"The honor and respect is awesome. I promise you that I will strive to work harder so that you can always say I was worthy of this debut," he said.

Speaking about his son's debut, Rishi Kapoor said, "I am very happy that I am associated with a family that has stayed connected to the Indian film industry for the past 80 years. I am very grateful to the fans for their sustained support and would like to introduce the newest member of the family. It is my son Ranbir. I hope he makes a mark with his debut appearance on the silver screen."

"I am very happy and proud that another member of our family is making his mark in the film industry. I pray to God and also appeal to the audience that they accept him and give him their love and support. I hope he carves a niche through hard work and dedication," said his uncle, Rajeev Kapoor.

Said to be inspired from Dostoevsky's short story 'White Nights', Saawariya is an intense tale of two young star-crossed lovers from different religions.

Bhansali has raised expectations by saying that the film has a special allure.

It was in 1931, that Kapoor family patriarch, Prithviraj Kapoor donned the grease paint for a supporting role in the first talkie Alam Ara, and then moved on to perform in some of the most memorable films of his times.

A pioneer of Indian theatre, he also founded Prithvi Theatres which is active even today.

After Prithviraj Kapoor, his three sons, Raj, Shammi and Shashi Kapoor went onto create waves in Indian cinema with Raj Kapoor established himself as a legendary actor, producer, director in Bollywood. He is still remembered for providing the film industry with some of the most entertaining blockbusters.

Raj Kapoor's legacy was carried forward by his three sons Randhir, Rajeev and Rishi Kapoor, with Rishi Kapoor becoming a rage amongst cine buffs. He continues to entertain audiences with his superb performances.

Saawariya will be an acid test for newcomer Ranbir, who will be compared with his illustrious Bollywood lineage. (ANI)