Indian actor Ranbir Kapoor illuminated the 4th edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF), which takes place from December 5 to 14, 2024, thanks to a memorable conversation with the public. A true international star, Ranbir Kapoor captivated the audience by its charisma and its opening, offering an exceptional moment at the festival. Among the many conversations organized with artists from all over the world – USA, England, India, Egypt – that of Ranbir Kapoor stood out for its intensity and interaction with the public.
When he speaks, Ranbir first thanked the audience for this overflowing love. He stressed that it was his second participation in the RSIFF and that he came back there with immense pleasure.
A brilliant career in Indian cinema
Ranbir Kapoor, from one of the most prestigious families in Bollywood, carries the legacy of a real cinematographic dynasty. His grandfather, Raj Kapoor, and his father, Rishi Kapoor, are legends of Indian cinema. From an early age, Ranbir seemed intended to walk in their steps, but as he confided, this path was not easy for him. “” Like all children, I dreamed of different careers: businessman, military … But sometimes, it is destiny that chooses for you. It was the cinema that chose me, not the opposite. »»
To improve, Ranbir studied at the Lee Strasberg film school in New York, where he learned the importance of expanding his horizons. “” Traveling, living new experiences, feeling new emotions is crucial. Being far from my home for the first time taught me to be independent and count on myself. »»
Back in India, he began by making short films with modest means, a step which he considers essential to his training. Its beginnings in Indian cinema were marked by various roles and chess to the box office. “” It takes time to find your style. I had disasters at the box office, but I learned from each experience. I wanted to be recognized for my work, not as “the son of”. »»
“” I then chose unconventional characters, projects that inspired me. Taking risks was essential for me. I didn’t want to be just one actor among others. »»
Films like Rockstar,, Barfi! And Sanju were significant stages of his career. About Rockstar (2011), he explained: ” I spent four months with the composer Ar Rahman, working on music. Everything in this film inspired me. »»
For Barfi! (2012), where he embodied a silent character, he was inspired by the masters of silent cinema like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. “” This slightly stupid character was very special, mixing tragedy and comedy. In addition, there was a love story. It was necessary to improvise, because everything could not be written in advance. The film took two years to be made, and I was deeply moved and impressed when it was finished. »»
In Sanju (2018), a biopic on actor Sanjay Dutt, Kapoor took up the challenge of embodying a very well -known and well -known figure. “” Sanjay Dutt is a friend of my family. Knowing him made the task more complex, because I felt responsible for representing him with humanity and without caricature. »»
Choice of films and societal responsibilities
Asked about his cinematographic choices, Ranbir Kapoor explained: ” It is instinctive, there is not a formula. I was lucky, I was one of the few young actors to put on important roles. You have to play in a natural way and give the best of yourself. “He admitted to having experienced chess to the box office and wondering about the reasons:” Sometimes I wonder: is it because people saw me differently from what they hoped? But in the end, you have to do your best, as an artist. It takes sincerity. »»
Beyond entertainment, Ranbir sees his job as a means of making positive changes to society. “” My job is to entertain, but also to change mentalities, to fight for certain causes, such as women’s rights. “He also insisted on the importance of female emancipation:” We must support the emancipation of women, and not only through films. It is a duty and a responsibility to act in various ways. »»
Memories with Rishi Kapoor
Ranbir also mentioned his father, Rishi Kapoor, sharing significant memories: ” I was a director assistant with my father. I was petrified at first, but when I assisted him, being with him all the time was more important than being his assistant. From this experience, what I cherish the most is to have been able to be by his side, spend time with him. »»
He added: ” My father was my biggest critic, but also my biggest supporter. He taught me to respect the acting profession and to always aim for excellence. Ranbir revealed that he was working on a personal project that is close to his heart: to devote a festival dedicated to the work of his father. “” It is a duty of memory. My father left an immense cinematographic heritage, and I want to celebrate it. I think it’s important not to forget your roots. Many ancient Indian artists are starting to be forgotten, and we must not let it happen. »»
As a producer, Ranbir also faced challenges. “” The first film I produced disappointed me, but this experience taught me to see a project as a whole. »»
Awards and passion for international cinema
Ranbir Kapoor is recognized for his talent and has won numerous prestigious prizes throughout his career, including several filmfare Awards. These distinctions, although important, do not seem to define his career. “” The awards are rewarding, but that’s not why I do this job. I play to tell stories and touch people. And the best reward for me is when people tell me that they love me. »»
He also expressed his love for international cinema. “” I am 42 years old, I see several films per day, of all nationalities and genres. Fellini and Dolce Vita are among my favorites, but it is difficult to choose as there are masterpieces. »»
Asked about his favorite actress, he replied ” Alia Bath of course, she is the most talented and the most beautiful! ». Alia Bath is his wife. They had started to frequent themselves during the shooting of the film Brahmastra Part 1: Shiva (2022) and had married five months before its cinema.
Exceptional interaction with the public
From the start of the “conversation”, the public demonstrated boundless admiration to renounce Kapoor. Even before his arrival, a video of his emblematic roles was projected, arousing songs and dances in the room. “” The love I receive here is incredible. This is my second time in the RSIFF, and I am always touched by the welcome “, He said with emotion. One of his fans, having heard me say “the Indian actor Ranbir Kapoor”, hastened to correct me with enthusiasm: ” They say the god RANBIR KAPOOR! This anecdote well reflects the extent of the admiration it arouses.
The interaction between Kapoor and his fans was the highlight of this meeting. Admirers from around the world have shared anecdotes, recited dialogues and sung songs from his films. A Moroccan fan, specially from Paris to attend this conversation, said: ” You are my hero, I could not miss this opportunity! »»
Ranbir Kapoor, still humble, replied with warmth. He revealed a deeply human facet, imbued with kindness and love, recalling some of his emblematic roles, like those of Barfi! Or Jagga Jasoos, where he embodies sensitive and endearing characters.
He was also the only artist (with Michelle Yeoh) to allow fans to approach him.
A last unforgettable scene
At the end of the session, fans insisted for photos. Although the organization has tried to release the room, Ranbir proposed to find its admirers outside. This gesture of generosity sparked a memorable, but also chaotic scene.
Barely the proposal made, a real crowd has formed. Fans rushed to outputs, running to be the first outside. The cries and the jostling filled the air, everyone hoping to be as close as possible to their idol. Safety agents, overwhelmed, tried as best they can to manage the situation, but the crowd was difficult to contain. Some admirers, who came from afar, shouted their joy or impatience, while others were trying to organize themselves so as not to lose their place.
Ranbir Kapoor, faithful to his promise, placed himself in the center of attention, smiling and posing for the photos despite the effervescent atmosphere. The jostling around Ranbir was impressive: excited fans pushed in all directions, everyone desperately looking to immortalize this rare moment with their idol. I realized the real danger of such a frenzy, where the slightest misstep could lead to a serious accident.
Unfortunately, the effervescence was right for the photo shoot. Faced with the insistence of the crowd and the ambient chaos, Ranbir Kapoor had to shorten this moment, unable to satisfy everyone. Some fans, visibly disappointed, were moving away, expressing their frustration of having missed this opportunity. On the other hand, those who had managed to obtain a photo paraded with pride, exhibiting their shots like trophies.
This scene, although tumultuous, will remain engraved in my memory as a poignant example of the fervor and the devotion that Ranbir Kapoor inspires in his fans. Such adulation testifies to his unique aura and the deep impact he has on the public.
If you are curious about Ranbir Kapoor’s films, you can see some on streaming platforms, including Netflix. And as the holidays are approaching, I recommend that you look Barfi! And Jagga Jasoos With your young children!
Neïla Driss
