Actors today should focus on building the mind, not the body: Rishi Kapoor

Veteran opens up about how he has managed to stay relevant in Bollywood for 49 years

Bollywood veteran Rishi Kapoor kicked off his acting career in 1970 with Mera Naam Joker. Having delivered several hits since, the go-getter has managed to stay in the spotlight and will soon be seen in The Body. Shedding light on how he has maintained his relevance in Indian cinema, Rishi drew parallels with the current crop of actors, stating he has always been a strong advocate of "building the mind and not the body".

Talking to Hindustan Times, Rishi said, “These days, budding actors are more interested in grooming and building their body. They focus on building muscles than emotional exercise, which is important for actors." He added, "Build your mind rather than your body when you prepare for acting because if you have the acting skill, you will surely become a big star. If you don’t have that, then you are replaceable. Look at me, do I have the body? But I am still working, because in every film I try to create a character.”

He then listed down actors of today's generation whose focus remains their work rather than rigorous gym routines. “Okay, I maybe old, I do not inspire youngsters. But look at Ayushmann Khurrana, Rajkummar Rao, Ranveer Singh, Vicky Kaushal and Ranbir Kapoor (I’m not taking his name because he is my son). They are all talented actors and none of them have ‘dolay sholay’ (muscles). Kyunki dole rahne se, kalakar nehi banoge. Bus gym mein paise phukega (Having muscles won’t ensure you will be an artist, you’ll only waste money in the gym)," mentioned Rishi.

He then went on to speak about the heroes of his time, citing the example of megastar Amitabh Bachchan. "Look at Amitabh. He did not have muscles. But even today, he is the original angry young man of Hindi cinema!”

During his recent stay in the United States for health treatment, Rishi realised how much his films still hold relevance among the international audience. “When I got to know that they are interested in watching my films, I suggested around 10 titles and 102 Not Out was one of them. The next morning a guy came to our place with flowers and a long handwritten emotional note. He couldn’t hold his tears because he said the film narrated the story of his life," shared Rishi.

This incident made him realise that cinema as a medium is so universal because it touches thousand of hearts. "I felt bad for him, but I was moved by the power of cinema,” he concluded.

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