Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor became proud parents to a baby girl on Sunday morning. The couple shared the news on social media, and their family members followed suit. Some family members, including Alia’s mother Soni Razdan and Ranbir’s mother Neetu Kapoor, were seen visiting the couple on Sunday evening. Alia’s half-brother Rahul Bhatt, who has been away for work, hasn’t been able to meet the proud parents and baby yet.

Sharing his excitement, he told BT, “I am overwhelmed. I haven’t been able to see the child, but I am just happy that both the mother and the baby are hale and hearty because that’s very important.”

He further added that his father, Mahesh Bhatt, is extremely excited to meet the little one. Rahul shared, “He’s the proudest person right now. He couldn’t wait for the baby’s arrival. What has happened is that he has had three daughters (Pooja, Shaheen and Alia), so it is a déjà vu of sorts for him. He is comparing this to the time when his first daughter, Pooja, was born.”

Talking about new parents, Alia and Ranbir, Rahul says, “Alia is very responsible, and I think Ranbir will be an extremely hands-on dad.”

Talking to Bombay Times, Ranbir’s sister Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, who was in France, said, “I am ecstatic! The feeling of becoming a bua is just something else, and I can’t wait to see the little one now!” — Renuka Vyavahare

Bollywood’s power couple Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt are now parents to a baby girl. The couple drove to a hospital in Girgaon, Mumbai, around 7:30 am yesterday. Ranbir’s mother Neetu Kapoor, and Alia’s mother Soni Razdan and her sister Shaheen Bhatt were also present at the hospital.

On Sunday morning, Alia shared the news of their daughter’s arrival, writing on her Instagram Stories, “And in the best news of our lives, our baby is here. . . and what a magical girl she is. We are officially bursting with love – and blessed and obsessed parents!!!!! (sic)”

Apparently, Ranbir and Alia began dating when they started shooting for Brahmastra in 2018 and tied the knot on April 14 this year in an intimate wedding ceremony at their Bandra home, with just their family and close friends in attendance. On June 27, Alia surprised everyone when she shared a picture from an ultrasound session on social media and wrote, “Our baby …. . coming soon (sic). ”

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Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor are now parents! The actor- couple welcomed their first child, a girl, on Sunday, at Mumbai’s HN Reliance Hospital.

“And in the best news of our lives: Our baby is here... and what a magical girl she is. We are officially bursting with love -- blessed and obsessed parents (sic),” read Alia’s Insta post.

The couple’s families are also ecstatic at the new addition to the family. Ranbir’s sister Riddhima Kapoor Sahni tells us from France, “I can’t wait to see the newborn! We are all very excited. My mum (Neetu Kapoor) will FaceTime me the minute she sees her.”

The couple got married in April this year. In June, Alia had announced that she and Ranbir are set to embrace parenthood, with a picture of her undergoing sonography.

Last month, the Kapoor family organised an intimate baby shower for Alia at her residence, which saw her mum Soni Razdan, sister Shaheen Bhatt and others in attendance.

htc [with inputs from rishabh suri]

Alia announced in June that she’s expecting her first child. After wrapping up the shoot of her Hollywood debut, Heart of Stone, she dived into Brahmastra promotions. She has also set maternity fashion goals on the go, especially with her ‘Baby on Board’ gharara.

In 2014, Alia revealed that she first met Ranbir on sets of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Black, when she was just 11.

In January 2018, they crossed paths on the sets of Ayan Mukerji’s Brahmastra, which marked their first project together. The duo instantly hit it off.

In May 2018, they made their first appearance as a couple at Sonam Kapoor Ahuja and Anand Ahuja’s reception in Mumbai.

In March 2019, the actor made Ranbir blush when she said “I love you” to him at an award function. Later in the year, she posted an adorable message on Ranbir’s birthday, calling him her “sunshine”.

In 2020, Ranbir said during an interview that had the pandemic not hit, he would’ve been married to Alia already.

In November 2021, the couple’s Diwali snap broke the internet.

In April this year, after much speculation, Alia and Ranbir got married in their house in the presence of their families and close friends.

Alia Bhatt took the internet by storm after she shared a post on her social media page announcing her pregnancy. The picture put up by the actress on Instagram shows her in a hospital bed, as she and her husband Ranbir Kapoor look at an ultrasound monitor. The post also has another picture showcasing a lion family. The actress wrote alongside the pictures, “Our baby. . . coming soon (sic).”

Within no time Alia’s post went viral and received reactions from friends and family. We reached out to Alia’s mother Soni Razdan. The evidently emotional actress confirmed the news saying, “There are some moments in life that are so moving and overwhelming in their sheer power and joy. This is one of them. We’re all overwhelmed and dancing with joy!”

She further added, “Creating a new life is just such an amazing-amazing life altering experience. There simply isn’t anything to beat it. It’s the most beautiful and significant moment for any two people. I wish them (Ranbir-Alia) so much love and joy. And yes, I can’t wait to be a nani too!” Dadi-to-be Neetu Kapoor also thanked the paps when they congratulated her at her reality show’s set.

Meanwhile, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni and Karan Johar took their respective social media accounts to express their joy. Ranbir’s older sister posted a picture of the couple, and wrote, “My babies are having a baby. I love you both so much (sic).”

KJo also shared one of couple’s picture from their wedding, and wrote, “So much love for them! My baby is going to be a mother! I can’t express my feeling… so so so excited! Love you Both (sic).”

Ranbir and Alia tied a knot on April 14 at a closeknit family affair hosted in their house in Mumbai.

In what came as a big surprise for their fans, actors Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor announced their pregnancy yesterday. The former took to social media to share a picture of herself during a sonography session, with Kapoor by her side. “Our baby ….. coming soon,” she captioned it. Our source tells us that it will be a December baby for the couple, who got married on April 14.

Bhatt’s mother, actor Soni Razdan, tells us, “We are overjoyed and overwhelmed. Words really don’t do justice to this moment. So happy for Ranbir and Alia, and for all of us. There is nothing greater or more profound than bringing another life into the world.”

Kapoor’s sister, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, says, “We are so thrilled and happy for Alia and Ranbir. They will be the best parents. As a family, we are extremely excited.”

Many celebs wished the to-be parents as soon as Bhatt shared the news. “Heart is bursting,” wrote filmmaker Karan Johar. Actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas posted, “Congratulations honey!! Yaaaay! Can’t wait (sic),” while actor Anushka Sharma posted an Insta story with the photo Bhatt shared and wrote, “Welcome to the mommy and daddy club”.

One of Bollywood’s favourite love stories, which started on the sets of Brahmastra, reached its happily-ever-after yesterday. Tinsel town’s power couple Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at the groom’s Bandra home, Vastu. Following the pheras, the newlyweds posed for the photographers. The groom may be intensely private, but his joy was evident as he went the filmy route and picked up his dulhania in his arms, giving their legion of fans and the waiting lensmen an ‘aww’ moment.

The big day started with a haldi ceremony at Vastu, which was attended by Neetu Kapoor and Riddhima Sahni, as well as Alia’s mother Soni Razdan and sister Shaheen Bhatt. A source says, “The festivity started around 9 am. After a quick round of haldi, Alia started getting ready for the wedding at 11 am.”

Soon, there was a steady stream of baraatis. From Randhir and Kunal Kapoor to Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan with their sons, from Mahesh and Pooja Bhatt to Akash and Shloka Ambani, families and close friends arrived to celebrate D-day. Sources say Karan Johar, who launched Alia in the movies with Student Of The Year (2012), turned emotional on seeing her as a bride. “The pheras took place around 3:30 pm. The wedding was in keeping with traditional Punjabi rituals,” adds the source.

Talking to mid-day, Randhir remembered his late brother and Ranbir’s father Rishi Kapoor. “I wish Chintu were here. We all miss him every day, but more so today. It is wonderful to see Ranbir and Alia starting this new chapter.”

Neela Devi Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor’s wife and the oldest member of the family, welcomed Alia into the fold. “She gave Alia her first shagun. It signified that she is now a part of the family,” says the source.

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Actor Alia Bhatt finally got married to her childhood crush, actor Ranbir Kapoor, on Thursday in Mumbai at Ranbir’s residence, Vastu. The afternoon wedding was an intimate affair with only their closest friends and family members in attendance.

Ranbir’s family — mum Neetu Kapoor and sister Riddhima Kapoor Sahni — arrived in style, wearing designer Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla outfits.

Team bride comprised family members — parents Mahesh Bhatt and Soni Razdan, sisters Shaheen Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt, as well as Alia’s BFF Akansha Ranjan Kapoor.

Ranbir’s uncle, Randhir Kapoor, told us that the family was “happy that Alia-Ranbir got married” but added that everyone was missing his late brother and Ranbir’s dad, Rishi Kapoor, on the occasion. “We missed Chintu (Rishi Kapoor); he should have been here. But life must go on.”

Alia’s team distributed sweets to the media present at the venue, but the security in-charge, Yusuf, admitted that their work was made quite difficult by the paps around. Security forces even made a human chain and used the help of local police officers to escort celebs flocking to the venue.

The couple’s pre-wedding festivities took place at Vastu on Wednesday, and we exclusively learnt from choreographer Rajendra Singh aka Masterji that the Kapoor khandaan surprised the couple with a dance performance on songs such as Mehendi Hai Rachne Waali, Dholida, Tenu Leke Main Jawaanga, etc. He said the wedding was a “very private affair, and no more than 30 to 35 people were present”.

Furthermore, our sources revealed that Alia didn’t opt for an elaborate bridal mehendi, but instead got a minimal and simple design. “She also got an R (Ranbir’s initial) and an 8 (his football jersey number) included in her mehendi design,” informed the source. Her mehendi was done by Chembur-based artist Jyoti Chheda.

And it has begun! After weeks of speculation, the Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatt wedding got off to a dazzling start in Bandra yesterday. As per the couple’s wishes, the pre-wedding festivity, like the nuptials that are slated for today, was an intimate affair. But the low-key ceremony was enough to bring Pali Hill to a standstill.

Paparazzi swarmed around the lane leading to Ranbir’s residence Vastu, with four of them trying to sneak in, in vain. An additional set of bouncers and a media management team were promptly deployed to man the premises along with the assigned cops.

The day began with a mehndi ceremony at Vastu. A beaming Neetu Kapoor was the first to arrive at the venue with daughter Riddhima Sahni and family, followed by the bride’s father Mahesh Bhatt and half-sister Pooja Bhatt. Soon, guests — including Karisma and Kareena Kapoor Khan, Karan Johar, Ayan Mukerji — started pouring in.

We hear the function was followed by pitr pooja, which is conducted to honour the family’s ancestors and elders who have passed away. A source reveals, “The couple had a ring exchange ceremony. Forty-two years ago, Neetu ji and Rishi ji were engaged on this day. The kids wanted to start their marriage on the special note.”

After a chooda and pagdi ceremony, the evening was reserved for the sangeet. The source adds, “The couple had little time to prepare and apparently danced to some old Rishi-Neetu hits.” Later in the evening, Neetu confirmed to the waiting lensmen that the wedding is scheduled today.

An exotic honeymoon will have to wait as Ranbir, soon after the wedding functions, will head to Himachal Pradesh to kick off Animal. The bride will resume work on Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani. But, it turns out that the couple might enjoy a quick getaway to Dubai next month. Ranbir is committed to play a celebrity football match in the desert emirate on May 7. His team All Stars Football Club will play against the Emirates United at the Shabab Al-Ahli stadium.

A source reveals, “Ranbir will reach Dubai on May 6. The couple has decided to turn it into a mini-holiday. Alia will join him on May 8. The two will extend their stay, returning to the bay after May 15.”

Ranbir Kapoor who gave Bebo's all-nighter a miss, was one of the early birds at his grand uncle Shashi Kapoor's annual Christmas luncheon. His bestie and regular guest, director Ayan Mukerji, was also in attendance. Ranbir's cousins - Rima Jain's actor sons, Armaan and Adaar, Kunal Kapoor's kids Shaira Laura and Zahan Prithviraj and Karisma with her kids Samaira and Kiaan Raj - were there too. They clicked pictures in the garden and binged on Punjabi khana.

Ranbir's Delhi-based sister Riddhima arrived with her daughter, Samara, and parents, Rishi and Neetu Kapoor. She told everyone she was missing hubby Bharat Sahni, who was away on work. Rishi came with a large goodie basket while his younger brother Rajiv flaunted a Santa hat. Wife of the late Shammi Kapoor, Neila Devi, made a rare appearance, looking as elegant as ever in a blue sari.

“We celebrate Christmas every year with a grand lunch. It's lovely to see the entire family come together,“ said Randhir, chugging his drink at the party. Cheers!

RIDDHIMA KAPOOR SAHNI, designer
Dear maa, As I've gotten older I've come to realise how the time spent with my family has gotten so minimal. I am either running after my five-year-old, hanging out with friends, working, or simply relaxing in the living room, watching the latest episode of a TV show. I seem to have forgotten about the people who got me to where I am today, and I've especially forgotten that one person who pushed me to make me the person I've become ­ my mother. So mom, this one is for you.

I want to begin by telling you how much I love you. I know I don't always show it and, honestly, I don't even say it that often, but I do. You are the most important person in my life, and you always will be. Ever since I was little, you have been my hero. You have sacrificed so much in your life just to raise me and be there for me. It means more to me than I'll ever be able to express in words in this letter. You gave up your biggest passion ­ acting, and dedicated all your time to me and Ranbir. Now that I am a big girl, I want you to follow your heart and live your life to the fullest.

Mom, you are the strongest person I know and I am so blessed to have you in my life. The two words 'Thank You' can never be enough to appreciate every little thing that you do for me. Thank you for the countless hugs. Thank you for that time you let me cry on your shoulder when I fought with my best friend. Thank you for the laughter, the smiles, the lessons, and reminding me that I'll always have somebody who loves me with all my flaws. Lastly, I want to say a 'big' Sorry. I'm sorry for all the times I have fought with you or let you down. Lots of love, Riddhima


PRACHI DESAI, actress
Dear mother, I have always taken for granted the fact that you will be around whenever I need you. You have diligently been my comfort zone; just like a pillow beside a sleeping child. Today, I am so habituated to your presence that I look for you every time I want to share my happiness with someone or even vent my anger, or express any other kind of emotion. You are that one person who has seen me fall, and rise to success. You put away your dreams and made my dream and desire your very own so that you could see me blossom into a responsible and considerate individual, someone with a strong character. When I think about it, I regret the fact that you couldn't realise your aspirations because you were too busy bringing me up. But it's never too late and, now, it is my turn to make your dreams mine. Let this big girl hold your hand and take you through this beautiful journey called life. Let's put aside my priorities for a while and focus on those little things that give you a lot of joy. I want you to spend time with your friends, read all those books you love and travel the world. Live life on your your terms, mom. It's time. With Love, Prachi


KARTIK AARYAN, actor
Dear mom, Your constant support has played an invaluable role in my life and what I have achieved today. I can never forget those days when I was pursuing an acting course in Delhi and later in Mumbai without informing you about them. Since you wanted me to take up engineering or medicine, I was afraid my decision would hurt you. But when I bagged the lead role in my first film, you were the happiest person in the world. Instead of scolding me for hiding the truth, you simply congratulated me, and, in fact, even came to Mumbai to motivate me. It was such an emotional moment for me. Mom, you never said it but I could sense all your worries. I know you were skeptical about me entering an industry where success doesn't last for long, but you let me follow my dreams. Since you are far away in Gwalior and I am in Mumbai, I miss you each day. I call you twice or thrice a day only to hear your voice and feel comforted. You go on and on with your stories and I can listen to them all day long. I love your sense of humour and a happy-go-lucky nature; you can make me laugh even on a bad day. I don't know if I ever told you this but you are definitely my 4 am friend and I am happy that I can talk to you about anything under the sun. I miss your home-cooked food and all the weekend family outings. You have slogged for all these years only to make my life easy; now I promise to give you all the luxuries you have missed out on. The best years of your life have begun! And lastly, I want you to be my mom for many more lives to come as just one life isn't enough to give you a whole lot of joy! Your only hero, Kartik


AMAAL MALLIK, music composer
Dear mom, I am writing this letter to say a big 'Thank You' to you and, in a way, question myself. What if you hadn't sacrificed your best years for me? What if you didn't support dad financially by giving tuitions so that Armaan and I could study in the best schools and colleges? I know that you wanted to pursue a career as a lawyer, and I am sure you would have excelled at it, but you gave up your dreams to be with the family. You invested all your time in helping us succeed in academics as well as extra-curricular activities. Recognizing our talent, you sent us for piano and singing classes at an early age. I clearly remember my 12th grade board exams; I had met with an accident and almost lost my vision. You sat with me all night, reciting every line and I sailed through the exams. You truly stood by me like a pillar. When I didn't know what to do with my music skills and no director or producer took me seriously, you guided me in reaching out to the industry with the help of advertising agencies and production houses. By being a 'Jhansi ki Rani' yourself, you taught me to fight harder during tough times, take up challenges without any fear and carve an identity for myself. At the same time, you taught me to stay humble and grounded. I didn't know what success was but I realised I was successful when I saw you teary-eyed when I was receiving my Filmfare Award for Best Music this year.You never fail to surprise me. I saved all the money I earned from my first few projects and bought you an expensive handbag, thinking you'd be really happy to receive the gift. But you got upset, returned the bag and bought me a pair of new headphones. How many women can do that! While you have been a super mom all your life, I now want you to live your life and do everything you have missed out on. I am going to work harder each day so that you can realise your dream of travelling the world. Lastly, I am really sorry for my nonsensical behaviour, tantrums and unreasonable demands. You have always put up with them with a smile. Though I never say it, I love you a lot and I know that you love me too. So, let's decide to fight a little less, and love a little more. PS: Your love and determination have bonded our family like a team. You truly make us feel like the 'Fantastic Four'. Yours musically, Amaal
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DNA (May 8, 2016)

AYUSHMANN KHURRANA
Dear Mother, I may not call you everyday but I think about you and your well being every single day. You may not be expressive as a person, you never say anything but whenever you see me your eyes well up and that explains a lot. You still give me money for good luck in that loud envelope before bidding adieu is just so nostalgic and loveable. And I was born with patience, contentment and dimples because of you. Strangely, I’ve never said these things to you. Thank you for being you. Happy Mothers’ Day. Love Ayush (Nishu)
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Upala KBR (DNA; May 8, 2016)


I remember some of the festivals we celebrated... Mom has an eye for detail and she pays attention to every small thing. She loves decorating the house and putting up cute pieces/items sometimes handmade stuff here and there. I always bring in my birthday with family... It’s been a tradition!

Between Luv, Kush and me mom has no favourites. Of course, I would like to believe I’m her favourite. Mom is a fab cook. The Sindhi curry she makes is out of this world! She has been insisting that I learn cooking, but I haven’t stepped into our kitchen as yet. I’m not ready for it yet.

We have all imbibed her values... To stay humble, grounded, be good to everyone around you and always put family first. Mom has given me some special gifts — my genetics, good skin and features are all thanks to her, she really looked after herself so I don’t have to.

Today on Mother’s Day I would like to cook a decent meal for her as that will really make her happy!
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Subhash K Jha (DNA; May 8, 2016)

“My mom is my biggest support and critic. I’ve tried to be a good son and I don’t think I’ve given her a single day of grief. Though my father was always there for my sister and me, and he made sure he took us with him during outdoor shootings whenever possible, my mom has always been as much my hero as my father. I was never outstanding in academics. But that never bothered my mom. I excelled at sports, and her eyes would shine with pride every sports day when I’d triumph. It was all along presumed that I’d be an actor like my father. My mom never pressurised me into taking up that job. She always left the option to me. Of course, when I decided to be an actor she was the happiest. For my launch film Heropanti my mother was more nervous than I could ever be. When it worked she was over the moon. I was happy to have a successful debut. But I was happier that my mother was happy. Now, after Baaghi my mother’s joy knows no bounds. Of course my dad is equally happy. But he has never been demonstrative. My mother doesn’t hold back her joy at seeing her children succeed. She cuts and collects every word that appears about me in the papers. I want to make my parents proud. And I want to tell my mother that I want her to be happy every single day, and not just on Mother’s Day. I know she’s there for me every single day of the week. I want her to know she has my unconditional love. After marriage my love won’t be divided between my mom and my wife. It will be doubled.”

Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, who were in New Delhi around Diwali to promote their upcoming release Tamasha, had a sweet meeting with RK's sister Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, who resides in the capital. The Kapoor siblings are really close and it is therefore no surprise that Riddhima with her young daughter Samara dropped by. While it was natural to see RK and his older sister bond, it was equally lovely to see Deepika indulging Samara.

Brother-sister relationship has played a pivotal part in Bollywood movies in the past. As this sibling revelry remains the focal point of the upcoming film Dil Dhadakne Do, helmed by Zoya Akhtar and featuring her brother Farhan Akhtar, here's looking at some real bhai-behen jodis of B-Town..

While many a girl's heart goes dhak-dhak for Ranveer Singh, one girl the dashing actor loves the most in the world is his sister Ritika. In a recent interview to Bombay Times, he said, “She is my second mother and is two years older. She pampers me crazily, is my spine, my strength and she is what keeps me centered. She is so sensitive to me, so understanding and always selflessly does so much for me.“

Ditto Ranbir Kapoor, who dotes on his sister Riddhima Kapoor Sahni. A few weeks ago, the two siblings also shared on the internet a photograph with her daughter Samara.


For Anushka Sharma, her brother Karnesh is one of the four most important people in her life. As she admitted in an interview to BT recently, “If my parents or brother or Virat were upset, it would upset me but those are the only people who are important for me and can change my mood. Earlier I would give that power to anybody, but that power is today only with them. Now no one else has the power over me.“


Never mind if Hrithik Roshan has moved out of the family home, sister Sunaina plays an important part in his life. The close bond the brother-sister share is evident in the way he talks of how she's greater than him. In an earlier inter view, he has been quoted saying, “I know she is the one person who will be by my side no matter what. And at the same time, she will never be afraid to tell me that I am wrong. She has integrity as well as the power to love.“


Saif Ali Khan too shares a wonderful bond with his sisters Soha and Saba.While the sisters can talk to their bhai about anything under the sun, he is generous, warm, loving and protective towards them.


Another actor who adores his elder sibling is Abhishek Bachchan. On Shweta Nanda's birthday this year, he posted on a photo-sharing website, “Big sisters are the best...“


Priyanka Chopra, who dotes on her younger brother Siddharth, also shares new developments in his life, on social media. Like when he was starting a pub lounge in Pune, PeeCee had taken time off to launch the place. Also fond of Siddharth is cousin, actress Parineeti Chopra, who inaugurated his café in Mumbai earlier this year.


Tusshar and Ekta Kapoor may have their own spaces in the family home, but they are always there for each other. While she gets him a gift every time she goes out of town, he spends plenty of time in looking for the right gift for her.


Shah Rukh Khan too shares a very close bond with his sister Shehnaz, to whom he means the world. Recently, the superstar shared from his conversation with her over who was cuter, he or his younger son AbRam. He wrote, “Sisters are so cute. I asked mine if she remembers if I looked like lil AbRam. She said, `Noo!! U were very handsome'. Ha ha“ (sic).

Sources say that Ranbir Kapoor and his parents Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh were not on Arpita Khan's wedding invitation list. However, Ranbir's sister Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, who resides in New Delhi, was invited to the wedding ceremony in Hyderabad yesterday and the reception in Mumbai on November 21. Riddhima confirmed that she has received the invitation. She also said she was unable to attend both the Hyderabad and Mumbai functions because of her daughter's school schedule.





Neetu Kapoor and Riddhima, tell us why a mother's role is paramount to build character in a child's life

Neetu Kapoor openly confesses, “It's true... I have to make appoint ments to meet my son! I actually do a mental rewind on what I need to discuss with him, when he has time. Both my kids are 'settled' in that sense ­ Ranbir with his career and Riddhima with her marriage and children," she muses, as we settle in her basement parlour for a hot cuppa. Mrs Kapoor has her tea with diet oatmeal biscuits only, and the zero-fat Riddhima Kapoor-Sahni does not even seem to be touching that! Riddhima is keen to chat first, worried that Samara (her 3-year-old daughter) may implode if she doesn't get attention quickly.

“Show us the Suryanamaskar?" asks Neetu of her, and Samara promptly enacts the asana. “Say the Gayatri Mantra?“ Baby obliges. Looking at me laughing, Neetu Kapoor says, “She'll do it all, then she will chant Om Shanti Shanti Shanti, then do some yoga pose."

When you listen to the flawless, super-fit Neetu speak, you realise that while most well-to-do women her age are madly insecure about how gravity and time will impact them, she somehow has it all figured out... with admirable élan. A self-professed `motu teenager when I got films opposite Rishi', Neetu has maintained an under 60-kilo weight for decades now, never once giving in to complacency. “There are a lot of lifestyle diseases which I have seen in my family. Obesity leads to diabetes, blood pressure, gout...so many issues. Cancer may be more complex but lifestyle diseases are entirely in our control. I keep varying my exercise...kabhi zumba, toh kabhi yoga... and when I go on a holiday, I buy the latest exercise equipment," is her quick confession. “Now, I am into Vipr; I keep adding new things from my travels. I go into the garden with my trainer and do the Vipr. We also do TRX. Every day I do one form of exercise. Twice a week with a trainer, thrice a week I do zumba. I have to work out for one hour, daily."

Riddhima is a chip off the elegant block. For decades, Neetu Kapoor's only focus was raising her kids to be good human beings. Riddhima knows that inherently, is grateful for it, but also says she sees her mum as a stylista. “To me mum was always like this style icon, she used to go out to party, wear these sarees, dress up.
We were kids, we always had school the next day, but I loved to watch mom get dressed. I have memories of her visiting Abu and Sandeep's showroom, thinking 'one day when I grow up, I will also wear these types of sarees!'" she smiles, nostalgically.

Having said that, so strong has Neetu's influence been on the kids with healthy ways of being, eating, thinking, that Riddhima has not only kept up this legacy in her own space, but the roles between mother-daughter now seem to be reversed! “Now, I am learning so much from Riddhima. ­ She is so controlled, she has amazing willpower... I am, in fact, asking her to gain weight, not lose weight," says Neetu. “I know that at night she will have just one roti and sabzi. You never see her picking on food through the day. And this is not how the Kapoors are. My husband Rishi... I have not been able to put any of this into his head. Now I have given up. Let him enjoy. For years when he was acting, I used to put him on many different diets... and, in fact, that is how my own understanding grew. He used to be on chemical diets, 11 day diets, he used to skip a lot in those days. Then my focus shifted to the kids... raising them to understand good lifestyle choices."

Riddhima sans make-up, sans fancy clothes, is a paler version of the sporty Neetu. Says she, “Everyone knows how wonderful my mom is as a homemaker. Presently, I live in a joint family in Delhi, but if I had to do things entirely my way, I would do it exactly like mum. Nothing OTT, everything simple, minimalistic. My mom's taste is very classic, elegant, and I lean towards that. She's more earthy. That's her. Colour and all is also not for me.“

Says Neetu, “Imagine for so many years, 24/7, it was just my children and me; how they shape up has everything to do with how much time and energy you invest in your kids. Now when I look back, I see that they both Ranbir and Riddhima are like me. They are nothing like my husband! While raising them, I noticed if I was courteous to somebody, they learned that. How I treated my mom-in-law, is how Riddhima will treat her mum-in-law. If I am overall good with strangers, polite, or throwing tantrums ­ she will mirror that," shares Neetu.