Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor has candidly shared details about his relationship with his late father, Rishi Kapoor, in a recent interview. The actor, known for his guarded persona, delved deep into the complexities and challenges they faced as father and son. In a conversation with entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath, Ranbir revealed a childhood marked by fear and distance from his father. Despite hailing from a privileged background, the actor emphasized that he was raised with discipline and groundedness.
“I believe my father was a short-tempered man, but he was a good man,” Ranbir said, “He was somebody who loved his family, work, food, and alcohol. He was a very open person. He could speak up his mind.”
The actor shared a memory of his parents’ turbulent relationship, often witnessing their arguments from the staircase of their bungalow. “I have never seen the colour of his eyes, I was extremely scared,” he confessed. The constant tension at home took a toll on the young Ranbir, leaving him feeling responsible and on edge.
The actor’s portrayal of an obsessive character in his upcoming film, Animal, has drawn parallels to his own relationship with his father. However, Ranbir clarified that while his character was obsessed, he was primarily scared of his father. He explained, “He never shouted at us, never raised his hand at us, but just because around us his temperament was so volatile that it always scared me.”
The absence of his elder sister Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, who was studying abroad at the time, during these tumultuous times intensified Ranbir’s feelings of responsibility. He shared that his mother often confided in him about her struggles, while his father remained more reserved. “My father wasn’t that expressive. I never understood or heard his point of view,” the actor said.
Despite the challenges, Ranbir acknowledged a transformative period in their relationship when Rishi Kapoor was diagnosed with cancer. Witnessing his mother’s selfless care for his father fostered a newfound respect and understanding. “I saw the selfless service my mother was doing for him and that kind of love was something which I probably at that time couldn’t have imagined,” he shared.
