Ram Kapoor's dreams get bigger

Ram Kapoor has several films lined up next year talks about his balancing act, reveals he has another film with wife Gautami.  

News is that you are quitting Bade Acche Lagte Hai for films. Is that true?
I have been shuffling between films and TV ever since the show started two years ago. I have shot for Agent Vinod, Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, Student of the Year (SOTY) and haven't had any date problems. I am very attached to Bade Acche Lagte Hai. Other than that I cannot comment anything on it. Yes, life is a little bit of a challenge for me right now, but hard work never killed anyone.

The serial started off with a bang, then went through a lull, a leap etc. What is your take on it?
Nobody expected it to start off with such a bang and be received so well so quickly. We knew we are doing something good but to get this response was fantastic. A serial is not like a film with a definite beginning, middle and end. Yes, there were ups and downs but both Sakshi (Tanwar) and I are very experienced and prepared for it. I am happy that it is still the channel leader with a big margin.

You are a big name in TV but in films you are playing insignificant roles...
I am very happy with the films I am getting. I am working with filmmakers every actor wants to work with. I entered films as a character actor and made a list of filmmakers I want to work with. I am climbing the ladder slowly. Take any actor Boman Irani or Irrfan Khan, they reached where they are after doing several films. For me, it’s important to see what kind of project is it and the people I am working with. Just because I am a big name in TV does not mean that it's the same in films. I have a long way to go. I gave 10 long years in TV before I reached the top and in films too I am ready to play the game, slow and steady. Even if I am doing four scenes, as long as it's a respectable film I am happy. I did a small cameo in Karan Johar's production Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu and he gave me a much bigger role in Student of the Year. I am already in talks with him for another film. So far, you have seen me in small roles but from early next year you'll see me in much bigger roles.

Which are those films?
There's Mere Dad Ki Maruti, a father-son story wherein I am playing the father. There's Mai in which I play Ashaji's (Bhosle) son-in-law who transforms from a negative to positive character. I just finished shooting for an intense hard-hitting Nagesh Kukunoor film Lakshmi about a 13-year old girl sold into prostitution and I play a lawyer who helps her case. There's Shaadi Ke Side Effects in which after Farhan (Akhtar) and Vidya (Balan) I have the most interesting role, followed by Santa Banta.

After SOTY, are you doing any other film with your wife?
Yes, we are doing another film together as husband and wife and this time her role is bigger than mine!