/> When Neetu Singh reluctantly decided to make a comeback to acting after 30 years she was numbed and frozen with the fear of facing the camera. In this hour of creative crisis Neetu whose last full-fledged screen appearance was in Chorni in 1982 Neetu didn't turn to her seasoned trouper of a husband Rishi Kapoor for help.

Neetu sought a way out of her creative blockade from her star-son Ranbir Kapoor who not only defroze her for the camera but also provided suggestions tips guidance and a hand to hold while his mom went through one of her most difficult roles ever.

Ranbir, in fact, had made it clear that whenever his mother returned to acting it would be as his mother.

Chuckles Neetu, "Like all sons Ranbir is very possessive. So yes, he did want me to come back only with him. But when he heard I had his Dad as a co-star in Do Dooni Char he was all for it and absolutely invaluable in leading me back to the arclights."

Neetu didn't know to get back into acting. "It is a bit like cycling and swimming. But more complicated for me. I was hesitant to say yes. But once I did I was in a dilemma. It was Ranbir who helped me out.

He showed me how to find my way into the character and them project it out on camera. He pointed out the best way to approach my role was to unwind, to let go. He showed me how to make friends with the camera."

Not only that Ranbir who had lately dabbled in method acting in Rocket Singh Salesman Of The Year, also briefed his petrified mother on how to get real on camera while staying ultra-cool.

Says Neetu, "This was not an easy part for me. I had to play an ordinary middleclass housewife, and not just in a filmy way.

The director Habib wanted me to grow my hair and colour it black, unvarnish my nails and wear three sets of clothes—3 sarees for when my character steps out and 3 housecoats for when she is home—throughout the film.And not just that. Those 6 pieces of clothing clothing had to look worn by the time I was ready to face the camera!"

Ranbir remained a helpful guiding force throughout.

Says Neetu, "I'm amazed at his maturity as an actor! When I was his age I knew zilch. I just did whatever came naturally to me. Ranbir knows about camera angles, shot taking and frame compositions. He is ready for direction. And yes I hope to be in his directorial debut with his father."

Being married to Rishi Kapoor for 30 years Neetu is surprisingly blasé about Ranbir's relationships.

The protective mother defends her son. "Ranbir is a very committed person. He knows his mind very clearly. He hasn't found the right person yet. The day he does, he will settle down with her immediately and forever. That I am confident about."

Coincidentally Neetu's comeback film Do Dooni Char and Ranbir's next release Anjaana Anjaani are scheduled within weeks of each other.

Laughs Neetu, "In fact the trailers for both films are being screened with Dabangg. I felt so proud and happy. Yes Do Dooni Char is precious to me. But Ranbir's Anjaana Anjaani is far more important."