Neetu Singh /Kapoor is the less flamboyant far more calm and sensible half of the Rishi-Neetu pair. Though she prefers to shun the limelight this erstwhile actress who lit up many of the breezy musicals of the 1970s including many with her husband, comes across as candid and no-nonsense.

Here in a no-holds-barred interview with Subhash K Jha Neetu speaks on Ranbir, Rishi and life with them.

You were surprisingly sporting the other day on the music contest Voice Of India.
Yes, when one of the contestants called me on stage I went and enacted the veil-lifting scene from the song Purdah hai purdah. To relive all our songs was such a nostalgic experience.

My husband's films had very good music. My God! We got so many SMS after the show. Since we don't watch much television we were quite nervous about the show. We didn't know what we were in for. But it went off well.

Are you nervous about Ranbir's debut?
You could say that again! Both my husband and I are very nervous. But since I'm a stronger person I keep it inside while he's a nervous wreck. He won't even be here for the release of Sawariya.

He's off to Chandigarh for a two-month outdoor shooting. I feel the same way about Ranbir's debut as I felt when my daughter Ridhima got married.

People keep complimenting us about Ranbir. But until the film comes out we wouldn't know the actual verdict.

Ranbir seems to be closer to you than to his father.
Isn't that the way it is with most children? Kids are a reflection of the mother. Both my kids are gentle and in school they never behaved like star-children. My husband's work was such that he was never home.

He never knew about homework, PTA meetings and the kids' daily routines. We were together for lunch, dinner and vacation. Ranbir didn't get a chance to be close to his father until he assisted him when my husband directed Aa Ab Laut Chalen.

Now that my husband has been home more often Ranbir has become close to him too. But I think he's much closer to me.

As an actress and a mother do you feel Ranbir will match up to expectations?
How can I say? But even if he wasn't my son I'd go the first day after seeing the trailer and whistle for him. I'm told he has a lot of grace and rhythm in him. And that he has his own unique style. People say he has a cute face and an athletic body.

He's looking different from the others. And he isn't a chaap of his dad either. It's impossible to imitate my husband. Johnny Lever once told Rishi he's the only actor he can't ape because Rishi is such a natural. I did 11 films with him. I should know.

Can you recognize any pair today as Rishi and Neetu?
Ranbir and Sonam. I think Sonam is a wonderful girl. Kitni pyari bachchi hai. She's a very warm girl. I've known her mother Sunita for years. I always used to go to Sunita for my clothes when she started doing clothes. We hang out in the same group. My mother-in-law and Sonam's grandmother interact all the time.

What do you feel about Karz being remade?
I don't think you can replicate any of those classics. People are doing it. And I wish them all the best.

After being pampered at home Ranbir had to work really hard on his first film.
But I never pampered Ranbir! I pampered my daughter Ridhima because I always knew she was going to get married and go away,so I gave her everything. But Ranbir had it much tougher. I never gave him anything on a platter.

Ranbir still gets a fixed pocket money. I like the ritual. Even when Ranbir is earning in crores I'd like to continue giving him pocket money. I've given him a good foundation in life. I've taught him to be nice to people, no matter what.

Ranbir has started his career with the best...any fears that other assignments won't be able to match up?
I just hope and pray that isn't true. Of course you can't compare any filmmaker to Mr Bhansali. It was my dream to see Ranbir launched by Mr Bhansali. My dream has come true. And I'm indebted to Mr Bhansali.

Have all your dreams come true?
I've done exactly what I wanted to do. I've been a daughter, wife, mother, daughter-in-law. I'm a very content person. I don't crave for anything. I'm happy with whatever I have. My happiness today is to see my kids happy. Touchwood, Ridhima is very happy in her sasural. I want people to love Ranbir.

Would you and Rishi like to play Ranbir's parents?
I'd like that.

It should be a home production.
Yes provided my husband finds the right subject. Ranbir has a director lurking within him. One day I'm sure he'll make a film and I'd love to be in it.

Why didn't your daughter become an actress?
We never stopped her from doing anything. From childhood she wanted to do fashion designing and said acting wasn't her cup of tea. I must say she's very gifted and an excellent mimic. She got lots of tempting offers, though.

But she desisted. And I'm happy for that. This industry is sometimes harsh on women. Men have it easier. But a woman has to be very strong to take all that goes on.

Ranbir is constantly been written about.
I know! The other day there was a story that he was in a fistfight with someone at a public place. He came home and said, 'Mom is that really me? I do normal things like go out with friends, have khana at a restaurant.

Next thing I know they're running me down' I tell him it's part of being part of entertainment industry. Of course he can have as many girlfriends as he wants. But let him have them first.