In a heartfelt conversation at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor revealed his deep admiration for his legendary grandfather, Raj Kapoor, as a filmmaker rather than an actor. “We all are off-shoots of movies made by Raj Kapoor,” Ranbir said, reflecting on the profound impact his grandfather’s work has had on Indian cinema1.
SOURCE : ZEE
Ranbir, who belongs to one of the most prominent film families in India, spoke extensively about how Raj Kapoor’s films have inspired him both as an artiste and a viewer. “I love the story of Shree 420 and the vagabond; somebody who has stars in his eyes, very hopeful; and how he makes it and how he deals with fame,” Ranbir shared. He also praised the music and performances in the film, which he considers one of his all-time favorites1.
Source:- bbc news
Ranbir highlighted Raj Kapoor’s contributions to cinema, noting that his grandfather’s films addressed a wide range of social issues. “While Awaara dealt with casteism, Shree 420 explored themes of greed and the struggles of the underprivileged,” Ranbir explained. He also emphasized Raj Kapoor’s role in women-centric cinema, tackling themes of oppression in patriarchal society, as seen in Prem Rog and Ram Teri Ganga Maili.
When asked which of Raj Kapoor’s films he would like to remake as a director, Ranbir admitted, “I don’t believe in remakes, I believe a film is made to the best of its capabilities and you should not touch it, especially Raj Kapoor’s films. But I would love to have a take on Shree 420, like I said it’s my favorite film,” he said. Ranbir also mentioned Sangam (1964) as another film he would like to try his hand at remaking.
Ranbir’s admiration for Raj Kapoor extends beyond his films. He revealed that his grandfather’s film Jagte Raho (1956) left a deep impact on him, especially while he was in film school. “I was watching films from different countries and cultures and when I saw Jagte Raho, I felt that this should be up there with all the other films that we watch from across the world which are applauded and given accolades,” Ranbir said.
Ranbir also spoke about his burning ambition to venture into direction. “My grandfather directed, acted, produced, wrote, and edited a film called Aag at the age of 24. I’m 42 today and I still don’t have the courage to direct a film2. I produced a movie called Jagga Jasoos, which didn’t work at the box office. But I’m waiting for a story to come because a director should make a movie only if he has a story to tell, not just for the sake of making a movie2. Acting is tough too, but it’s much easier than directing a movie.”
Ranbir’s journey in the film industry has been shaped by the legacy of his family, and he continues to honor that legacy through his work. “If you really want to take any kind of legacy forward, you have to do it in a very individualistic approach; it’s the way you say it, it’s your perception of life1. It’s what you have absorbed as a person. And then you want to just flow into that story1. So, (you could be) heavily influenced, but you have to be individualistic to make a mark in any way,” he added.
Ranbir’s admiration for Raj Kapoor is evident in his approach to acting and filmmaking, and his dedication to preserving his grandfather’s legacy continues to inspire fans and aspiring filmmakers alike.
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