Ranbir Kapoor: My father was happy about my decision to do Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar

While Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar has been making quite the noise at the box office, the Luv Ranjan directorial found itself at the receiving end of mixed responses from the critics. We caught up with the lead actor Ranbir Kapoor, who was returning to such a genre after quite a few years. 

Excerpts from the conversation

What made you sign a film by Luv Ranjan?

I have never messaged a director for work, but after watching Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2, I wrote to Luv. I like the world he creates, and I am glad we could finally collaborate. My father was there when I signed Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar (TJMM). He was quite happy with my decision because he would always tell me to work with Luv.

You last appeared in a romantic comedy, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, a decade ago. Was it easy to get the boy-next-door groove back?

Acting is not easy and every film comes with challenges. I try to reinvent myself with every role; 
else it gets boring. One would think rom-coms are easy, but they are even harder, especially this one, because Luv has a certain tone in which he writes his films. There’s a specific way you look at your co-actors, the way you sing or cry. So, one has to renew the genre. For both Shraddha and me, it was a challenge. 

Tell us about working with Shraddha Kapoor.

We have known each other since we were kids. I remember our fathers would be shooting in Kashmir or Ooty, and we would be playing in the hotel or go horse riding. As actors, we share similar creative energies. She is sincere, hard-working, and carries a warmth that was apt for our film.

You’ve been in the industry for 16 years. How satisfied are you with your work?

I don’t know about satisfaction, but I am happy. I have never worked under pressure, or because it’s a big director or production house. I have never chosen films for the wrong reasons. I have learnt from my failures, and didn’t let success go to my head. After all these years, people talk to me as though I have achieved something, but I still have miles to go.

Do you believe that not being on social media has impacted your stardom?

I come from the old school of thought that not being on social media maintains a certain mystery about one’s life. I have lost out on endorsements because of it, but the sacrifice has been worthwhile. Because I am not seen every day, people come and watch my films, and connect with my characters. This is my thought process; I don’t know if I am right.

There have been rumours about you doing biopics of Kishore Kumar as well as Sourav Ganguly, who you recently met at Kolkata’s Eden gardens. Is either of the films in the works?

I have been in talks about doing a Kishore Kumar biopic, which is being written, but nothing is concrete yet. I am not aware of a film on Dada (Sourav), but if approached, I would love to do it.