Ram Kapoor – the name needs no introduction in the Hindi Television industry. With almost a 20-year-long career, he is a household name in India and an obvious choice of producers for pivotal role-playing. He has been maintaining his position as one of the most stable and desirable actors in the industry. And now, he can be seen as an anchor of unique fiction cum non-fiction show Zindagi Ke Crossroads on Sony TV. “Ram was the unanimous choice to host my show”, states Shabina Khan, the producer of the show. While the Concept, Story and Screenplay writer Mahadev opines, “I am amazed to see how Ram has handled the show so well; there can’t be any second choice.” In a candid conversation with Devyani Purkayastha, Ram Kapoor narrates his role in the show, talks about his life and career.
How did you bag the show?
I had made my mind to say ‘NO’ before I heard the concept of the show. But when Shabina narrated the concept of the show, I immediately said to myself that I can’t leave this opportunity. I said ‘YES’ then and there. And the journey started.
What’s so unique about the show?
As you know, Zindagi Ke Crossroads will present relatable life-altering narratives inspired from the drama of life, and before a crossroad decision is taken, it’ll be put forth to the studio audience, who, along with me would discuss the situation. Concept of this show has touched me and I am proud of that I am hosting it. I even don’t care if it works or not, if it generates TRP or not. I am satisfied. I am very excited and at the same time nervous as well because this is such a different concept. My kids very often watch my shows and I like that because it gives me nice, positive feeling. And this is one show, I will definitely want my children to watch as the stories presented here are lessons of life. In all the roles that I’ve done till date, I’ve made my audiences laugh, cry and smile; this is the first time that I get audiences to think and converse. This show is bigger than anyone of us. While I would refrain from giving opinions, I will get the people to share their views openly in this platform.
Have you ever been on crossroads?
No. I never encountered any crossroad in my life. I consider myself very blessed. I never struggled to reach a decision, it was easier for me so far.
What do you prefer acting or hosting?
I enjoy hosting but love acting. As actors, we love playing characters, going into the ‘pretend’ world. So I like acting more but once in a while when I host, it is a lot of fun. And I am loving to host this show specially because Ram Kapoor is playing Ram Kapoor here. I am just being myself. I am not trying to be someone else. I love doing something which is meaningful, which is why I am so excited about it. I hope this will be meaningful for the audience as well.
What are your strength and weaknesses as an anchor?
My strength as an anchor is that I am very spontaneous. I don’t follow the script much. I go with the flow. My weakness is – I don’t have a command over Hindi to the extent like Mr. Bachchan has. You would like to hear him continuously without a stop. My Hindi is ‘normal Hindi’, not as strong as Mr. Bachchan’s . I wish I could talk like him (laughs).
Would you like to host a dance or singing reality show?
Probably not. May be, I would have done it earlier in my career like I hosted ‘Rakhi Ka Swayamwar’. I have come a long way. I have reached a level where I can become more choosy.
Would you like to host a show like Bigg Boss?
No, I don’t think so. The show is very interesting. And this show already has brand Salman as host, so, I as a host won’t fit there. I just can’t compare myself to Salman, I think I will just shoot myself (laughs) even if I think so. But honestly! it’s not even crossed my mind.
Are you satisfied with your career as an actor?
See, an actor is never really, totally satisfied. He craves for more and more. And I am no exception. I always want to keep growing, and do more work. Because, the more work you do, the more you grow. But I fully understand how lucky I am as I know how hard it is to make a career in show-business in our country or in any other country. I know, how many people come to Mumbai to try their luck in the industry but don’t succeed. The success rate in this industry is 2 percent or something. That is why I consider myself very lucky that I have had such a long career. But I don’t think I will ever be satisfied. Everyday, I consider myself blessed.
It’s seen that on the big screen you have chosen characters which are important but you are not in the lead role. Why do you choose such roles?
In my mind, there’s never been a difference in a medium and role whether it is television, films or web. I don’t mind if I am the lead or not as long as I am able to relate to that character. I like being a part of the story. And very few people like Ronit and me, who after a career in television have got a chance to play principal characters in films. So, I am very lucky that I could step in both the worlds.
What’s your upcoming film?
Well, it’s Loveratri, produced by none other than Salman Khan. The shoot is not over yet! It’s scheduled to release on October 5th this year.
You have a very successful career, but you have seen failures too. How do handle it?
Every actor has a lot of success and lots of failures. No actor on Planet Earth only has success. And I think failure teaches you a lot about yourself and your career. So, I embrace them.
Would you like your children to follow your footsteps?
Well, if they want to, of course. My children have expressed that they would like to try their luck. I don’t know whether they are serious about it or not. My wife and I have told them specifically to finish their education first and then think about it. We have also finished our education and then entered the industry. After finishing their education, if they are still serious about it, we as parent won’t stop them.
Would you like to explore different genres including mythological shows and supernatural shows like Naagin?
Abosutely not! I don’t mind these kind of shows (Naagin) being made as there is huge audience for such shows. But I cannot see myself doing something like a mythology or ‘Naagin’ kind of a show. I do things that touches me and I can relate to. I was once offered to feature in the show Mahabharata -produced by Ekta Kapoor. But I refused to do it. I don’t relate to mythology. I relate to urban stuff or ‘aam aadmi’ kind of shows.
As you have explored all media of entertainment, how do you foresee the digital space? Any more session of Karrle Tu Bhi Mohabbat?
It’s the future. Any kind of show can be done on digital platform. This platform is going to be the largest in the world. The way Netflix and Amazon are growing, the same is going to happen in India in the next 5 to 10 years. Web is going to be bigger than any other medium, even bigger than movies.
Have you ever thought of becoming a producer?
Well, I have thought about it. But the time has not come yet. My career is going well as an actor and I am busy all the time. I don’t think it’s the right time to produce (shows) because whenever I decide to produce, I would like to do it with full attention.
I would put all my time into that.
As producers are on a spree to remake hit shows, what kind of shows would you like to see in that list?
If any show is remade, I have no objection. I would like to see shows like the ones made 15-20 years back, like Malgudi Days, Buniyad, Hum Log, Tamas which should be there in the list as those had fantastic concepts.
What is the most important lesson of your life?
Live and let others live peacefully. That is how I have always lived my life and that’s what I teach my children also.
How has your wife Gautami been your pillar of strength?
The only reason I am doing so well – because I have found my right life partner in Gautami. Belonging to the same industry, she understands me very well. And she handles the home front aptly.
Being over-weight has never come as a impediment in your career,. How come are you so desirable – be it for the public or producers?
Oh! (laughs) How do I answer this? You need to ask the public who are pouring so much of love on me! An actor doesn’t know what actually clicks! (laughs).
