Ranbir supports girl child empowerment

Mumbai: After voicing concern for conservation of water, Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor has now lent his support to another initiative -- saving and empowering the girl child.

The ‘Rockstar’ actor has joined hands with veteran actress and social activist Shabana Azmi for the cause by becoming a goodwill ambassador of her NGO, Mijwan Welfare Society. While talking about the social issue, Ranbir praised Shabana`s efforts towards it. "I haven`t done much for Mijwan Welfare Society besides attaching my name to it. Like Shabana aunty said that being an actor, there is a certain amount of people who will listen to your voice. This is a movement for which the lady sitting next to me is very passionate about," Ranbir said sitting next to Shabana at an event here. "We must believe in that because there is a lot of honesty, love and feelings behind it. There is no agenda behind it," he added. Ranbir, son of Rishi and Neetu Kapoor, also has an elder sister, Riddhima. He says in his home, she was always given an extra edge over him. "I have a sister. She has been very close to me and my family. My parents have brought us up equally or as a matter of fact, my sister was given an extra edge over me. I think that is how every Indian family should bring up their children," said the 29-year-old. Meanwhile, Ranbir`s first release this year would be Anurag Basu`s ‘Barfi!’, set to hit theatres July 13. He will also be seen with ex-girlfriend Deepika Padukone in Karan Johar`s ‘Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani’, to be directed by Ayan Mukerji of ‘Wake Up Sid’ fame. IANS