Ram Kapoor, the talented and versatile actor is currently seen as the host of Zindagi Ke Crossroads that airs on Sony Entertainment Television. Ram has been a favorite and the most admired television actor and on this show, he is seen engaging with real audiences as the real human being that he is, going beyond his acting persona. As the host, he manages to evoke most internal thoughts and perspectives from the studio audience and viewers sitting at home.
Zindagi Ke Crossroads is first-of-its kind fiction-meets-non-fiction concept on Indian television about the decisions we take and how they shape our lives. It showcases relatable life-altering narratives inspired from the drama of life and before a ‘Crossroad’ decision is taken, it is put forth to the studio audience,for deliberation and see what most of us would’ve done.
Q: Why you chose Zindagi Ke Crossroads?
RK: These opportunities rarely come in someone’s way. So, when they come, we should really grab it. This show can make a difference and I am happy that I got this opportunity. I'll share how this show happened to me. When I received the call for the show, I was doing film & digital and had no dates so went for the first meeting clear that I will politely refuse the show citing genuine date issues. But five minutes into hearing the concept by Mahadev and Shabina Khan, I just had to be a part of this show and accepted it immediately. There are turning points in all our careers. And, if you get lucky then you get a project that you do it only for yourself. Like I did Udaan.This show is like that. Look at Shabina. She could've easily made a sitcom as her debut project on TV but she chose this subject & has been working on it for a year. Its unbelievably brave of her to do a concept like this as her first on TV. My proudest achievement will be that I was part of this show.
Q: Did you experience any crossroads in your life?
RK: No, I have been very lucky not to have faced any tough crossroad in my life, so I feel very blessed.
(Also Read: Ram Kapoor's new avatar and other Telly updates)
Q: Zindagi Ke Crossroads is proposing real-life stories of common man in the society. Are these stories also proving solutions to the people’s problems?
RK: No. we aren’t looking to provide any solution to your problems. We don’t want to preach and tell people to do things. We just want people to have conversations on relatable topics and leave them thinking about their own actions in their lives. This is the motive of Zindagi Ke Crossroads. Our job is not to provide solution, it is just to initiate a discussion and let people think.
Q: How excited are you for Zindagi Ke Crossroads?
RK: I am very excited, proud and nervous, Because, this is a very different concept. Also, kids very often watch my shows and I like that because it gives me a good feeling. This is one show that I will get my own children to watch as the stories are life lessons.
Q: As you said, arguments break out between audiences as they share their views, how difficult does it get for you to manage the situation?
RK: Zindagi Ke Crossroads is completely spontaneous. No one knows the direction in which the audience will react or how the discussion will head? Who will laugh and who all will cry? So yes, I must be spontaneous and on my toes and that’s the reason I am enjoying it. Because, nothing is planned. I am loving the challenge.
Q: So far, have you felt in any of the episodes you’ve shot for Zindagi Ke Crossroads that it happened with you or happened around you?
RK: In almost every episode I get this relatable feeling that the same thing has happened with me or with one of my friends. But that doesn’t mean I have the answers to all the questions. The motive is to let people broaden their thinking and listen to stories about what others have gone through.
(Also Read: Avinash Mishra to play a cricketer in Zindagi Ke Crossroads)
Q: You mentioned that you choose this show because it is unique, would you ever like to host any other reality shows like singing shows etc.?
RK: Probably not! Maybe I would have done those kinds of shows in the start of my career. I did Rakhi ka Swayamwar. But, now I have reached a point in my career where I need to be very choosy and select good content. I did that for 10 years and now I am at a stage where quality of the shows matter more than the quantity.
Q: Elaborate your experience as an anchor.
RK: I really love doing this. Because, anchoring is something where I am me, just being myself and not trying to be something else. And, doing something which I feel is meaningful excites me.
Q: Don’t you think shows like Kaun Banega Crorepati, Dusk ka Dum and now Zindagi Ke
RK: Crossroads have been using “common man” as their brand to gain popularity?
A: I feel the shows that are more relatable to the common man should only be made and they are the only ones generating engagement.
(Also Read: Jayashree Venketaramanan bags Sony TV’s Zindagi Crossroads)
Q: Please tell us some of your strengths and weaknesses as an anchor?
RK: I like being spontaneous. I don’t follow any scripts too much and just go with the flow. I think that’s my strength because an anchor should be spontaneous and build that connect with the viewers. My weakness is that I don’t have a command on the language like Amitabh Bachchan Sir has it. When he speaks Hindi, you just want to hear him forever and ever. That is my weakness because my Hindi is average Hindi and not like Bachchan Sir’s Hindi.
Q: Have you ever tried to speak Hindi like Amitabh Bachchan?
A: It’s too late now!
Q: Actor or host?
RK: I prefer being an actor as it’s a pretend world. You get a chance to play different characters and experience a totally different world. Hosting shows occasionally is also a great experience.
Q: Are you satisfied with your massive achievements?
RK: Any actor is never totally satisfied, he wants more and more each time. So, that is in me. I always want more and more and always wish to grow. I feel I am very lucky to have seen this kind of success. There are a lot of people who come to Mumbai and struggle hard. But I don’t think I will ever be satisfied.
Q: What is more difficult? Being father or being a husband?
RK: I think both are difficult.
Q: These days a lot of shows are being remade. Would you want “Bade Ache Lagte Hain” to be remade? And if yes, whom do you see as doing your role?
RK: If any show must be remade, it is good. I would love to see a remake for Bade Ache Lagte Hain. But, I don’t see anyone doing my part. I would rather see the remake of Malgudi Days or Hum Log.
Q: How do you take your failures?
RK: On this planet, every actor at some point in their life and career, experiences failures. No actor is born successful. Failures teach you a lot about yourself and I always embrace them.
Q: While you do prominent lead roles on television (small screen) how was your experience in the big screen being in a least prominent role?
RK: In my mind, there is no difference in the medium of communication when it comes to big screen or a small screen. There is no small or big character. What matters is being a part of a good story. It doesn’t matter if you are a prominent character or a supporting character. Also, there are very very few people in television who have also got a chance to build a career in movies. So, I consider myself very lucky.
Q: What do you have to say about shows being telecast on digital platform?
RK: It’s the future and the biggest platform that we are going to have to communicate in future. In the next 5 years, this is going to be big. Even bigger than the movies. And, I'm fortunate to be working across TV, films and digital.
Q: Would you like to produce a show of your own?
RK: I thought about it. I feel when your career is going well then its not the right time for me to produce any show. Because when I will produce a show, I want to put in my 100% effort in making it a success and for that, I will have to stop my acting career. As of now, I am not ready! May be in the future, I will explore production.
Q: Behind every successful man, there is a woman. How has your wife helped you as backend support?
RK: I feel I am lucky, Gautami is wonderful. I am lucky to have someone from the media industry itself. She understands every problem that I go through. If I am working day and night, she doesn’t bother me and understands it better. She has always supported me. She has managed the home and children so well that she let me put in everything to my career.
Q: Any life lesson that you would like to share?
RK: Live and let others live their life peacefully. That is how always I have lived my life and thats what I teach my children.
Q: What would you like to say to your fans?
RK: You have always seen me playing different roles in different shows in my acting journey. But, on Zindagi Ke Crossroads, you will see Ram Kapoor being Ram Kapoor. I guarantee you will enjoy the show!
Q: Salman Khan's Dus Ka Dum will come on Sony on Monday & Tuesday at 9 PM and you're show will air from Wednesday to Thursday at the same timeslot. Are you scared of competing with him for TRPs?
RK: I will shoot myself before I compare myself to Salman...So, it’s not even crossed my mind. Zindagi Ke Crossroads is bigger than any of us. In all the roles I've done till date, I've made my audiences laugh, cry and smile, this is the first time that I get audiences to think and converse. I don’t give opinions but allow people to share their views.
Q: You have lost weight?
RK: Just a little. I’m getting older and my kids are growing so I want to be fit.
Q: Anything that you won’t do?
RK: I will not do any mythology.
Q: Will you & Gautami ever work together?
RK: Gautami is now spoilt and choosy so will only work if she loves the concept and do it at a time that suits her as our young kids are priority for her. Maybe, once the kids are teenagers, she may consider working with me if the role is good. We keep our kids away from showbiz and allow them to have a natural upbringing and that keeps her busy now.
Q: Would you want your children to follow your path and be an actor?
RK: If they want to why not! My wife and I want our children to study. They are very young now and talk about acting as a career but we are clear, education first. And then they can decide on their career as per their capabilities.
Q: Don’t you think shows like Kaun Banega Crorepati, Dus Ka Dum and now Zindagi Ke Crossroads have been using ‘common man’ as their brand to gain popularity?
RK: I feel the shows that are more relatable to the common man should only be made and they are the only ones generating engagement.
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