IANS
Mumbai, Dec 15: Rishi Kapoor, the teen icon of the 1980s, says that he has no intention of directing a film just to keep his banner alive.
"I'm an actor. Now you want me to be producer? Yes I directed 'Aa Ab Laut Chalen' for my home banner RK Films. But right now I'm not in the right frame of mind to direct again. Where are the stories? I don't know what to make for RK Films. I'm not that kind of a filmmaker who'd make just about anything because I have to make the banner work. I can't damage RK Films and my reputation," Rishi said in an interview.
"There's an acute shortage of thinkers and writers in this country. Every filmmaker is assembling big stars and weaving stories around them. Barring Sanjay Bhansali's 'Black' and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's 'Rang De Basanti', most of our recent films are a hotchpotch," he added.
His face lights up at the mention of director Kunal Kohli.
"I've worked in two of his films. And both 'Hum Tum' and 'Fanaa' have turned out great successes. Kunal is somehow very fond of Raj Kapoor's school of filmmaking. I'm astonished at the film's large success."
He is quite proud of his son Ranbir who has made his debut in Bhansali's 'Saawariya'.
"Do you know he's the first Kapoor to face the camera in this millennium? I think Kareena started shooting in 1999. I just hope Ranbir can do what his grandfather and great-grandfather have done.
"Sanjay Leela Bhansali just happened to the boy. He's fortunate. Let's see how his career goes. I always keep telling him not to take success to his head and failure to his heart. I've advised him to work hard and mind his own business. I'm a fighter myself. I've been a fighter for 34 years. Today, I still get work."
Rishi is perfectly content with his personal life.
"My daughter is married. My son is starting his own career. I'm relaxed and chilled. My wife Neetu and I have more time to spend together."
Rishi is dismissive about himself.
"What have I done? Who's writing roles for me? Where are the roles?"
Although nobody is offering him tailor-made roles, he enjoys working in whatever films he gets.
"I enjoyed working with Kirron Kher again in 'Fanaa'. She's a fine actor. I also enjoyed doing Hriday Shetty's 'Pyaar Mein Twist'. I loved the premise of the film and working with Dimple Kapadia again after so many years. It didn't work, so what?"
Rishi was also enthusiastic about Vipul Shah's "Namaste London".
"Vipul told me he was keen to have me do the film. I'm flattered filmmakers still think of me. I only want to do quality work."