Ranbir Kapoor talks to us about his upcoming film, 'Rocket Singh - Salesman of the Year'.
Q. This is your first film with Shimit Amin. How was the experience?
He is one of the finest human beings I have met. He is a bit of an introvert. He doesn't over or under direct you. He has the right sensibilities of how he wants the actor to do a scene. He is extremely talented and gives you your space. I think he is fantastic. I am relatively new in this industry and have not worked with so many directors but certainly amongst the directors I have worked with he is one of the best. It has been a humbling experience for me to be directed by him and to be speaking Jaideep's lines.
Q. Your look in the film is completely different. What were your friends' and family's reaction?
It was a "theda" (mixed) reaction. It took me 5 weeks to grow the beard. In these 5 weeks, we tried different kinds of turbans because we wanted to get the turbans correct - the fabric, the colour pattern, length etc. Even while doing the readings, I used to wear the turban so that I can get used to the fact that I am playing a sardar and it doesn't look like I've just worn the turban for the sake of the character on the day of the shoot. But yes, for my family - well, my mother and nani are sardarnis so they were ecstatic and said that their wishes are fulfilled that their grandchild is playing a Sardar, so they were really happy. My friends were really happy that I am working with Shimit as a director. Everyone is really intrigued and excited and there was a very positive buzz about the film even before I started.
Q. The kada you are wearing - please tell us about it?
The Kada I am wearing in the film, I remember, Yashji (Yash Chopra) personally got it from the Golden temple in Amritsar. I think it was as a blessing he gave it to me and also to give me an authentic look in the film. The team constantly checked if everything was perfect in my look and wardrobe, because we were playing real characters and at the end of the day we didn't want to do anything inaccurate.
Q. Tell us something your character in 'Rocket Singh - Salesman of the Year'.
The character I play is called Harpreet Singh Bedi. He has just graduated from college. He is really interested in sales because more than marks and grades, it's the intelligence and exposure, and the fact that you respect people, that matters to him more. I don't want to say more because I want the audience to come and discover the film on their own.
Q. Do you identify with the character?
Absolutely. Because I think the character is about the youth of the country. It's about the youth consumed by the desire of the brighter future, youth with the honesty and integrity and a clear heart. They want to earn money obviously, but they have to choose a path and do it in the right way. You can choose between the two paths. And the path that Harpreet chooses is really brave. What he does is amazing!
Q. Tell us a secret about Harpreet Singh Bedi?
I don't think Harpeet has any secret. He is that kind of a boy whose life is an open book. He is not calculative or manipulative. If he does something, he does it with his heart. I think that is what is amazing about him.
Q. Who is better in the role of a Sardar - you or your Dad?
I can never compare myself to my father. He is one the finest actors in this Industry. I am new here. I cannot even compare myself to his 30 illustrious years in the Industry. He is one of my favourites. I would rather not even use my name in the same sentence.
Q. What can the audience expect from the film?
They should just expect happiness, expect a good film. I don't want to say that it's different and mind blowing. That's something everyone has to wait and watch. All I can say is that we have worked hard on this film. We have put all our hearts in making this film. We do hope and pray that the audience sees it and enjoys it.
Q. What do you think makes a good salesman?
More than getting the job, orders and targets achieved, it's the honesty and integrity. And not only in sales, in any profession. You just need to have these qualities and you will succeed in whatever you do.
Q. Why the title - Rocket Singh Salesman of the Year?
For that you will have to watch the film. A lot of people I know, have connected with the title. It's weird in a way; it gets a smile on your face and keeps you wondering what the film is about. I think we should let that be.
Q. What genre of film is it?
Well, it's a Yash Raj film, written by Jaideep Sahni and Shimit Amin. It is directed by Shimit Amin. It' s more than any genre.
Q. What did you feel on reading the script?
I remember it was late at night. I started reading the script, and came out after the first half. I was simply bowled over. They said you can come tomorrow and read the remaining script, but I just didn't want to leave it! I wanted to know where this character is taken and where the film went. I don't want to just sell the film, but the way Jaideep and Shimit have written the film, they have done it with lot of conviction. He believed in the character. He believed in the field of sales. The marriage of thought that Shimit has with Jaideep is like Salim-Javed.
Q. What about the crew?
Niharika was clear that she wanted the characters to stand out and costumes to support the character. It wasn't a jump in thought. She had every character bang on. The cinematographer, Vikash, has shot the film with great detailing. Jaideep and Shimit were clear on how they wanted to shoot the film. They have made it very classy.
Source: India Syndicate
