Piyush Mishra opens up on working with Ranbir Kapoor, says he does not carry “not even 1%” of his iconic legacy.
Some actors impress you with talent. Some with discipline. And then, according to Piyush Mishra, there’s Ranbir Kapoor — the star who walks into a room with generations of cinema behind him yet behaves like none of it belongs to him. In a new conversation, the actor-writer opened up about why Ranbir remains unlike anyone he has ever worked with, calling him “light”, “free”, and shockingly unaffected by the weight of the Kapoor family.
“Ranbir doesn’t carry even 1% of his legacy”
Sharing what it was like working with Ranbir in Rockstar and Tamasha, Mishra said the actor surprised him from day one. He said that while Ranbir is sincere on set, once the shot is done, he becomes “completely light, completely free,” never wearing the pressure of being cinema royalty.
“Arre, don’t even ask — that guy is something else,” he laughed, adding, “Itna nanga besharam aadmi maine aaj tak nahi dekha!” What struck him most was how Ranbir completely detaches from the Kapoor lineage the moment the camera stops rolling. “He comes from such a long, long legacy — his father, his grandfather, his great-grandfather, all the way back to Prithviraj Kapoor. But none of that burdens him. Not even 1%.”
Memories with Irrfan
The actor, who worked with Irrfan in Haasil, spoke of him and admitted the loss still stings. “He left too soon, yaar. It hurts a lot… he was such a great actor.”
He explained that although the two weren’t extremely close, they shared deep mutual respect. “To be honest, he wasn’t that close a friend of mine — not the way he was with Tigmanshu Dhulia or Vishal Bhardwaj. We told each other, ‘You did good work.’ That’s where a bond formed.”
Calling Irrfan “very young” at the time of his passing, Mishra added, “Maybe he and I couldn’t become so close, but I’ve heard he was a wonderful human being. May God give peace to his soul and make his sons great actors.”
Irrfan Khan died on 29 April 2020 in Mumbai. He passed away due to a colon infection (colitis) that developed as a complication of his long battle with neuroendocrine tumour, a rare form of cancer he had been diagnosed with in 2018.
Ranbir Kapoor will be seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War next alongside wife and actress Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. The shoot is underway.
Rockstar
“Rockstar” is not a specific place or cultural site, but the name of a major video game developer and publisher, Rockstar Games, founded in 1998. It is most famous for creating culturally influential and often controversial open-world game series like *Grand Theft Auto* and *Red Dead Redemption*, which are known for their satirical storytelling and detailed virtual environments.
Tamasha
“Tamasha” is a traditional form of folk theatre from the Indian state of Maharashtra, with roots dating back to the 16th century. It is a vibrant, musical performance that combines dance, drama, and satire, often centered on social or romantic themes and historically performed by traveling troupes. While originally a popular entertainment for rural audiences, it has evolved and is now recognized as an important part of Maharashtra’s intangible cultural heritage.
Prithviraj Kapoor
Prithviraj Kapoor was a pioneering Indian actor and founder of the Prithvi Theatres, a traveling theatre company established in 1944. He is celebrated as a patriarch of the Kapoor film dynasty and a key figure in shaping both modern Indian theatre and Hindi cinema. His legacy is honored today at Mumbai’s Prithvi Theatre, a renowned cultural venue dedicated to promoting intimate, experimental stage performances.
Haasil
I am unable to provide a summary for “Haasil” as it does not correspond to a widely recognized cultural site, historical landmark, or documented place in available references. It is possible the name refers to a local business, a lesser-known location, or a creative work (such as a film or song). For a specific summary, please verify the accurate name or provide additional context.
Irrfan Khan
Irrfan Khan is not a place or cultural site, but a highly acclaimed late Indian actor known for his work in both Bollywood and international cinema. He appeared in over 100 films, including notable works like *The Lunchbox*, *Paan Singh Tomar*, and Hollywood films such as *Life of Pi* and *Jurassic World*. His career, spanning from the late 1980s until his passing in 2020, is celebrated for bringing profound depth and nuance to his roles, making him a respected cultural figure in global film.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Sanjay Leela Bhansali is not a place or cultural site, but a renowned Indian film director, producer, and screenwriter. He is celebrated for his visually opulent and emotionally intense films, such as *Devdas* and *Gangubai Kathiawadi*, which often explore historical and cultural themes within Indian society.
Love & War
“Love & War” is a popular restaurant and live music venue in the Texas Hill Country town of Tyler, known for its rustic atmosphere and Texas comfort food. Its history is rooted in the concept of celebrating the two things Texans are said to discuss most: matters of the heart and tales of conflict, creating a gathering place that feels quintessentially Texan.
Alia Bhatt
Alia Bhatt is not a place or cultural site, but a prominent Indian actress and singer in Hindi-language films. She is part of a noted film family and began her career as a child actor, rising to major fame in the 2010s with critically acclaimed performances in movies like “Highway” and “Gangubai Kathiawadi.” As a cultural figure, she represents a new generation of Bollywood stars known for their versatility and influence.