Two generations of the iconic Kapoor acting dynasty were in the UK on Thursday, 19th September 2013 for the official launch of their new family entertainer film ‘Besharam’, which releases on 2nd October 2013 through Reliance Entertainment.
A co-production between and Movie Temple and Reliance Entertainment, hearthrob son and Indian Cinema’s iconic leading man Ranbir Kapoor was joined by his famous real-life parents Rishi [Kapoor] and Neetu [Kapoor] as the ‘Kapoor Kandan’ came together for a fun and candid press conference. Besharam marks the first time that all three Kapoor family members have acted together on the big screen.
The spacious hall was hushed in anticipation as the three Bollywood superstars made their grand entrance to a frenzy of flashblubs and applause. Taking their seats together with lead actress in the film Pallavi Sharda and Sanjeev Lamba, CEO, Reliance Entertainment, Mahesh Ramanathan, COO, Reliance Entertainment and Himanshu Mehra, partner at Movie Temple, proceedings commenced with a special viewing of the item song featuring Ranbir, Rishi and Neetu, Chal Hand Uthake Nachche.
The media were then treated to a special welcome from the man himself Ranbir, who said: ‘I am delighted to be here in the UK. This visit is even more special this time as I finally have my parents with me. Besharam is very much a family entertainer, so it is fitting that I should come with my father and mother.’
The floor was then opened up for a lively question and answer session. With the interest garnered by the fact that the Kapoor clan have acted together for the first time, the media asked the trio questions about how it felt to act together, to which Ranbir said: ‘It feels great. Both my parents are an inspiration to me. My father and mother are fabulous actors and my father has been passionate about his craft for over 40 years. I have learnt so much from both of them.’
Neetu Kapoor added: ‘For me, I took on this role in Besharam for two reasons. Firstly, it was a very unique script and concept, and secondly I could act with my family. It was nice, it felt secure and I was in my comfort zone.’
Attention then turned to beautiful leading lady Pallavi Sharda. The Indo-Australian actress spoke of her association with the Bollywood industry and of how Bollywood is perceived by the Indian community in Australia. ‘When I was growing up I was fascinated by Bollywood. I used to wear a Bindi on my forehead whenever I went out. I love Bollywood; it formed a big part of my identity when I was growing up in Australia. Australian Indians really identify with Bollywood as it acts as a way for them to connect with their roots. Indian Cinema is increasingly more cross-over nowadays in the type of films that are being made.’
She added: ‘I have had a great time working on this film. The Kapoors have been very welcoming to me during the making of this film. I had a great time.’
When asked about the key messaging behind Besharam, Ranbir Kapoor said: ‘Beshram is not about embarrassing anybody. Besharam is an attitude. It’s about listening and following your heart.’
Speaking about the evolving of the Indian film market, Rishi Kapoor said: ‘We are evolving by each film. We are making technically better films. Few films offer a message to society.’
In response to a question on what Mr Sanjeev Lamba, CEO of Reliance Entertainment’s expectations are from Besharam, he said: “Reliance Entertainment distributes and produces both Hollywood and Bollywood movies. With a strategic global outreach, our films are going over 65 – 70 countries. Besharam is a movie for all. Besharam being the most commercial family entertainer, we want it to be liked by all.”
Mr Mahesh Ramanathan, COO of Reliance Entertainment added: ‘There are 200 countries in the world. And Bollywood has gone only to 35 countries of the South Asian population. There are wonderful markets who are on the lookout for Bollywood. It is about taking the infrastructure, funding people with passion, to take the films to various markets. Reliance has one of the biggest distribution structures from India.’
Speaking about his involvement in the production, Himanshu Mehra, Partner at Movie Temple said: “I was part of Abhinav’s team with Dabbang. We realised that we could form a company and work together. We then approached to Ranbir Kapoor and Neetu Ji with the script and went ahead with Besharam. Our like mindedness has helped us work in unison.”
