“Ranbir is friendly with everyone” – Neetu Singh

All of 24, son of Neetu and Rishi Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor is already making headlines much before the release of his debut film ‘Saawariya’. All thanks to his alleged highhanded behaviour, starry tantrums when in public, romantic liaison with Deepika Padukone and differences with Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Renuka Vyavahare spoke to mum Neetu Singh to find out if there is any fire behind these smoky talks surrounding her suave son…

There have been countless allegations over Ranbir being highhanded?
Ranbir is an ideal son; in fact he is my father! I take his suggestions before doing anything. People who know him will tell you how down-to-earth and simple he is! Those who don’t know him get shocked as he is so unlike a star kid. He doesn’t throw tantrums, never argues, he’d never ever do anything against my wishes! He puts his family above all.

But there have been many instances now where people have criticized his ‘starry’ attitude!
When he will get an opportunity to actually interact with the media and the people, they’ll know what he really is like. Since he has been keeping a low profile and nobody has any authentic information on him, they start spreading these loose talks.

Stardom changes people. Can this be the case?
Ranbir is a changed man today but he has changed for better and not worse. As a child he was extremely naughty, stubborn and a cry baby (laughs). Everyday I’d be visiting his school for some or the other complaint of his. He used to bunk classes, play a mediator among his friends when they caught up fights… However today he is understanding, calm and composed.

How does he react to these ‘talks’ that surround him?
He comes home and asks, “You think I could do that (read pick up fights, throw tantrums, etc) mum?” He is shocked to hear all these things about him.

Apparently both Ranbir and Sonam were unhappy with Bhansali’s orders of keeping a low profile?
Bhansali had asked them to not to over-expose themselves before their film releases as he wanted to present them well in front of the media and audiences. There is nothing wrong in it. I agree to what he did. Ranbir never had any issues with it.

Does he sit with his dad and discuss films?
They both sit together and chat but Rishi has never given him any lectures on what to do and what not to do as far as his career is concerned.

Karisma and Kareena have been in the industry but Ranbir is the only male belonging to the fourth generation of Kapoors… Expectations from him are sky high!
Being the grandson of Raj Kapoor and son of Rishi Kapoor comes at a price. Everybody is expecting a lot from Ranbir but people should also remember that he is just a 24 year old baby! People shouldn’t judge his acting ability in haste. Give him some time.

Have you seen Saawariya promos? How did you like them?
Yes, Riddima and I have seen the promos and we loved it. We’ve also seen few songs and Sonam looks fantastic with Ranbir. They have great chemistry, both being equally tall, slim and young.

Is Ranbir seeing Deepika Padukone?
Talks about his love life are over-exaggerated. Ranbir is a friendly and social person and thus enjoys a large circle of friends, which Deepika is also a part of. He is nice to everyone. He goes out often with his group. It’s just that since Ranbir and Deepika are recognizable, people talk about them in particular. As far as I know, he wants to concentrate on his career right now.

What about Riddima? Is she not interested in films at all?
She was never inclined towards working in films, the way Ranbir was right from his childhood. Good offers keep coming her way and they are very tempting I must say but she is not into films. She is happily married.

A piece of advice for Ranbir…
Just keep going, be patient and work hard…