What is it about football that you love?

Football is life for me and if not an actor I would have loved to be a footballer! I represented my school (Bombay Scottish) at the state level for the under-16 team. Football teaches one teamwork, determination and discipline, apart from being such an exciting sport. Even if I did not follow a professional football career, I am happy that I am being able to contribute to the game by promoting it in India.

So, how did the association with the Pepsi T20 football initiative come about? Pepsi has always been associated with youth passions such as cricket, music and movies. They identified football as a fast emerging youth trend in India and decided to take it forward as the next big platform. I was thrilled when I heard the idea and the fact that it was not just another ad. They are going beyond and have created a mega amateur tournament called Pepsi T20 Football.

The tournament takes forward the philosophy of ‘Change the Game’ by taking football outside the conventional domain and giving it a refreshing twist. It is a unique grassroots initiative mounted at a never-before scale in India that aims to take the excitement around the sport to the next level.

Football in India needs a push from corporates and sports authorities and I am glad that Pepsi is taking this initiative. I am hoping that football gets the importance it deserves and who knows one day we (Team India) might make it big in this sport too.

What do you think needs to be done to get more and more young people here interested in playing football?

I think as a nation, we need to widen our horizons and look at sports other than cricket. While cricket is a religion in our country, I see a sport like football gaining immense popularity. While football is immensely popular in states like West Bengal, Goa and Kerala and in metros like Delhi and Mumbai, it is time to popularise it at the national level. That’s where a grassroots programme works and Pepsi has taken the first step.

Ranbir Kapoor with Priyanka Chopra on the sets of Barfee in Calcutta last August

Who are your favourite soccer players?

I am a big FC Barcelona fan and my favourite footballer is Lionel Messi. I think he’s the best player of this generation. I missed watching him play in Calcutta last year but I got a chance to meet him and it was a great experience.

And, of course, I admire legends like Maradona and Pele. They are true game changers!

You have been quite a Bollywood game changer. Looking back at your five-year career, what do you think has worked in your favour?

I think I am blessed and have been fortunate with the kind of love and support I have received in the industry and from the audience. Over the last few years, I have worked with some of the best in the industry and have learnt a lot from them. The real game changers are the directors who have shown faith in me and offered me films like Rockstar, Barfee and more. With that kind of belief in me, the least I can do is to do my work sincerely and put in the hard work it deserves.

You were voted the brand ambassador of the year in 2011. What is the do and don’t that you keep in mind while signing on a brand?

I only endorse brands that I believe in and can relate to. I remember as a youngster I used to see the biggest stars endorsing Pepsi and I aspired to be one of them. Today I am proud of my association with Pepsi and the kind of work we are doing together. It is not only about encouraging people to drink Pepsi but connecting with Youngistaan.

Your next release Barfee is one of the most eagerly awaited films of the year. How has it been shooting for the film so far?

Darjeeling is a beautiful place with amazing people and I thoroughly enjoyed shooting there. Calcutta has its own appeal and I realise why so many artistes and filmmakers are in love with the city. The city is a perfect mix of the energy of a modern metro and an old-world charm. We had a lovely time shooting in Calcutta and I look forward to returning to the city soon.

From Rocket Singh to Rockstar, you have done so many unconventional roles. How do you manage to keep your roles so refreshingly different even while working within the parameters of commercial cinema?

I am glad that I have managed to do a range of characters and they were appreciated by the audience. I do not, however, take up a role keeping in mind the commercial aspects of a film or look selfishly for an unconventional one. It starts with the film and then comes to my character. The lines between commercial and unconventional cinema are blurring. I go for a film that convinces me as a viewer first. Then I trust the director’s vision for my character... and I have learnt with each film.