by Subhash K Jha

"Kya karega mera interview lekar?" he bellows

Rishi Kapoor is his usual self. Some things never change. And thank God for that! Right now one of India's most charismatic actors has much reason to rejoice. Rishi Kapoor has yet another hit on his hand.

His face lights up at the mention of director Kunal Kohli. "I've worked in two of his films. And both Hum Tum and Fanaah have turned out great successes. Kunal is somehow very fond of Raj Kapoor's school of filmmaking. I'm astonished at the film's large success. "

More ecstacy. ...Son Ranbir Kapoor has made his spectacular debut. "Do you know, he's the first Kapoor to face the camera in this millennium? I think Kareeena started shooting in 1999... I just hope hope Ranbir can do what his grandfather and great-grandfather has done. Saath mein taqdeer bhi honi chahiye.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali just happened to the boy. He's fortunate. Let's see how his career goes. I always keep telling him not to take success to his head and failure to his heart..

I've advised him to work hard and mind his own business. I'm a fighter myself. I've been a fighter for 34 years. Today I still get work.

Rishi is characteristically dismissive about himself. " Arrey chodo,yaar. What have I done? Who's writing roles for me? Where are the roles? I enjoyed working with Kirron Kher again in Fanaah. She's a fine actor."

He then adds, "I also enjoyed doing Hriday Shetty's Pyar Mein Twist. I loved the premise of the film and working with Dimple Kapadia again after so many years. It didn't work, so what?"

Rishi Kapoor was also enthusiastic about Vipul Shah's Namaste London Vipul told me he was keen to have me do the film. I'm flattered filmmakers still think of me. I only want to do quality work."

Making his own film is out of the question. "Arrey yaar, I'm an actor. Now you want me to be producer? Yes I directed a film Aa Ab Laut Chalen ) for my home banner RK Films. But right now I'm not in the right frame of mind to direct again. Where are the stories?

I don't know what to make for RK FILMS. I'm not that kind of a filmmaker who'd make just about anything kyunki banner chalaani hai. I can't damage RK Films and my reptutation. There's an acute shortage of thinkers and writers in this country.

Every filmmaker is assembling big stars and weaving stories around them. Barring Sanjay Bhansali's Black and Rakeysh Mehra's Rang De Basanti most of our recent films are a hotchpotch."

About Rang De Basanti, "I told Aamir Khan when we were shooting in Poland for Fanaah that I had some problems with the second-half of Basanti. He narrated a fabulous story idea to me for a film he's producing. I've convinced him to direct it. He can be a very good director."

Otherwise Rishi is perfectly content with his home life. "My daughter is married. My son is starting his own career. I'm relaxed and chilled. My wife Neetu and I have more time to spend together. "