Rekha was tempermental, impulsive: Randhir Kapoor

Randhir Kapoor talks about his career taking back seat, About Rekha being temperaments and turning prettier now, About Raj Kapoor , Kareena and Karishma and Ranbir being cast in his next-

On discontinuing working in films the Eighties-

Randhir’s profession took a back seat in the Eighties. The actor informs why he opted to stop working in films then. “I had my boundaries and restrictions on doing films. So I stopped working in the eighties. This was an era where films were more action oriented. Most of the characters cast in the pivotal roles were either “Dakus” or Police inspectors. My face suits neither of these characters. I cannot look like a “Daku.” So professionally -acting had taken a back seat. I have no regrets. Also this was an era where multi-starrer films were being made. I did not want to be one amongst them…I refused to take a flag in my hand and plainly make people aware that I am also here in this film!! I have been whimsical, temperament …Aur pagal toh mein pehle se hi hoon. I was doing what I wanted to do.”

On his comeback

One of my fans met me in Goa long back. I was surprised to hear from him about his wish to see me in films again. This fan told me that all of us are waiting to watch your films and requested me to make a comeback. I was very much touched by his words “Aap jaise bhi hain…achche ya bure hai. Lekin hum dekhna chahatey hai ki hamara Randhir ab kaisa lagta hai.” He went on to coax me saying that I am depriving them from watching my films. At this point of time I decided to take a plunge into the celluloid once again. This is a proven fact that I am not doing films in order to run my kitchen I am blessed with a good life wherein I can lead a comfortable life being able to eat and live on my own terms. I am blessed by the almighty God….usne mujhe itne paise diye hain ki mein achchi zindagi guzar sakta hoon. I then decided to start doing films. I was also aware of the fact that at this juncture of my life I cannot play romantic pivotal roles. Whatever roles were being offered to me I selected out of those and here I am.”

Working with Director Inder Kumar opposite Rekha in Super Nani

I occasionally work in the films. I chose to work with him merely because I liked the character. It suits my stature and image. I cannot run around trees now. Also, I was to work with Rekha, she is my favorite heroine. I have worked in lots of films with her. I believe we worked together in more than 20 films. It was indeed a good luck for me to be able to work with Rekha, also being together on the sets was a matter of delight. She is an excellent actor but now I find her much more mature. Yes earlier owing to her young age she was temperamental and impulsive... But we have always shared a good relationship. Even now when people ask me about my opinion for Rekha- I tell them that she has become prettier now.[Laughs] We sat down during the leisure time on the sets and talked in our luvvy duvvy manner. Pyaar mohabat ki batein hamesha romantic nahi hoti hai…pyaar mein apni maa se bhi karta hoon.So my love for Rekha is very platonic. We enjoyed each other’s company.”

On friendship with Rekha

We have had a good off screen friendship too. We have been in touch off and on. But definitely I may take this opportunity to tell you guys that Rekha has calmed down over the years…she is more understanding and sobered down to quite an extent. It was indeed fun to be together discussing about our films. We enjoyed the nostalgic moments together.

Belonging to a well to-do filmy family- it's God’s blessings that I am bestowed upon every luxury by the almighty God. Moreover, having two pretty, intelligent and professionally affluent daughters [Kareena and Karishma]. At times I tell them that they should adopt me. Undeniably, I love to eat and booze….but I also tell them even if I spend a lot of money my finances will never lessen. My children are doing well it is god’s blessings. I always pray for their good health.

Directing films again-

Yes! We are planning a couple of films. However, we will definitely be doing films that R.K. Banner has been offering to the audiences. I will be directing films under R.K. Banner soon. No one can become like Raj Kapoor nor match his vision. Not even me. I am nobody to feel that I have inherited his vision on par with film making. Everyone knows he was a legend. I only feel he is always with us. No matter it may have been 25 years or more that he has left for his heavenly abode….But I always feel he must be sitting right next to me even at this moment..Agar sab Raj Kapoor jaise ban jaye toh 200 se zyada Raj Kapoor iss duniya mein Ghum rahein hotey.”

To work with Ranbir,Kareena and Karishma-

You never know! Ranbir Kapoor could be in my next venture also Kareena or Karishma could be working with me. But I shall open my cards when the right time arrives!!

By Lipika Varma