Adulation forces Ranbir to change phone number

Nov 11, 2007 Subhash K. Jha

Mumbai, Nov 12 (IANS) Ranbir Kapoor is flying high with the rave reviews he has got for his debut performance in "Saawariya". So inundated has the actor been with calls and messages that he has had to change his phone number.

A close family member of Ranbir said, "The volume of calls and messages since the promotional clippings went on TV to the time of the film's release has gone up so much that poor Ranbir had no choice but to change his number.

"I really didn't want to do that," confessed Ranbir, "I love all the attention. I like being complimented for my performance. I feel I'm not getting enough."

And that is not all. Within 12 hours of the premiere of "Saawariya", four major filmmakers offered him the lead role in their next film.

He starts shooting for Yashraj Films' next project, to be directed by Siddharth Anand, from Nov 24.

"But what I am really crossing my fingers for is another film with Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He just has to say when and I am on. He has taught me everything I know about acting," said the grateful protégé.

Apparently Roberto Benigni in "Life Is Beautiful" inspired Ranbir's character of the street-smart do-gooder who would do anything to win over the sullen, searching girl.

"Sanjay sir saw me like a human version of a poodle, out to please the one I love at any cost. I sing dance, juggle, jiggle, waltz, tap-dance, jump puddles, climb up pipes...any and everything for Sonam's character, just like Roberto Benigni in 'Life Is Beautiful'.

"She, on the other hand, remains blissfully unimpressed most of the time. And the more withdrawn she becomes, the harder I try to please her," said Ranbir.

His co-star Sonam Kapoor isn't lagging behind either. Her classic looks are being compared with Waheeda Rehman and Rekha.

Said Priyanka Chopra: "I've known Sonam for a long time. She's a friend. And I like her father (Anil Kapoor) from the time we worked in 'Salaam-e-Ishq'. She's such a beautiful girl with a great body.

"As for Ranbir, he's a complete scene-stealer. His performance is so warm and endearing, you just want to hug him. It's hard to believe this is his first film."

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Saawariya