Ranbir Kapoor reveals why fathers in Kapoor family rarely appreciate their sons' achievements

Actor Ranbir Kapoor has offered a glimpse into an unusual family tradition that he believes has continued across generations of the Kapoor dynasty. According to the actor, fathers in his family have rarely expressed direct appreciation for their sons' achievements, preferring to encourage them to keep striving for better rather than becoming satisfied with praise. 

Ranbir shared the observation while recounting an anecdote about his grandfather, legendary actor and filmmaker Raj Kapoor, and his great-grandfather, Prithviraj Kapoor. The story, which highlights the importance of staying focused despite recognition and success, was shared during his conversation with Amitabh Bachchan on the quiz reality show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati'.

Ranbir Kapoor recalls Raj Kapoor's conversation with Prithviraj Kapoor

Ranbir said he came across the incident while reading a book on Raj Kapoor written by his aunt, Ritu Nanda. According to the account, Raj once questioned his father about why he never acknowledged his achievements, even after becoming a celebrated star.

Recalling the incident, Ranbir said, "But I think maine ek kahani suni thi mere dadaji Shri Raj Kapoor ki kitab mein jo Ritu bua, Mrs. Ritu Nanda ne likhi thi, ke wo gaye the Prithviraj Kapoor ke paas aur unse unhone poocha ki aaj aapka beta star hai, itna kuch kar raha hai, aap kabhi meri tareef nahi karte, mere peeth pe thapthapate nahi. Toh unhone ek kahani sunai thi Shri Raj Kapoor ko ki ek chhota balak tha raste par ek balancing act karta tha ek rope par aur roz bahut saari janata aati thi, taaliyan maarti thi, paise dete the, bahut wah-wah hoti thi."

(I think I once heard a story in a book about my grandfather, Shri Raj Kapoor, written by my aunt, Ritu bua, Mrs. Ritu Nanda. He had gone to Prithviraj Kapoor and asked him, 'Your son is a star today and is achieving so much, but you never praise me or pat me on the back.' Prithviraj Kapoor then narrated a story to Shri Raj Kapoor about a little boy who performed a balancing act on a rope by the roadside. Every day, large crowds would gather, applaud him, give him money and shower him with praise.)

What was Prithviraj Kapoor's lesson about praise?

Explaining the story further, Ranbir described a young street performer who would approach his father after every act to find out how he had performed. Although the boy received applause, money and admiration from the public, his father consistently responded that his performance still needed improvement.

The boy eventually questioned why his father continued to withhold praise when everyone else appreciated his talent. Ranbir recalled the father's explanation, which formed the central message of the story.

He added, "Aur jab act khatam hota tha toh balak apne pita ke paas jaata tha aur poochhta tha ki babuji kaisi rahi, aur wo hamesha ek hi baat kehte the, 'Kasar rahi'. Aisa lagata hota tha, 'Kasar rahi, kaisi hui? Kasar rahi, kaisi lagi? Kasar rahi.' Toh ek din bahut saalon baad jab unhone pitaji se poochha ki main itna achha karta hoon, log itni tareef karte hain, itni wah-wah karte hain meri, aap kyun kehte ho? Toh I think jo unhone kaha tha ki beta jiss din main aapki tareef karna shuru karunga, jo aapka ek lakshya hai, aapka joh dhyan hai woh yahan se hat jayega aur aap tareef mein kho jaoge.."

(And whenever the performance ended, the little boy would go to his father and ask, 'Father, how was it?' And his father would always give the same response: 'There was still room for improvement.' It was always the same: 'There was still room for improvement. How was it? There was still room for improvement. How did you like it?' Many years later, the boy finally asked his father, 'I perform so well, people appreciate me so much and shower me with praise. Why do you always say this?' I think his father replied, 'Son, the day I start praising you, your goal and your focus will shift away from what you are trying to achieve, and you will get lost in the praise.')

Through the anecdote, Ranbir highlighted how the older generation in his family believed that constant encouragement to improve was more valuable than openly celebrating achievements. He suggested that this approach had become a recurring feature of relationships between fathers and sons in the Kapoor family.

Kapoor family: A legacy spanning generations

The Kapoors are among the most prominent film families in Indian cinema, with their contribution to the entertainment industry extending across several generations.

The family's association with cinema began with Prithviraj Kapoor, who established himself as a pioneering figure in Indian theatre and films. His sons Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor subsequently built successful careers, becoming influential actors and entertainers in their own right.

Raj Kapoor's sons Randhir Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor and Rajiv Kapoor continued the family's association with the film industry through acting and filmmaking. The legacy was further carried forward by subsequent generations, including Karisma Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Ranbir Kapoor.