Ranbir receives best wishes from President Patil

Mumbai, Oct 28 (IANS) His debut vehicle "Saawariya" is all set to hit the screens in a few days and Ranbir Kapoor has already received best wishes from none other than President Pratibha Patil. He was a guest at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

"Actually it was my bua (aunt)," revealed Ranbir. "We had gone to the president for the release of my bua's (Ritu Nanda) book on my grandfather (Raj Kapoor). My dad who was shooting in Chandigarh also air dashed to Delhi for the occasion."

The book was launched Oct 23 in the capital.

Initially, Rishi Kapoor wasn't allowed into the president's chamber. But when it was known that Ranbir's father was also present, he was quickly escorted in to join Ritu and Ranbir.

Even days after the experience, Ranbir still can't get over it. "With its hand-painted ceilings, the Rashtrapati Bhavan is the most awesome architecture I've seen."

"The president was so down-to-earth and friendly. She released my aunt's book and then spoke to us about cinema. Would you believe it, she's seen the films of everyone in the family, from my great-grandfather (Prithviraj Kapoor) to my dad. She spoke about my dad's debut in 'Bobby' and my debut in 'Saawariya'."

The president also expressed a desire to see "Saawariya", which is directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali who is known for creating hits like "Devdas" and "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam". The musical love story, which releases Nov 9, is also the debut vehicle of Anil Kapoor's daughter Sonam.

"Can you believe it? The lady's graciousness was so infectious. And though there were so many ministers waiting for her attention, she was completely focused on us while we were there."

"Mrs. Patil was specially impressed by the line -'Hum ne rahenge tum na rahoge rahengi sirf nishyaniyan' - from my grandfather's film 'Sri 420', which starts off the book."

After the meeting, Ranbir has one more wish added to his list. "I want to receive my first National Award from her," he said.

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Saawariya