Kareena Kapoor Khan shuts down RK Studios revival rumours: ‘It’s heartbreaking, but it’s not happening’

Kareena Kapoor Khan has firmly dismissed recent rumours suggesting that her cousin Ranbir Kapoor is planning to revive the iconic RK Studios, calling the speculation “not true” and describing the situation as “heartbreaking.”

In an exclusive interview with ETimes (The Economic Times), Kareena addressed the buzz directly, clarifying that no such revival is in the works. She revealed that the topic had even come up in the Kapoor family group chat, where everyone unanimously agreed it wasn’t happening.

“That’s just not true. It was even being discussed in our family group, and everyone was like, ‘This isn’t happening,’” Kareena said. “I feel people really want it to happen. I feel like Ranbir is focused on acting. He loves acting. I think he’s the best actor in India we have today. So, his focus is on that. It’s heartbreaking, but it’s not happening. Maybe Lolo [Karisma Kapoor] and Ranbir should think about it because I don’t think I can think like a director or a producer.”

The rumours gained traction earlier this year when reports claimed Ranbir had signed a long-term lease (possibly 20 years) for a large space in Mumbai, potentially in Andheri East, to re-establish the RK Films banner. Some stories suggested he was gearing up for a creative lineup, including his potential directorial debut under the revived banner. However, sources close to the family have previously labelled such claims as “baseless,” with no official confirmation from Ranbir or others involved.

RK Studios, founded in 1948 by legendary filmmaker-actor Raj Kapoor (grandfather to both Kareena and Ranbir) in Chembur, Mumbai, was a cornerstone of Indian cinema, producing timeless classics under the RK Films banner. The last film released under the banner was Aa Ab Laut Chalen (1999), directed by Rishi Kapoor. The studio’s decline began in the early 2000s amid the rise of modern facilities in Mumbai’s suburbs. A devastating fire in 2017 destroyed much of the property, including irreplaceable memorabilia and film archives, rendering it non-operational. In May 2019, the Kapoor family sold the original Chembur land to Godrej Properties for approximately Rs 180 crore, marking the end of the physical studio era.

Despite the sale, the RK legacy endures through the Kapoor family’s contributions to cinema. Kareena praised Ranbir’s dedication to acting, emphasizing that his current priorities lie in performing rather than production or studio revival efforts.

Fans of the Kapoor dynasty have long hoped for a nostalgic return of RK Studios, given its sentimental and historical value as India’s first family-owned studio. Kareena’s statement reflects a shared family sentiment—while the desire exists, practical realities and individual career focuses take precedence.

As of now, there are no indications from Ranbir Kapoor or the family that revival plans are underway. Kareena’s candid response puts the rumours to rest, at least for the foreseeable future.