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Bollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor was in London this week for the promotional tour of his forthcoming film Rockstar. Directed by Jab We Met director Imtiaz Ali, the film marks the debut of American model Nargis Fakhri, who stars opposite the Wake Up Sid star. The film charts the rise and fall of musical Rockstar Jordan (Ranbir Kapoor) and explores the passion and desire of Ranbir’s character to achieve stardom, as well as the damage that his thirst for fame has on his life and his loved ones. To learn more about the release Desi-Box caught up with the cast at an exclusive press meet in London. Below are a few questions that were asked and answers from the cast.

Primary questions involved whether Imtiaz was concerned regarding the recent controversy regarding the censorship of a ‘Free Tibet’ banner that features in one of the songs of the film. Imtiaz clarified that there was no major problem. I don’t see anything controversial in the intention or the portrayal in the movie so I’m definitely not concerned.

The film shows Ranbir’s character in quite extreme lights from a small town college student to an international Rockstar. Ranbir told Desi-Box that in order to get into the character’s frame of mind at the beginning of the film he spent a few days with a local family near Delhi. During his time there he learnt as much as possible about their lifestyle and mannerisms to perfect his character. Ranbir revealed we went out, ate, drank and danced with the local boys of the area, and even heard about their girlfriend issues. We were sub consciously trying and grasp as much as we could

Nargis plays a popular college student whom Ranbir’s character falls in love with. Despite feeling nervous and apprehensive about her first role, Nargis informed Desi-Box that she spent months learning and perfecting Hindi for the role. The former Kingfisher model told us that the role was a real eye opener, in that she had to really try hard to let loose and let go of herself in order to play the demanding character in the film.

When Ranbir was asked why he only has signed up to one film this year he revealed that the film required quite a lot of time and the filming process itself was a journey. It spans 7 years, many phases and looks. I’m not an insecure actor that needs to sign 5 films to feel good about myself and money is not my drive.

Despite being shot in various locations including Kashmir, Delhi and Prague, the filming process was actually shot in reverse, working from the end of the film to the start. Imtiaz explains that we shot the portions where he has long hair first, so that we could stage it down and cut more of it, as growing was not going to be in our control whereas the cutting was. We did that at the peril at making it difficult for Ranbir to perform, because in a way he reaches a place and then had to unlearn that experience. Imtiaz told us candidly.

Nargis also openly spoke about her modelling career before she landed her role in the film. The model revealed I was at a point in her modelling career where I actually began to dislike it, and in a way felt lucky that this part came through for me.

The music of the film is composed by the world renowned musical maestro A.R Rahman. Imtiaz commented about the renowned musical working on the Eros International project. Working with Rahman was like a vast ocean which you could dive into without fearing the rocks, and you felt this man is somewhere in this space and will guide you. But really he let all of us discover ourselves through the process of making the music.

The late Bollywood legend Shammi Kapoor makes his last appearance on the silver screen in this film. Imtiaz spoke of the fondness that the cast and crew had for the iconic figure. Working with Shammi Kapoor was very heart-warming. The fact that he could be so humble as well as nervous whilst taking a shot and could be so connected with the rest of the crew was amazing.

Director Imtiaz wanted to make it clear to audiences that the film is not autobiographical and stated that the story worked its way and came out as Rockstar.

Finally, both Ranbir and Imtiaz cleared the air when asked whether the film highlights a social or political message that many have suggested. Both exclaimed There is no intended message in the film; it’s just a story, and we are trying to tell this story to the best of our abilities.

Rockstar is bound to strike a chord with many, with its heartbreaking tale and spellbinding soundtrack this film will definitely be worth a watch.

Rockstar is released nationwide on the 11th November 2011.

By Dheeraj