hello friends! 😃 how u all doing?
'I wanted a normal life'
Neetu Singh talks about films, Rishi, Ranbir and what it takes to be a Kapoor bahu
Subhash K Jha
As an actress, you started very early in life...
I was seven when I made a debut in Suraj. At ten I did a double role in Do Kaliyan. I was in Chennai for ten months where they really pampered me at the AVM studios, gave me chocolates and comic books, I got notes to study from a friend from school. So my studies didn't suffer. I didn't have too many friends… I missed a normal life. I just did what my mom asked me to. At 12, I quit as a child actor. And at 14, I became a leading lady… that was how old I was when 'Lekar hum diwana dil…' (from Yaadon Ki Baraat) was filmed. I was in class eight when I got my first leading assignment in a film called Rickshawala with Randhir Kapoor who was to be my brother-in-law. I worked so much for the next eight years that I gave up at 21! I just wanted a normal life… my husband, home, family and kids.
Did you sign so many films with Rishi Kapoor because of your real-life relationship?
No! We were paired together because people liked us together. All the other leading ladies of the time looked little older than Rishi. Dimple Kapadia and Rishi had signed 4-5 films together. But she quit. And he had no choice but to do all those movies with me. We became a pair by default. The first film I did with him was Zehreela Insaan.
You were also signed for Bobby…
That's right. But Dimple fitted the role better, I guess. I was under a three-year contract with R.K. Films. I was supposed to do another film for the banner. But I got busy.
So when did you fall in love with Rishi?
I never fell in love with him. He fell in love with me and made sure I did. We were just friends. And he would trouble me so much! He was loud, I was gentle. Now I've become a quite like him. But with time now I don't let anything get to me. I feel I'm much stronger now. Ten years ago I was very insecure. I was scared of him, of offending him. Now I'm not!
So were you ever in awe of him?
No. But I didn't want to make him unhappy. If he was depressed I'd get anxious. I used to observe fasts just to make him feel better. Now I've realised and made him realise that to be happy together we both need to be happy in our individual space. Today my world has expanded. Today there're the kids and their happiness matters.
What about the Kapoor tag? Weren't you intimidated by it?
I didn't know what it meant. For me it was Rishi who mattered. I fell in love when I was 16. He showed me the world and moulded me totally. And so there was no one else he could marry because he had shaped me into an ideal partner. My world revolved around him. I happily quit films to be his wife. Now I get along wonderfully with every member of his family.
And how is your rapport with the rest of the Kapoors?
My mother-in-law and I are close friends. Even before I married Rishi, Chimpoo (Rajiv Kapoor) and I bonded. We used to chat for hours. Of course that would bug Rishi no end. But his family is so wonderful. In life what you give is what you get.
But your marriage went through troubled times…
Yes. And it made me stronger and wiser. I didn't care what people said. After our problems, I made him see his blind spots. He had to look at the larger picture rather than himself. Now, Chintu is a changed person. For instance earlier I couldn't talk to him about his eating habits without him getting angry. Now, he's mellowed down, he works out, asks me for advice when it comes to food and he communicates with the children.
So would his world collapse without you?
Many people want to know why I don't return to films. But he'd be ballistic if I left him to himself for a long time. Every Sunday I go for a movie with my friend. He calls me up a hundred times till I return home!
But are you not tempted to return to acting ever?
No! Who wants to do those mother roles when you've done the best! I tried helping a friend with a boutique. But I couldn't handle it. My priority was my husband and my children. I wanted to fetch them from school, go to all the PTA meetings like any normal mother.
Are you a strict mother?
No. I just tell them what's right and what's not! Even today when my daughter is married I advise her. I've twenty years more experience than my kids. I listen to my mother and mother-in-law. If my mother-in-law tells me to do something, I do it blindly.
Would you have liked your daughter to be an actress?
I never stopped her; but she never wanted to act. However if she did choose to, I would have been scared. I am happy she's married and not going through the Friday-to-Friday torture. Besides what happens to actresses when they reach 30? A man can go on forever.
What does the future look like?
I'm waiting for my grandchild and for Ranbir's debut release. He's working with one of the best filmmakers. I don't know anything about the story, but I want to feel that pride when it is released. As for me, I am taking care of my husband. And I also have a dog I look after like my own child!
the link:
take care,
- Dharti!
Anupamaa
Naagin 7
28