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Ranbir: If you compare me with the Khans, I feel bad

Whenever you see Ranbir Kapoor perform, you tend to believe that he does nothing by the book. His portrayal of diverse and distinguished roles like the lovelorn rockstar in Rockstar or a deaf and mute character in Barfi! shows his versatility as an actor. 

In his forthcoming release Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, he is paired opposite his ex-girlfriend Deepika Padukone.

In this conversation with Sonil Dedhia, Ranbir talks about his relationship with Deepika, why he doesn't like to be compared with the Khans, and why he doesn't want to be known as a star kid. 

Ranbir, how badtameez were you as a kid?

I did badtameezi in my school days. I used to get beaten by my teachers. I was a very badtameez kid. 

Today, I am a very boring person. Now badtameezi for me happens on film sets only. 

Every day of my life I am on a set and I love being there. It is important to have fun. That is how you start falling in love with your job. 

Not just acting, but I feel it is necessary to be in love with whatever you do.

'There is no difference in doing a kissing or action scene'

The focus has been more on your pairing with Deepika Padukone than the film itself. Does that bother you?

It is obvious because we were in a relationship and people are keen to know how it was working together after we parted ways. 

We approached this film as actors. There is curiosity among the audience to see us on screen together as a couple, which is a good thing. 

Since Deepika and you were in a relationship, was it uncomfortable doing intimate scenes in the film?

As actors, our job is to act. For me, there is no difference in doing a kissing or action scene. 

We are surrounded by almost 200 people on the sets, so you have to act. 

It wasn't awkward to do the intimate scenes. Rather, it was easier as we knew each other well. Deepika and I can be ourselves with each other and don't need to pretend.

'Media link-ups don't affect my performance, but I feel sad when I read or hear about it'

You have known Deepika for quite some time now. How do you think she has grown as an actress? 

I expected Deepika to reach high levels but had no idea that she would become such a fine actress so soon. 

She is the first actress in front of whom I am a bit intimidated. I felt like she was not doing what I expected her to do. That constant surprise is a good feeling. 

She has made her disadvantages into advantages. I am really happy the way her career has shaped up so far. 

You are constantly linked with all your other co-stars too.

Media link-ups don't affect my performance but I feel sad when I read or hear about it. 

I have been working hard as an actor for five years. I am also a human being and like any other I would also like romance in my life. 

I don't ask other people if they are having an affair with someone, who they are going out to watch a movie or have dinner with.

'I am not in the industry to beat anyone'

After some magnificent performances in films like Rajneeti, Rockstar and Barfi!, you have been compared to the Khans (Aamir, Salman and Shah Rukh). 

I am not in the industry to beat anyone. I am here to do good work and make a name for myself and earn respect. 

I don't believe in this term -- of being the next superstar. It means you are not a superstar but you can become one. I think anyone can come after me and become a superstar. I take that as motivation and work hard. 

If you compare me with the Khans, I feel bad because they have worked hard for 25 years and have earned so much love and respect from everyone. I have been around for only five years so it will be unfair to them to compare me with them.

'I don't have a personality like Salman Khan or Shah Rukh Khan'

What do you consider your greatest accomplishments in the five years in the industry?

I don't know how these five years went by. I am fortunate to have got good offers. I just got good opportunities. 

I give credit to myself for understanding these opportunities. I feel lucky when filmmakers such as Imtiaz Ali, Shimit Amin, Anurag Basu, Ayan Mukherjee come to me with good roles. 

I knew I would grow as an actor and my stardom would grow if I was part of good films and played good characters. 

I don't have a personality like Salman Khan or Shah Rukh Khan where I can just be myself and the film will be a huge hit. I have to be a character and support the film as a character.

'I have worked very hard to reach where I am today'

Looking at your choice of films, you seem far more sorted than your contemporaries. Is there a lot of thinking that goes into selecting a film?

Yes. I can't explain the procedure but I do think a lot before agreeing to be part of a film. It is my own hard work and intelligence which will help me become a good actor. 

I don't have any formula to maintain a healthy balance of films I do and I hope 10 years from now it is the same situation. 

Talking about my contemporaries, many people are walking the same path. So if you take a different path then people will recognise your work. You have to create your own path to survive in this industry.

You've had a very successful run so far but some people think you got everything on a plate because you are a star kid. 

I am proud of being part of the Kapoor family. I do belong to a family that has always been connected to films so I am attached to this tag of 'star son' and one who is born with a golden spoon in his mouth. 

People feel I have got everything because of my parents and grandparents but I have worked very hard to reach where I am today. I feel bad that I have worked hard for it and people don't give me credit for that. 

I want to create brand Ranbir Kapoor.

'My father is my favourite actor'

'I don't believe in remakes, I feel that once a film is made, no one can do it better'

Any plans to remake any of the RK films and revive the RK production banner?

I don't believe in remakes. I feel that once a film is made, no one can do it better. 

My grandfather made so many films and launched such a good, established banner, but it shouldn't be compulsory for me to make a film under that banner. 

If I have a point of view, if I have an idea to make a film then maybe I would like to do it. If I decide to make a film, I might even have my own home production company.