Ball Of Fame
Football fanatic Ranbir Kapoor talks about his World Cup favourites
Even as most young ladies drool over Ranbir Kapoor's good looks, the man in question couldn't care about protecting them as he pursues his other passion - football. He smiles, "I don't worry about getting down and dirty; I am not a narcissist. I don't think I am good looking; I have many flaws.I don't respect my body and I don't respect my face."
His passion for football started in school (Bombay Scottish), where he played in the Under 14 and Under 16 teams. His love for the game remained intact as he played for the district but after going to the US for graduation, he lost touch. He still occasionally followed the Spanish League though.
"Two things make me happy," he says, "Being on a film set and on a football field."
Good win hunting
Though Ranbir no longer has the time to play, he makes it a point to always carry a football with him to the sets, whichever part of the world he may be in. He says, "I am constantly playing with the crew of my films. It's also a good form of exercise and as I hate working out at the gym; football makes up for it."
He is philosophical about losing, "Of course, you feel bad when you lose but I am not a bad loser. You should just enjoy your game, man! All that matters is that for the 90 minutes you play, you play hard, honestly, and well. You feel great when you win and bad when you lose. But that's it."
His position is right forward.
Early bird
He recalls the first time his name appeared in the papers when he scored a goal for his school. He recalls, "My mom still has a cut-out of the article. I was thrilled because it was the first time I was famous for something I did and not for my lineage. That is something I will always remember. I also recall the goal very clearly. We were playing against St Stanislaus. We won 3-1. I scored the second goal. It wasn't a spectacular goal but I remember it for the sense of accomplishment I felt when the entire team rejoiced with me. My coaches were so proud. It was also special because everyone in the family gifted me money." That was in 1994-95 when he was in the seventh grade, he adds.
Cup of life
Talking of FIFA, Ranbir says, "I am supporting Argentina. Italy is another favourite. Barcelona is at the top of the list. Ronaldo was my favourite player when he was with Barcelona but after he traded himself to another team, I lost interest in him. My favourite player now is Messi. He is someone special. Every night before I go to sleep, I dream of running onto the field wearing a football jersey."
"I also have an immature dream of coaching a school team but I don't think I am well equipped. Neither do I have time or stamina for it," he adds.
Ranbir hopes to be able to take some time off from shooting Imtiaz Ali's Rockstar to actually go to Africa and watch some matches. But for the next best alternative, he says, "I will be glued to the television. I will be shooting in Delhi and I have already installed a satellite dish in my trailer."
Source:https://www.mumbaimirror.com/article/82/201006132010061302061044749ad3bb6/Ball-of-fame.html
35