From a successful career in television to a number of cameos and supporting roles in films, Ram Kapoor is all set for the release of his latest film ‘Humshakals’ where he will be seen sharing the spotlight with funny men Saif Ali Khan and Riteish Deshmukh, He chats with Deccan Chronicle in an exclusive interview, telling us about his family, a full body wax, his future plans and much more.
The trailer of ‘Humshakals’ has received a good response from the audience, what was your first reaction when you saw yourself in a skirt?
I laughed; I hoped that the audience will like it. So far I’m getting a lot of laughter, a lot of good comments. So keeping my fingers crossed what else…
How did your wife react to the trailer?
Oh my God! In all the films I’ve done, she’s never been more excited to go see the film, even my children are dying to go see the film because they are dying to see me like that.
Tell us about your experience dressing up as a lady, did you have to shave your legs?
Yes! I had to wax my entire body…entire body! It was very painful and it was very difficult to get into that makeup - the eyeliner, eyelashes, and lipstick. I have new respect for women, because I had to do it only for 4-5 days, you guys do it on a daily basis and it’s very difficult. We men take it for granted. I have new respect for all women, for what they have to go through.
Your wife Gautami is also an actress and she hasn’t been taking up a lot of projects lately, what is the reason for that?
Yeah, the reason is my two children. You see, when you have two kids, you have to take a backseat on your work and she’s doing very well. But because she is looking after them and my house so well, is why I can immerse myself in work so much. So the reason I can do this is because of her. I don’t think I would achieve so much if it wasn’t for her
Will she resume work in the future
Yes of course. Now that my kids are older, she’s doing films, she’s done with me also and she did a TV serial also recently. She is considering work now; the only thing is she’s a little choosey, because she can afford to be choosey. Only when the right project comes, and it excites her she will say yes. But she’s ready
What about you are you choosey about projects?
Yes, always. I’ve been choosey in my entire career and will always be. I am that kind of a person. I will only take up what I feel I can do well and what will help me. Otherwise I would rather not
Are you more comfortable with comic roles or more serious roles?
I look for variety. I don’t want to get stuck in only one thing. Comedy is very difficult but I take it as a challenge. At the same time I don’t only want to do only comedy, I want to do serious roles as well. But I want to also strike a balance so that people can see a variety rather than the same thing over and over again.
From TV serials, to hosting reality TV shows and now a lead role in ‘Humshakals’, will you continue doing all three?
I will keep doing stuff that is fun to do, but my biggest passion is acting. When I’m hosting something or I’m doing a reality show, it’s fun, the money is good. But the most fun I’ve had is in acting, where I can build the character. I’ll always give my focus to acting. Anything else on the side that comes my way, I will do, but my focus will always be on acting.
How did the cast unwind after long hours of shooting in heavy makeup and costumes?
It was hard work and it was fun. After pack up we would always meet up and have a long dinner together. Maybe have a few drinks, that’s how we’d unwind. But it didn’t really feel like unwinding because the entire process of this film was a lot of fun. We had a lot of fun even while we were working. So when you’re having fun you don’t find the need to unwind too much. But on a hard day, we would have a nice dinner together, and nice chilled out conversations and a few drinks.
Was it difficult staying in character as you were playing a triple role
It wasn’t difficult because of Sajid. Sajid knew the script and each and every character in such detail, that before every scene we would just sit with him for five minutes, get the brief understand it completely and then do it. Because we depended completely on Sajid it wasn’t difficult to stay in character. His sets are a lot of fun. All of us ended up getting along superbly
What plans after ‘Humshakals’?
I have signed three more films already. One of them is starting in July, the second is starting in September and the third in November. My calendar is busy now, till next year.
Lastly he added, I had a blast doing ‘Humshakals’ and I hope everyone goes and sees it because it’s a great family entertainer.
