I’m a stronger person than Rishi: Neetu Singh
Noreen Aslam

Mumbai—Neetu Singh prefers to shun the limelight but this yesteryear actress who lit up the breezy musicals of the 1970s, including many with husband Rishi Kapoor, comes across as a candid and no-nonsense person.
She can just go on and on about her son Ranbir Kapoor and his debut film “Saawariya”. “Both my husband and I were very nervous. But since I’m the stronger person I kept it inside while he was a nervous wreck. He wouldn’t even be here for the release of ‘Saawariya’. He went off to Chandigarh for a two-month outdoor shooting,” said Neetu.
She dismisses the thought that Ranbir had it easy. “I pampered my daughter Ridhima. Ranbir had it much tougher. I never gave him anything on a platter. Ranbir still gets a fixed pocket money. Even when Ranbir is earning in millions I’d like to continue giving him pocket money.” Neetu spoke in a no-hold-barred interview on Ranbir, Rishi, life and being a Kapoor.
Q: You were surprisingly sporting the other day on the music contest ‘Voice Of India’.
A: Yes, when one of the contestants called me on stage I went and enacted the veil-lifting scene from the song ‘Purdah hai purdah’. To relive all our songs was such a nostalgic experience. My husband’s films had very good music. My god! We got so many SMSs after the show. Since we don’t watch much television we were quite nervous about the show. We didn’t know what we were in for. But it went off well.
Q: Were you nervous about Ranbir’s debut?
A: You could say that again! Both my husband and I were very nervous. But since I’m the stronger person I kept it all inside while he was a nervous wreck. He wouldn’t even be here for the release of “Saawariya”. He went off to Chandigarh for a two-month outdoor shooting. I felt the same way about Ranbir’s debut as I did when my daughter Ridhima got married.
Q: Ranbir seems to be closer to you than to his father.
A: Isn’t that the way it is with most children? Kids are a reflection of their mother. Both my kids are gentle and, in school, they never behaved like star-children. My husband’s work was never at home. He never knew about homework, parent-teacher meetings and the kids’ daily routines. Ranbir didn’t get a chance to be close to his father until he assisted him in directing ‘Aa Ab Laut Chalen’. Now that my husband has been home more often Ranbir has become close to him too. But I think he’s much closer to me.
Q: After being pampered at home, Ranbir had to work really hard on his first film.
A: I never pampered Ranbir! I pampered my daughter Ridhima because I always knew she was going to get married and go away, so I gave her everything. But Ranbir had it much tougher. I never gave him anything on a platter. Ranbir still gets a fixed pocket money. I like the ritual. Even when Ranbir is earning in millions I’d like to continue giving him pocket money. I’ve given him a good foundation in life. I’ve taught him to be nice to people, no matter what.
Q: As an actress and a mother do you feel Ranbir will match up to the expectations?
A: How can I say? But even if he wasn’t my son I’d go to the first show and whistle for him. He has his own unique style. People say he has a cute face and an athletic body. And that he’s looking different from the others. He isn’t a chaap (image) of his dad either. It’s impossible to imitate my husband. Johnny Lever once told Rishi that he’s the only actor he can’t ape because he is such a natural. I have done 11 films with him. I should know.
Q: Can you recognise any pair today as Rishi and Neetu?
A: Ranbir and Sonam. I think Sonam is a wonderful girl. Kitni pyari bachchi hai. She’s a very warm girl. I’ve known her mother Sunita for years. We hang out in the same group. My mother-in-law and Sonam’s grandmother interact all the time.
Q: What do you feel about ‘Karz’ being remade?
A: I don’t think you can replicate any of those classics. People are doing it. And I wish them all the best.