Mumbai, November 4, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Actor Ranbir Kapoor has described a longstanding tradition in the Kapoor family, saying fathers across generations have rarely openly praised their sons, believing that constant appreciation could distract them from striving for excellence.
Ranbir shared the family anecdote during a conversation with Amitabh Bachchan on the television show Kaun Banega Crorepati. He recalled reading the story in a book on his grandfather, legendary actor-filmmaker Raj Kapoor, written by his aunt Ritu Nanda.
According to Ranbir, Raj Kapoor had once asked his father, Prithviraj Kapoor, why he never appreciated his achievements or patted him on the back, despite his success as a film star.
Prithviraj reportedly responded with a story about a young boy who performed balancing acts on a rope by the roadside. Large crowds gathered to watch him, applauding and rewarding him with money after every performance.
However, whenever the boy approached his father to ask how he had performed, the response remained the same: there was still room for improvement.
After years of hearing this, the boy eventually questioned why his father continued to withhold praise when audiences were so appreciative of his performances.
Ranbir recounted that the father explained his approach by saying that if he began praising the boy, his focus could shift from his goal to the admiration he received. The intention, therefore, was to keep him striving rather than becoming complacent.
Ranbir suggested that the same philosophy had continued across generations of the Kapoor family, where encouragement often came through expectations of doing better rather than verbal appreciation.
The Kapoor family has played a significant role in Indian cinema across several generations. Prithviraj Kapoor laid its foundation, while his sons Raj, Shammi and Shashi Kapoor became prominent figures in films and theatre. Raj Kapoor’s sons Randhir, Rishi and Rajiv also pursued careers in cinema, followed by later generations including Karisma, Kareena and Ranbir Kapoor.
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