Ranbir Kapoor may have been born into one of Bollywood’s most celebrated film dynasties, but when it comes to parenting, he is determined to chart a different course. The actor, son of legendary stars Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor, recently reflected on his relationship with his late father and how it has shaped the way he hopes to raise his own daughter, Raha.
Coming from the iconic Kapoor family — a lineage deeply rooted in Indian cinema — Ranbir grew up surrounded by fame, expectations, and a powerful legacy. Yet behind the glamour, he describes his bond with Rishi Kapoor as somewhat distant. In a recent conversation about generational shifts and family legacies, the actor candidly admitted that his father’s parenting style reflected the norms of that era.
“You know, my father’s relationship with me, there was a little bit of a distance. There was not like a friendship. That’s how that generation was,” Ranbir shared. He explained that while there was love and respect, there wasn’t the kind of emotional openness or camaraderie he now hopes to foster with his own child. As others in the discussion acknowledged the generational divide, Ranbir described the gap between him and his father as a “glass wall” — something present yet invisible, separating them emotionally.
Rishi Kapoor, who rose to prominence in the 1970s and delivered numerous box office hits over his long career, was known for his charisma on-screen and strong personality off it. Married to actress Neetu Singh, he built both a successful professional life and a close-knit family. Together, they welcomed two children — Riddhima Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor — both of whom grew up in the public eye.
Despite the perceived emotional distance, Ranbir has often spoken about the deep admiration he had for his father. Rishi Kapoor’s discipline, work ethic, and commitment to cinema left a lasting impression on him. However, Ranbir acknowledges that times have changed, and so have expectations from parent-child relationships.
Now a father himself, Ranbir is keen to “break the glass wall” with his daughter Raha, whom he shares with wife and fellow actor Alia Bhatt. The couple welcomed Raha in 2022, marking a new chapter not just personally but also generationally for the Kapoor family.
“With my child, I definitely want to break that glass wall. I want to be a friend to her… and give her the wings to fly, in whichever direction she likes,” Ranbir said. His words reflect a modern parenting philosophy — one rooted in openness, emotional accessibility, and mutual respect. Rather than maintaining a traditional authoritative distance, he hopes to build a bond grounded in friendship and trust.
Beyond fatherhood, Ranbir also addressed the weight of legacy. Being a Kapoor comes with undeniable advantages, but it also carries immense pressure. The family name, built over decades by stalwarts like Raj Kapoor and later carried forward by Rishi Kapoor, commands both reverence and scrutiny. For Ranbir, however, legacy is not about resting on past achievements.
He emphasized that while the accomplishments of previous generations serve as inspiration, they must be expanded upon with individuality. Each new entrant into the industry must carve out their own identity, rather than relying solely on inherited fame. Ranbir’s own filmography — marked by diverse roles in films like Rockstar, Barfi!, and Sanju — reflects his effort to balance tradition with experimentation.
Rishi Kapoor passed away in 2020 at the age of 67, leaving behind a towering legacy in Indian cinema. Since then, Ranbir has continued to honor his father’s memory through his work, while also evolving as an actor and as a person. His journey now includes not only carrying forward a cinematic heritage but also redefining fatherhood within it.
As he embraces both responsibility and reinvention, Ranbir Kapoor appears intent on ensuring that while the Kapoor legacy endures, the emotional blueprint within his own home tells a different, more connected story.