Ranbir Kapoor, celebrated as one of Bollywood's leading superstars with blockbusters like Animal and Sanju to his credit, recently shared a deeply personal side of his journey to stardom. In a revealing conversation, he credited his late father, the legendary actor Rishi Kapoor, for instilling a sense of grounded reality and financial discipline that kept privilege from turning into entitlement.
The US Student Life: A Lesson in Humility
During a candid interview on Nikhil Kamath's popular podcast, Ranbir delved into the formative years of his life. When he was pursuing acting studies in the United States, his father imposed a remarkably stringent financial regime. Rishi Kapoor provided an allowance so limited that it barely covered the cost of basic meals. Ranbir's budget was tight enough to afford little more than a McDonald's meal for both lunch and dinner, forcing him to live like any ordinary student abroad.
Ranbir clarified that this was never meant as a punishment. Instead, it was a deliberate strategy by his father to teach him the value of money and the importance of living within one's means. This early experience was designed to build character and offer a crucial perspective often missing from a life of fame and luxury.
Reality Check in Mumbai: Public Transport and No Pocket Money
The lessons in frugality did not end when Ranbir returned to India to begin his film career. After starting as an assistant director under Sanjay Leela Bhansali on the film Black, his father enforced another stark reality check. Rishi Kapoor took away Ranbir's car, compelling the young aspirant to navigate Mumbai using public transport like buses and auto-rickshaws.
Furthermore, his father completely stopped his pocket money. This move ensured that Ranbir experienced genuine financial constraints firsthand, even as he took his first steps into the glamorous world of Bollywood. These experiences, though challenging, shaped his work ethic and grounded personality.
A Blockbuster Lineup: What's Next for the Superstar
Professionally, Ranbir Kapoor is riding a massive wave of success and has an incredibly exciting slate of projects ahead. His next appearance will be in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's epic romance Love & War, where he will share the screen with Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal.
Following that, he is set to play Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari's highly ambitious mythological saga, Ramayan, which also stars Sai Pallavi. Fans of his brutal performance in Animal can also look forward to him reprising his role as Ranvijay in the sequel, Animal Park, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga.
Additionally, the actor is in advanced discussions for two major franchises: Dhoom 4 and the much-anticipated Brahmāstra 2: Part Two with director Ayan Mukerji. This lineup solidifies his position as one of the most versatile and bankable stars of his generation.
The story of Ranbir Kapoor is not just one of box office glory but also of a star shaped by old-school values. The strict financial lessons from his father, Rishi Kapoor, created a foundation of discipline that continues to define him amidst the glitz and glamour of Bollywood.
