Nostalgia with Ruhan Kapoor, “I had posters of Elvis Presley and Tom Jones on my cupboard”

When you were 22, what stage of your career were you at?

I was doing theatre when I was selected by Yash Chopra to play the romantic lead in his directorial venture, Faasle (1985).

What was your bank balance like?

There is a tradition in my house—my father (renowned playback singer Mahendra Kapoor) gave my mom all his earnings. I did the same. I would take pocket money.

What was your frame of mind then?

I had assisted Manoj Kumarji on Kranti when I was 16, was familiar with filmmaking and had seen great actors performing. So, I was relaxed about facing the camera.

Your romantic status?

Being an artiste, I was a romantic but I was totally involved in theatre and films.

What was your family equation like?

My three sisters Benu, Anu and Poonam were my strength. They criticised me but were always supportive.

Your fashion sense?

My fashion sense was pretty American—I would wear whatever I want.

Your fitness levels?

As a child, I had flab and tires. Once I grew older, I enjoyed working out at Talwalkars gym where fitness exponent Madhukar Talwalkar was my teacher.

Your most prized possession then?

When I got my first film, I bought my first car—a red Maruti 800. I remember the car number 5575.

Which posters adorned your walls?

I wanted to be an actor-singer like Elvis Presley, while Tom Jones was my favourite singer. Their posters were on my cupboard.

Your singing idol?

My father. His rendition of Chalo Ek Baar Phir Se Ajnabi Ban Jaye still gives me goosebumps.

From HT Brunch, January 16, 2022

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