Mumbai: Ranbir Kapoor and on screen romance almost go hand in hand but his much awaited Rocket Singh: Salesman Of The Year has no love angle. He says the film's protagonist is completely in love with sales.
"It is not a love story. The character Rocket Singh is in love with sales. It's a very simple movie," Ranbir told IANS.
This year Ranbir was seen with Konkona Sen Sharma in hit movie Wake Up Sid and later teamed up with Katrina Kaif in romantic comedy Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, winning the hearts of audiences.
And now comes Rocket Singh in which he plays Harpreet Singh Bedi, who has just graduated with embarrassing marks. But that doesn't stop him from dreaming about an exciting career. Releasing Friday, the film has been made under the Yash Raj Films' banner.
This is the first film in which Ranbir's physical appearance has been changed for a role. He looks a typical Sikh youth complete with a turban and beard. "It was very important to feel the character first, later you automatically start living him," Ranbir said.
He said that director Shimit Amin and screenwriter Jaideep Sahni had held different workshops for the cast and the crew before starting the shoot.
"Shimit wanted to make the character as real as possible so that it doesn't look as if an actor is trying to be a sardar. Shimit and Jaideep held workshops for 30 days, not just with me but the entire cast and crew," the actor said.
But despite being a Punjabi, Ranbir's character speaks fluent Hindi. "He is Mumbai-based fourth generation sardar, so he has no influence of a Punjabi accent in his diction," Ranbir explained.
In real life too, Ranbir is half Sikh as his maternal grandparents were Sikh.
"My maternal grandmother was extremely thrilled that I was playing a sardar," said Ranbir.
"I am half Sikh though I didn't understand the religion like I do after doing this film. I respect the sacrifices they made and the discipline they have in their religion. It's not that easy to keep a beard and tie pagdi (turban) in warm countries. I really respect them because they do it for their religion and not for their comfort," he said.
Asked what Rocket Singh sells, he said: It's an integral part of the film and we want to guard it till the film releases."
Ranbir hopes that Rocket Singh, which is his last release of the year, repeats the success stories of his previous releases and ends the year on a happy note.
"Some films work, some don't. Wake Up Sid worked in a capacity it was meant to work. Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani was a big grosser. As an actor I would like every film of mine to do well. It feels great, as the hard work you put in this whole year has been paid off. With Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year, I hope it does better than better," said Ranbir.
Asked if this back-to-back success was adding to the pressure on him, he said: "There is no pressure at all. I am an actor, I don't believe in genes or living in what my great grandfather or my parents have achieved. Here I am as an individual and that's how audiences are going to perceive me, not as someone's son or grandson."
"If my films are doing well, I would like to take some credit for it," he added.
The title song of Chak De! India, Shimit Amin's last film, had become a sports anthem.
"I hope Pocket main Rocket becomes a salesman's anthem," Ranbir said.
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