Ram Kapoor is one of the most beloved faces of Indian TV. His acting skills and charming persona in shows like Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, Ghar Ek Mandir, and Karrle Tu Bhi Mohabbat, among others, cemented him in the hearts of fans. He also became one of the most highly-paid television actors. Recently, Ram took a walk down the memory lane and reminisced about his formative years. He revealed that his decision to pursue a career in acting put a strain on his relationship with his father and renowned ad guru, Anil Kapoor. The wealthy businessman was so unhappy with his son’s choice that it resulted in a decade-long rift between them.
Ram Kapoor says he grew up with privileges as a rich man’s only son but chose to walk away from it all
Ram Kapoor recently sat down for a candid chat with Siddharth Kannan, during which he reflected on his rather cushy upbringing. The actor admitted that growing up as a ‘rich man’s only son’ meant he had enjoyed a lot of privileges. However, he took the tough decision to walk away from it all after he finished his schooling. Ram told his father, Anil Kapoor that he didn’t want to run his company but rather wanted to carve his own path. After that, it took Ram nearly 10 years to find steady work.
Ram Kapoor was inclined towards acting even as a teenager, but his father didn’t take him seriously
Ram Kapoor further revealed that he had been passionate about acting even as a teenager. However, his father, Anil had never taken his interest seriously. Talking about how his father had treated his company like his ‘legacy’ and hoped his son would carry it forward, Ram said:
“When I was 13-14, I told him I wanted to become an actor. He didn’t take me seriously, particularly since I was a little kid and he was a very big man. For him, his company was his legacy and everything and he wanted his only son to take it forward. So, when I said I didn’t want to take over his company, I understood what he must have gone through.”
Following that difficult conversation, Ram fled to America and enrolled in an acting school of his choice. After graduating, he returned to India and started meeting people to land acting gigs. Ram further added that this was a challenging period for him as he had to prove himself to his father and his whole family. According to Ram, everyone was ‘waiting’ for him to fail because they believed the shock from that would bring him ‘back to the right track.’
Ram also shared an anecdote about how he got through his stay in America after his father stopped talking to him and sending him money. The actor revealed that he was making his own money for food and rent through several odd jobs. He worked at Starbucks and even sold second-hand vehicles. However, he looked back fondly on these struggles as he wouldn’t be the man he is today without them.
Ram Kapoor’s father finally acknowledged his success when his employees asked for photographs with his son
Ram Kapoor’s father eventually came around and acknowledged his son’s success, but it took 10 long years. The actor revealed that this realisation only struck his father when his own company employees started approaching him and requesting for photographs with his son. Ram continued:
“That’s when dad realised I had become something and that I wouldn’t return (to run the company). For 10 years, we didn’t speak much and then he slowly developed a respect for me. After he passed away, four years ago, I got to know from his partners, friends etc how much he respected me.”
What do you think about Ram Kapoor having a strained relationship with his father for 10 years because he pursued acting?
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