Jobaaj Stories
Ranbir Kapoor recently opened up about the nervousness his entire family felt before their meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi. The Kapoor family, including Ranbir, his wife Alia Bhatt, sister Riddhima Kapoor, mother Neetu Kapoor, cousins Karisma and Kareena Kapoor, and other family members like Armaan and Aadar Jain, were in the capital to celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of their legendary patriarch, Raj Kapoor.
In a video from the event, Ranbir spoke about how everyone was feeling a little tense ahead of the meeting. "It's a special day for our Kapoor family. The PM gave such honour to Shri Raj Kapoor and spent his precious time with us. We are very grateful for this meeting," Ranbir said. He continued, sharing how they managed to relax during their time with the Prime Minister: “We had such fun with our sit-down gupchup (chat), because we could ask so many personal questions too. PM Modi has a very friendly nature, and all our nervousness... hum sabki hawa tight thi (we were all quite nervous)… but he made us all feel very comfortable."
PM Modi's charismatic personality captivates the Kapoor family!
— BJP (@BJP4India) December 11, 2024
Watch the Kapoors share their thoughts about their memorable meeting with their Prime Minister. pic.twitter.com/jcHrwQHWTs
A lighter moment also came when Ranbir’s aunt, Rima Kapoor, was trying to figure out how to address the Prime Minister. Struggling with the right words, she gave him several titles, but PM Modi humorously interrupted, shouting, “Cut!” This unexpected moment had everyone in fits of laughter.
What happened at the meeting?
During the meeting, the Prime Minister shared warm exchanges with the Kapoor family, and there were some delightful moments. Ranbir shared an amusing story about a trip abroad that had the PM laughing. He recalled how a Russian taxi driver once asked, “Are you from India?” and then began singing a song. The driver went on to ask if Ranbir was Raj Kapoor’s grandson. Ranbir joked, “I told him I’m Raj Kapoor’s grandson, and ever since, I always seem to get free taxi rides!”
PM Modi also spoke fondly of Raj Kapoor’s immense influence on Indian cinema. He remembered an anecdote from the Jana Sangh era, when veteran leaders LK Advani and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, after a defeat in an election, decided to watch a Raj Kapoor movie, Phir Subah Hogi, to lift their spirits. The PM noted how films like Raj Kapoor’s had a lasting impact during that time.
Modi went on to express his admiration for Raj Kapoor’s global appeal, sharing how the Prime Minister once heard a song from Ranbir's father, Rishi Kapoor, playing in China. “I asked my colleagues to record it and sent it to Rishiji. He was so delighted,” PM Modi said, smiling.
In his speech, the Prime Minister also talked about how Raj Kapoor's films contributed to India’s cultural diplomacy, long before the term "soft power" gained recognition. He said, “Raj Kapoor showcased India’s strength to the world through cinema long before it became a formal part of diplomacy.” He also mentioned how films like Neel Kamal in 1947 played a role in shaping India's global influence.
It was a meeting filled with both heartfelt moments and humor, showing the Kapoor family's deep respect for their patriarch’s legacy and their affection for PM Modi’s warm and down-to-earth nature.
