RANDHIR KAPOOR
Dabboo, as he is popularily known to kith and kin, is Raj Kapoor's eldest son.
Randhir Kapoor wants Karishma and Kareena to get married!
As Kareena Kapoor revels in her newfound status as India's leading young actress, her father has revealed his innermost thoughts about her future well-being. Kareena's father Randhir Kapoor, eldest son of legendary actor-director Raj Kapoor, says he would like to see both his daughters -- Kareena and elder Karisma -- settled soon.
"I am very protective", Randhir he said "I understand their eagerness and their artistic cravings. But I would have liked them to get married, just as Indian parents want their children to get married early."
Now back in India, Kareena has just completed a stint for Karan Johar's forthcoming Kabhi Khushi, Kabhi Gham in Britain. Randhir, who is all praise for Kareena's acting prowess, denies there is any rivalry between his two daughters. "Karisma is thinking of settling down and is almost landing, while Kareena is taking off," he says. "I don't think there is any flight competition."
"Right now I'm making a film with Abhishek (Bachchan), which should take off in a year," says Randhir whose last film, Heena, was a moderate success.
He still has fond memories of Pakistan, which he visited while Heena was being made. The highlight of his trip some five years ago was a one-to-one meeting with the then prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who arranged for him to visit his family home town of Peshawar. Sharif turned out to be a fan of Raj Kapoor's films. He had also monitored Randhir's own progress as an actor and director.
So far Randhir has acted in 45 films. Today he is busy with the affairs of R.K. Studios and films. However he still keeps a doting eye on his baby daughter's progress. "Kareena is 20 years old," he explains. "But I do advise her how to go about her career, what are the right tactical moves, which films she should take, which she should try and avoid."
Randhir rejects media speculation that the Kapoor khandan (clan) is against their wives and daughters acting in films. At the height of their respective careers, both Babita and Neetu Singh, younger brother Rishi's wife, gave up their successful careers in films.
"It's not true that my father wanted the women in his family to stay out of the film industry," says Randhir. "In fact, today in India this is one of the most respected, looked upon and lucrative careers. You get love, respect and dignity. You get people coming from well-educated, highly placed homes wanting to join films -- so there's nothing wrong."
Both Karisma and Kareena, who belong to the first family of Hindi filmmakers, have more than lived up to filmmakers' expectations. A fact not lost on their father.
"I think it's very prestigious to be in the position my children are in today," says Randhir. "They have certainly proved themselves and they are good artistes, hard working, disciplined and focused."
Randhir Kapoor makes a comeback!
With both his daughters doing well on the silver screen looks like daddy Randhir Kapoor too has also once again got charged to appear on it. After years the Kapoor will make a comeback on screen with Honey Irani's directorial debut that stars Anil Kapoor, Preity Zinta, Gracy Singh and Amitabh Bachchan. Randhir plays father to Preity Zinta and some shots between Anil Kapoor and Randhir have already been canned.
Daddy Oh!
Check out their father's voice. Randhir Kapoor on his darling betis Karisma and Kareena
There's no shor-sharaba, no hustle bustle. It appears as if life at India's premier production house, RK Studios, is on hold. But inside the commodious office-room, there's a virtual blizzard of hi-activity.
Looking dapper in a Versace shirt, gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose, the eldest RK son is ensconced in a plush leather chair answering phone calls and perusing a sheaf of faxes. The hour's workload dispensed with, Randhir Kapoor answers a bag-'o-questions:
The interview
What's next from RK?
Plenty. This time around, Rishi, Rajiv and I are all starting a picture each. Right now, we're into story and script sessions. Once the nitty-gritty's over, we'll make the announcements.
How did Aa Ab Laut Chalen finally fare at the cash counters?
We did lose some money, but Chintu is not to blame for this. My distributors didn't lose too much either. I suffered losses on the table, because the budget went haywire. Nearly 70 per cent of Aa Ab Laut Chalen was shot in America, 100 days in Manhattan alone. And since the overseas work couldn't be wrapped up in one schedule, we had to travel abroad twice with a unit of a hundred guys each time. Quite naturally, I'm in the red.
Actually, Aa Ab Laut Chalen cost more than Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. But its recovery wasn't as much as Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. That's why it's been labelled a flop.
Where did your calculations fail?
Frankly, two things went wrong. One, we overspent. Two, our hero, Akshaye Khanna, had a couple of duds before our film. So we couldn't get the price we'd anticipated.
Personally, I think Akshaye Khanna will come back with a bang. Though he's temperamental, I like the boy a lot. I'd still bet on him.
Have you finalised the star cast for any of the three RK films?
No. I'm toying with the idea of casting Karisma. But I haven't asked her whether she'll do my film yet. It's too early to say anything more.
After your recent debacles, do you foresee any problems in getting major stars to work for your banner?
None at all. Of course, I don't expect any of the superstars to work free for me. If they're being paid Rs 100 outside, I'll offer them Rs 80. So there shouldn't be a problem. Besides, whatever the fate of our movies - Prem Granth and Aa Ab Laut Chalen - everyone can see that we spent big money on them. We don't compromise on quality.
RK has and will always make lavish films, no matter what.
The film Buff
Is it true that you're an avid movie goer?
I'm a movie buff. I catch a show every Friday, no matter what. In recent months, I've seen Laawaris, Aarzoo, International Khiladi, Hu Tu Tu and even Jai Hind. I gave Silsila Hai Pyar Ka a skip, because I knew what it was all about.
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai was a commercially good film. When I saw it on the premiere night, I knew it would be a super-duper hit. At the party that followed the premiere, I told my friend Yash Johar, "Yash, now you can rest in peace. Your son has taken care of your old age."
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai was a one-man show. It belonged to Kajol. And though I'm only on hi-hello terms with Shah Rukh Khan, I deeply admire the guy. No other hero would've handed over the entire climax to another hero (Salman Khan), and stand there quietly on the side. This just goes to show the tremendous confidence Shah Rukh has in himself. I like that.
You seem to have run out of luck as an actor. Both your films - Ladies Only and Mother '98 - haven't seen the light of the day.
I did Ladies Only and Mother '98 for a lark. I'm 50 years-old, yaar. It's not as if I'm going to be inundated with romantic roles at this point of my life. I accepted Ladies Only because I've tremendous respect for Kamal Haasan, who's the producer. Otherwise, I knew a film with a star cast headed by me wouldn't have been commercially viable in this day and age.
I didn't want to do Mother '98. But Rekha, who's one of my closest friends, argued with me that if I could accept Ladies Only for Kamal's sake, then surely I should accept Mother '98 for her sake. I'm glad I did Mother '98. It was a picnic, and Saawan Kumar is a good picnic producer. He has cleared all my dues, right down to the last penny.
Kidd stuff
At the Filmfare Awards night in February, on stage you said you have to be careful about your image because you're the father of not one, but two actresses now.
Yeah, I'm right, aren't I? At this stage of my life, I can't have affairs. I can't afford to embarrass my children.
You can marry again.
You must be kidding. When I separated from Babita ten years ago, I was sure I'd never marry again. Karisma and Kareena are the only children I'll ever sire. They'll inherit whatever property and money I have.
What happened to those plans to stay together with them under one roof? I'm very comfortable in Chembur. I see my children every other day. What more do I need? Certainly not a roof. There's more activity in their lives than there is at the RK cottage. What'll I do with them? Some producer or darzi will keep walking in. It would become too crowded for Randhir Kapoor. I know neither Babita nor I will ever marry again. Both of us care for each other. And I spend every second evening with my daughters. So, there's no distance between us.
Don't you wish you could be one happy family again? Take off on a holiday together perhaps?
My friends did invite me to join them for a cruise on a luxury liner to ring in the millennium. I refused, because I know Babita and my daughters probably have more exciting plans for the New Year... rather than go off this grand family reunion in the middle of the ocean. I'm even flying to New York for my summer vacation - alone.
Why?
Look, Karisma's starting work on a David Dhawan film with Salman Khan. And Kareena's been signed by Abbas-Mustan opposite Bobby Deol. Both projects will be shot in London this summer. Naturally, Babita will go with them. So you have your explanation.
Why don't you go along with them to London, too?
I have my own identity, my own individuality. I'm Randhir Kapoor. I don't live off their earnings, they don't live off mine. When my daughters get married, they'll take their earnings with them. I'd feel awful, hanging around on my daughters' sets waiting for the spot-boy to come and say,
"Sa'ab, baby ne mosambi juice bheja hai." Honestly, I don't even know what movies they're doing or what kind of money they're charging, unless they specifically tell me.
Of course, I thought it was real bad planning that Karisma didn't have a single release all through 1998. That was a bad career move. I pointed this out to her and she explained that the movies she was doing were mostly with Govinda and Salman Khan, both of who are very busy stars. That's how her movies were delayed.
Girl Talk
Tell me more about your daughters.
Well Karisma is at her peak right now. I'm very proud of the way she has conducted herself. I must give full marks to Babita for this. She has taught our children how to behave themselves. They're not into discos, boozing or late nights.
They have good work ethics. No producer has ever complained about their late-comings or tantrums. Actually, Lolo is a hyper-sensitive girl. She's a lamb. But Kareena's like me. She's willing to take on the world. I keep telling Babs to keep her on a leash.
Bebo is going to take this country by storm. Watch her, she's a bomb. I'm not saying this because she's my daughter. I know her potential, she's a star all right!
How come neither of your daughters' has inherited your wacky sense of humour?
Maybe it's their mother's influence.
Would you like to see Karisma settle down?
Absolutely. I think 25 is the right age for a girl to marry. After 30, it becomes difficult to make a marriage work. I've told Lolo to cut down on her workload. I would like her to marry within the next year or so. Kajol did the right thing by marrying when she was right at the top.
Have you heard the rumours linking Karisma with Abhishek Bachchan?
Look, when you're a celebrity there are bound to be rumours. And it is natural for my daughter to have infatuations.
Would you object to either Karisma or Kareena marrying into a film family?
No. As long as they're happy, they can marry whoever they want to. My daughters are not idiots. So, they'll choose their husbands well. I genuinely believe all marriages are made in heaven. Even my marriage to Babita was made there.
Do Karisma and Kareena confide in you about their crushes?
Yes they do. They're always joking and teasing each other in my presence. I'm glad my children think of me as a buddy.
Any predictions for the future?
Right now, Karisma and Kareena are doing extremely well for themselves. A few years down the line, I can see my daughters happily married and settled. I'm equipped to take care of Babita and myself for the rest of our lives. After the girls marry, both of us will probably buy a house together and keep fighting. She'll nag me about something, I'll retort, then she'll retort. And life will go on.
Actor Speak
Who are your favourite heroines?
Madhuri Dixit is a hot favourite. She was a delight to work with during Prem Granth. Her professionalism and her acting capabilities are tremendous. I'd love to work with her again. It's sad that in India when a heroine is 30-plus, she's considered over-the-hill. Guess this happens because so many of those 17-year-olds are awaiting in the wings.
I love Kajol, she's awesome. I haven't met Manisha Koirala, Sushmita Sen or Urmila Matondkar. But I think Urmila has a lot of oomph. I saw Janam Samjha Karo just for her.
Of course, Sridevi is the only phataka we've had in recent years. None of today's girls has her sensuality or her 34-26-34 figure.
What about the heroes?
I love Govinda. He is the most underrated actor in the country. I'd love to see him work with Yash Chopra or Subhash Ghai. I even saw Anari No. 1 because I'm a Govinda fan.
I also like the Khan boys - Aamir, Salman and Shah Rukh.
All three have distinctive styles. Akshaye Khanna will be a superstar some day. And I'm told Abhishek Bachchan and Hrithik Roshan are terrific. They're the stars of tomorrow.
Which of today's film-makers do you admire?
Well - Sooraj Barjatya, Aditya Chopra, Karan Johar and Dharmesh Darshan. I think Aditya and Karan are also the most eligible bachelors going.
Is the spirit of camaraderie missing in today's stars?
Yes, it is. In my days, we heroes always partied together. Even today I'm friends with Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Feroz Khan and Jeetendra. I dine at their home, they dine at mine. I'm also friends with my heroines, Rekha, Tina Ambani, Babusha (Zeenat Aman) and Mumtaz.
In fact, I was infatuated with Mumtaz for years. Her last film, Lafange, was with me. I completed the film in four months flat, because she had to get married.
Today no hero or heroine are friends with one another. Somewhere I think the press is to blame for this. They love pitting one star against another. Also, today's generation seems to feel much more insecure than we did.
Randhir whose last film, Heena, was a moderate success.
He still has fond memories of Pakistan, which he visited while Heena was being made. The highlight of his trip some five years ago was a one-to-one meeting with the then prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who arranged for him to visit his family home town of Peshawar. Sharif turned out to be a fan of Raj Kapoor's films. He had also monitored Randhir's own progress as an actor and director.
BABITA KAPOOR
She is married to Randhir Kapoor (actor), Her daugthers Karishma Kapoor and Kareena are also in cinema.
Birth Name Bhambhani
Address R.K. Films, R.K. Studios, Trombai Road, Chembur, Mumbai 400 071
Daughter of Hari Shivdasani (Actor)
Cousin of Sadhna (actress)
Before Partition very few Sindhis --- Bhudo Advani, Hari Shivdasani --- had made a name in the movies.
Leading Sindhi cine artists include Sudhir, Mach Mohan, Raj Kiran (Mahtani) Asrani, Sheila Ramani, Babita, Sadhana.
And in the film world Sadhana Shivdasani married Nayyar, Babita Shivdasani married Randhir Kapoor and Poonam Chandiramani married Shatrughan Sinha.
Babita came in the industry when there were many talented actresses like Mala Sinha and Meena Kumari around. But still she carved out a niche for herself and found a place in the industry. With her cousin the beautiful Sadhana around and about, she had to withstand many comparisons. But this was not to stop her from anything.
She has done movies with some of the top heroes of that time like Shammi Kapoor, Jeetendra and Biswajeet. But she got married with Raj Kapoor's son Randhir Kapoor and once married to him, she had to leave the industry.
But there should be nothing to worry for Babita has got two pretty daughters in Karisma and Kareena. With Karisma already a household name and younger daughter Kareena to soon follow the suit, Babita has all the chances of realising her dreams in them.
Filmography (10 Movies)
Year Film Actors
???? Kismat Biswajeet, Babita
1967 Farz Jeetendra, (intr.) Babita
1967 Raaz Rajesh Khanna, Babita, Mumtaz
1968 Aulad Jeetendra, Babita, Sujit Kumar
1968 Haseena Maan jayegi Shashi Kapoor, Babita
1969 Anjaana Rajendra Kumar, Babita, Nazima
1969 Doli Rajesh Khanna, Babita
1971 Banphool Jeeendra, Babita
1971 Kal aaj aur kal Raj kapoor
1973 Ashani Sanket Soumitra Chatterjee, Babita
Babita with her daughters Karisma and Kareena.
Hari Shivdasani was an actor who moulded mother Babita's acting career, too. Babita is a Sindhi and Kareena says she just adores eating Sindhi curry.
Let us not underestimate this desire among the haves to leave behind their own image in permanence. We begin to see cloning in a new light. Are these successful attempts at cloning? And, if they are, we better claim perfection in it altogether. This makes all theother feats of genetic engineering inconsequential. In animal and plant world, there does not seem to be any desire to mark the offspring in graven permanence, and they have achieved the same without all the expensive research and without all the cheerleading that we cannot do without. This genetic achievement, in which the photographic resemblance and the programming of talents and careers are guaranteed, goes far enough to reveal the motives of the class that wants to pursue cloning to win over the fear of mortality. In fact, Bollywooods upper class, as we have seen, has turned the gods tools against them and used life to extend life.
