By Subhash K Jha
Aamir Khan, Javed Akhtar and Ranbir Kapoor on the same platform? That’s the line-up for a summit organized by Tehalka on Bollywood and other social phenomena (money, religion, cricket and sexual politics) to be held on Saturday
That’s exactly why Ranbir who is shooting in Bangkok is flying to Delhi for the evening.
Now that Ranbir Kapoor has plunged into his new project Siddharth Anand’s Anjana Anjani the last thing he needs is distractions. He shoots non-stop from this week to January 2010 in various cities across the US and Europe for the film without a break.
Well, almost! On Saturday November 21 Ranbir will sneak back into Delhi for just a few hours to attend the summit and return the very same evening.
Says Ranbir, “I don’t know when I’ll be able to do a film with Aamir. I’m his biggest fan. And Javed Saab is an institution. When I was asked to share my opinions and views on the Indian film industry (I hate the term Bollywood) along with Javed Saab and Aamir my first thought was, why me?”
Apparently Ranbir was chosen above other actors of his generation for his passionate interest in cinema. The seemingly natural choice would have been Mama-Bhanja Aamir and Imran Khan. But according to sources, Ranbir’s knowledge of cinema, popularity among audiences of all ages and his confident connectivity with crowds clinched the deal in his favor.
Ranbir rushes back to Delhi from Bangkok although Siddharth Anand’s shooting would have to be slightly readjusted. Producer Sajid Nadiadwala says, “It’s an honor for the entire industry for Ranbir to represent Bollywood. So it’s just fine.”
Ranbir isn’t preparing notes for the evening. “I think I’ll keep it extempore. I’d be lying if said I wasn’t nervous. Man, Aamir and Javed Saab are stalwarts in front of me!”
