Bollywood is krazzy for him

Kishore Namit Kapoor, who trained Hrithik and other stars talks about his famous students and new institute in the Delhi

As it is evident, to groom actors like Hrithik Roshan, Vivek Oberoi, Akshaye Khanna, Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Saif Ali Khan and new comer Ranvir Singh (Band Baaja Barat) is no cakewalk but Kishore is pretty used to it by now.



The very humble, soft-spoken, sensitive and spiritually charged KNK, as his students call him, now has an institute in Delhi too where he and his team of experts will guide you to unleash the actor within you.

Your favourite star student?
Hrithik Roshan. Not because he has become a superstar but because he has the same humility, dedication and passion that he had when he started out. After two or three films actors become repetitive. On the other hand, Hrithik experiments. There was a time when nobody believed that he could even become a small time actor. He used to stammer, had a back problem and couldn't even dance. He has proved everyone wrong.

And what about the tantrums?
These people are born and brought up in a high-risk industry where glamour is a by-product. But these actors and actresses are very focused and dedicated. Apart from Akshaye Khanna, I haven't seen anyone else acting pricey. Otherwise they were wonderful people to know and teach. They value time and effort. But films aren't just about glamour. You need hardwork, resilience and talent. Else why would Amitabh Bachchan work for 21 hours a day?

Do you feel that any of your trained superstars needs improvement?
Shabana Azmi spent a month in Hyderabad with sex workers to prepare for her role in Mandi. Today, Kareena just walks past the red light area for her role in Chameli and still does justice to her role. I don't think Priyanka did justice to her characters in What's Your Rashee? Playing 12 characters is not about changing 12 dresses. She could have taken it to a different level altogether. I want to see what she does in her next film 7 Khoon Maaf. The director of that movie, what is his name? Yes, Vishal Bharadwaj. He is a fine director.

Who according to you is the next superstar in Bollywood?
Ranbir is a good actor, and I wish he was trained by me. Raj Kapoor wanted him to go to FTII, Pune but Rishi was confused. Even Ranveer Singh is so good. I used to call him Vivekananda.

Can you tell us something about your new branch in Delhi?
We want to spot talent. We have collaborated with the Encore Pictures and producer Abhishek Jawahar who would be auditioning students from our Delhi batch for his film May I Help you?

Star memories
Hrithik: Self conscious
Kareena Kapoor: Extremely shy
Sajid Khan: Always witty. His jokes used to make everyone laugh.
Akshaye Khanna: He had these mood swings and was really temperamental. But he is a better actor than Hrithik because of his sense of realism and acting skills. But if you know about his childhood, you would know why he behaves in that manner. There would be days when no one could even touch him.
Priyanka Chopra: She had this 'attitude' from the very beginning.

At: Kishore Namit Kapoor Acting Institute, Classic Basement, 34, NRI Complex Alaknanda, Next to Jahapana Club, GK IV
Course fee: Rs 70,000