Nikhil Kamath x Ranbir Kapoor | People by WTF Ep #2

Entrepreneurs often target young aspiring individuals eager to start their own businesses. The desire for funding and desirability drives these ambitions. It's essential to teach them how to cultivate the innate qualities that attract success in business.

The conversation begins with excitement and nervousness, highlighting a connection through the concept of detachment. The speaker expresses admiration for the guest's achievements but notes that interviews often focus on personal life rather than inspiring content. There's an emphasis on sharing meaningful experiences to inspire others instead of discussing superficial topics like film promotions or personal accolades. Curiosity drives this dialogue, aiming to explore how one can project intrigue and desirability in interactions while also reflecting on their journey from childhood to present.

Roots in Karnataka: A Journey Through Childhood Born in Shimoga, Karnataka, the journey began with a father working at Canara Bank and frequent relocations. After moving to Bangalore at age seven, deep connections formed with the city over three decades of living there. The love for Bangalore is profound; it’s described as having a unique soul that contrasts subtly yet significantly from Mumbai's vibrancy.

Navigating Fame: School Days Under Pressure Growing up as Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh's son brought both privilege and pressure within an acting dynasty. Early on, school experiences shaped his identity—struggling academically but excelling in football provided purpose amidst celebrity expectations. Despite being introverted and often overlooked during dramatics classes, he navigated through strict schooling while grappling with fame-related challenges.

From College Distractions to Directorial Aspirations College life was marked by distractions rather than academics; time spent socializing overshadowed classroom attendance until film aspirations took precedence. Enrolling at the School of Visual Arts ignited passion for directing instead of acting after realizing filmmaking intricacies through short films created during studies abroad.

Lessons Learned Amidst Family Dynamics Returning home led to rigorous lessons about humility under parental guidance despite coming from wealth—a deliberate effort by his father aimed at instilling values amid affluence. Family dynamics were complex due to volatile relationships between parents which fostered fear yet also revealed deeper bonds later seen when caring for each other during hardships like illness.

Cinema's Impact on Identity and Morality The influence of cinema on societal norms is profound, particularly in how past films shaped the identities and expectations of audiences. In earlier times, movies were a primary source of entertainment with more forgiving viewers who accepted repetitive themes without criticism. Today’s audience demands originality and holds filmmakers accountable for perceived moral messages within their stories.

Controversy Surrounding Modern Storytelling Recent films like 'Animal' have sparked controversy despite commercial success due to differing interpretations by audiences regarding morality portrayed onscreen. The filmmaker expresses concern over being labeled misogynistic while acknowledging that storytelling should not dictate societal morals but rather serve as entertainment. Despite facing backlash from critics, he values the film's role in revitalizing his career at a time when he felt stagnant.

Evolving Bonds: From Sibling Rivalry to Distance The relationship with my sister, who is two years older, was filled with love and playful rivalry. We shared a room until I turned 13; she would often beat me up due to her size advantage. However, as I grew stronger, the dynamic shifted in my favor. Life took us on different paths—she moved to London for education while I went to New York—and by the time we reunited after significant life changes like marriage and parenthood, our bond had weakened.

Fatherhood's Impact: Reevaluating Relationships and Mortality Becoming a father has transformed my perspective on relationships and emotional connections. I've always felt detached from others since childhood but now question that indifference as new emotions surface through parenting. The fear of mortality has also changed; previously accepting an early death feels too soon now that I'm responsible for another life’s future. Conversations about commitment reveal hesitance towards long-term ties due to personal evolution over time—a desire not to bind myself when change is inevitable.

Balancing Hobbies with Work Life Engaging in sports and hobbies like badminton, football, and gym workouts provides a social outlet. Despite enjoying these activities, the thought of retirement feels unappealing due to a lack of alternative passions. Validation from work plays a significant role in self-worth; without it, insecurity arises.

The Endless Pursuit of Status The pursuit of status is ingrained in society's fabric—historically linked to roles as hunters or farmers—and continues today through various means including wealth and recognition. This ongoing chase for validation often leaves individuals feeling they have not yet achieved their desired status. Influential figures like Marcus Aurelius highlight that material success may hold less significance than perceived during one's lifetime.

Navigating Fame and Introversion in College Ranbir reflects on his college days, where he struggled with the attention that came from being recognized as an aspiring actor. As an introvert, he often felt overwhelmed by new expectations and friendships. He developed a smoking habit during this time but eventually quit after becoming a father due to health concerns.

Dreams of Building a Sneaker Brand Passionate about sneakers since childhood, Ranbir plans to launch a lifestyle brand focused on essentials like T-shirts and jeans while incorporating streetwear elements. Despite fears of not knowing the Indian market well enough, he's inspired by his wife's successful children's clothing brand and is committed to learning before launching his own venture.

The Power of Authenticity in Celebrity Branding Ranbir discusses how modern audiences connect more deeply with celebrities who show their vulnerabilities rather than maintaining polished public personas. He believes authenticity can drive sales for personal brands because consumers are drawn to real stories behind products they buy.

Guilt and Grief: A Complex Relationship With Loss Reflecting on family dynamics shaped by loss, Ranbir shares feelings of guilt regarding emotional distance from his late father despite having loved him dearly. His father's passing triggered panic attacks instead of tears; therapy attempts were unfulfilling due to difficulty expressing emotions or connecting with therapists effectively.

'Guilt' becomes central as both brothers grappled emotionally following their father's death under sudden circumstances—compounded when one brother suffered a stroke shortly thereafter amid familial turmoil involving another sibling's cancer treatment abroad.

The Impact of Judgment on Mental Health Judgment in society is rampant, with people quick to criticize others without understanding their circumstances. This tendency affects mental health discussions, particularly for men who face societal pressures that discourage vulnerability and seeking help. Despite the challenges both genders experience regarding mental health, it’s crucial to approach these issues gracefully and avoid using them as excuses for inaction.

Identity Misunderstood: Navigating Public Perception Personal experiences shape perceptions of identity; being labeled can lead to misunderstandings about one's character. The speaker reflects on a past where they were mischaracterized as a playboy despite focusing solely on work during significant years away from dating. Acceptance by society comes at the cost of personal privacy but ultimately leads to realizing one should not take public perception too seriously while maintaining commitment in romantic relationships.

The Essence of Romance: Companionship and Growth Romance is defined by companionship, laughter, and deep friendship. The speaker feels fortunate to have married someone who not only shares a close bond but also brings joy into his life. Alia is described as vibrant and ambitious; their relationship has evolved over time with mutual respect and understanding. Both partners have made efforts to adapt for each other’s comfort, showcasing the importance of communication in nurturing their connection.

Strengthening Bonds Through Shared Experiences Living together since they began dating solidified their bond during challenging times like lockdowns or family crises. Their shared experiences—training together, playing games—strengthened their relationship significantly. Alia's support during difficult moments highlighted her commitment while fostering harmony between families adds another layer of depth to the partnership.

The discussion revolves around the abundance of female energy in a particular setting, suggesting that it might be beneficial to gather food. This implies a communal or social aspect tied to sharing meals and experiences among women.

Politics demands conformity to a structured narrative, which conflicts with a rebellious spirit. The desire for personal freedom and creative expression outweighs any interest in political roles. Despite the possibility of change over time, there’s a strong preference for pursuing artistic endeavors rather than navigating the complexities of politics. Acknowledging limitations in skills necessary for success as a politician reinforces this choice; creativity is prioritized over public service.

Essential Traits for Success in Film To thrive in the film industry, essential traits include patience and sacrifice. A successful career requires waiting for opportunities while giving up aspects of personal life. Different roles demand unique qualities: directors need selflessness, producers must be people-oriented leaders, and actors should maintain a childlike imagination to avoid cynicism.

Persistence Leads to Breakthroughs After returning from college with aspirations of working under renowned director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, persistence led to an opportunity that became a significant learning experience. Assisting on 'Black' taught resilience through long hours and high expectations despite initial setbacks like 'Savia.' The breakthrough came with 'Wake Up Sid,' where understanding character depth over heroism reshaped his approach to acting.

The Importance of Audience Validation 'Audience validation is crucial; their reactions determine success or failure more than any other opinion,

. Balancing fame's perks against its pressures reveals deep insights about celebrity status—receiving love feels rewarding yet can lead one astray if overly attached. Observing family dynamics within the industry instilled humility; he values fan interactions highly compared to past experiences witnessing rejection among stars

Unmatched Joy: The Birth Experience The birth of a child is an unparalleled experience, evoking emotions that are difficult to articulate. The moment of holding your newborn for the first time feels like having your heart placed in your hands, creating an instant and profound love. This bond differs between parents; while mothers may feel connected during pregnancy, fathers often develop their attachment later through playful interactions with their children. A personal high point also includes achieving recognition in sports as a young athlete.

Navigating Life’s Challenges Life's lows can overshadow highs more easily than expected, revealing deep feelings of guilt and failure associated with family dynamics and career setbacks. Experiences such as losing significant investments or facing emotional turmoil from breakups highlight life's challenges vividly compared to moments of success which fade into memory over time. Losing beloved pets can evoke intense grief akin to losing family members due to the strong bonds formed over years together.

Embracing Fearlessness & Acceptance Living without fear opens up possibilities for self-exploration beyond societal judgments about one's personality traits or insecurities regarding professional failures. Embracing both joy and sadness allows individuals to process experiences fully rather than suppressing them out of concern for external perceptions—this philosophy encourages acceptance regardless if one faces pain or happiness at any given moment.

. Balancing Ambition With Authenticity Friendships play crucial roles in shaping perspectives on life within creative industries where collaboration thrives on shared ideologies around honesty and hard work amidst glamorized misconceptions about acting careers' ease versus effort required behind-the-scenes laborious tasks involved therein . Learning from industry veterans emphasizes balancing ambition against maintaining genuine relationships outside work commitments—a reminder not only how demanding this profession is but also its potential impact upon personal lives too

Embracing Growth Through Investment Life is a journey of constant growth and exploration. The desire for more drives the transition from short-term to long-term investments, allowing one to delve into various industries. Each new investment brings excitement and learning opportunities that alleviate anxiety, reinforcing self-worth through knowledge acquisition.

Value in Experiences Over Ownership Financial decisions reflect personal values; renting over buying offers flexibility without emotional attachment. Acknowledging the limitations of residential real estate yields leads to prioritizing experiences like travel over ownership. This perspective fosters an appreciation for art while recognizing emerging Indian artists who are reshaping cultural narratives.

Harnessing Envy as Motivation Envy can be a powerful motivator, pushing individuals towards action rather than stagnation when faced with insecurities about circumstances or achievements. Personal growth involves overcoming past feelings of jealousy by focusing on one's own path instead of comparing oneself with others' successes.

Connecting Beyond Politics: Celebrating Local Craftsmanship Engagement with influential figures reveals their human side beyond public personas; genuine connections foster admiration and respect despite societal perceptions surrounding politics. Supporting local craftsmanship highlights India's potential in global markets while encouraging consumers to appreciate quality handmade products over foreign brands—ultimately benefiting both creators and buyers alike.

Prioritizing sleep is essential for health, serving as the foundation of well-being. Incorporating Omega-3 supplements and cold exposure techniques like ice baths can enhance physical performance and recovery. A shift in workout style towards holistic training methods has transformed fitness routines, focusing on mobility, bodyweight exercises, and functional movements rather than traditional weightlifting. This rigorous regimen supports preparation for a demanding acting role that requires significant physical transformation.

In Bollywood, competition is viewed through the lens of admiration for emerging talents like Vicky Kaushal and Ranveer Singh. The unpredictability of success in film—where years of effort can culminate in a brief moment on screen—creates an environment filled with heartbreaks and challenges. Despite the hard work that goes into filmmaking, only a small percentage achieves commercial success; many newcomers often lose money while pursuing their passion. The evolving landscape influenced by OTT platforms has shifted how films are financed, emphasizing intellectual property as crucial to profitability.

Making money in the restaurant industry is challenging, often requiring deep passion and commitment. The speaker reflects on moments of vulnerability after performing, feeling drained yet fulfilled by sharing their inner self. They express gratitude for the opportunity to connect with others about their work and life experiences. A desire to continue these conversations in the future is emphasized, highlighting a mutual interest in exploring resonant topics together.