilities are still into maar-dhaad (fighting) and more crude.

Another thing is technology. Today sound designing has become much easier and it’s different. Everything is more digital and digitized; we’ve progressed in that field. However, I cannot say that for music and lyrics as it has deteriorated badly. Anyway, it’s a process, it’s a cycle, we’ve run into downturn but there will be upturn. The film and lyrics are the immediate reflection of the society. Today’s kids don’t want pressure and they don’t want to hear any intelligent stuff, the whole process is fast. If you go to discotheque, the music, the rhythm is so fast where there’s nothing to enjoy. In our times, poetry was supposed to be enjoyed but that is not seen any more.

But Rishi Ji, we learn at every stage of life. And there’s something to learn from today’s generation. Is there anything that you’ve learned from your son Ranbir?

It’s not that we are learning, it is they who are supposed to learn from experienced people. But I feel today’s generation is more focused, professional, hardworking and they’re all there for the film.

An actor’s life is open to both appreciation and criticism. How do you see both?

Celebrities are chosen by the vote of the people and they make us what we are. We have to accept both accolade and criticism with a pinch of salt.

You’ve been honoured with the ‘Excellence In Cinema Award’ at the Indian Film Festival Of Melbourne. What do these recognition mean to you?

I have been awarded many times and this is another lifetime achievement award. But I want to work furthermore; they are giving me a pat on my back to keep up the good work.

You donned the directorial hat in 1999 with Aa Ab Laut Chalein, are there any plans of going behind the lens any time soon?

I am very busy as an actor. Directing a film is a full time job. I am enjoying doing character parts which I have never done before, so I am enjoying my acting phase much more.

You are quite candid and vocal on Twitter and you keep yourself updated and abreast with the changing times. Tell us about that.

I am on twitter just for the fun of it. (smiles).

Your message for your fans in Australia.

Thank you for the hospitality. I enjoyed the food, the people, the relaxed country that Australia is. Those of you who are here studying, I want to give my blessings and hope you will be a proud national and make your country proud and also make your own success stories.