Ranbir Kapoor is one of a kind in the whole of Bollywood. From his first screen appearance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Saawariya in 2007 to his latest outing in Ayan Mukerji’s Brahmastra, this talented actor has continued to surprise and delight. On his 40th birthday, here’s a list of things that sets Ranbir apart.
No to social media
Social media, especially Instagram, is how fans get a peek into their favourite stars’ lives. It’s also how film stars stay on top of their fans’ minds. Social media is their go-to platform, from announcements to endorsements. Ranbir is one of the rare Bollywood stars (Saif Ali Khan joins him on this list) who has stayed away from Instagram and Twitter.
A section of Ranbir fans always prays that he joins social media, but his absence builds a kind of mystery around him that keeps his fans hooked. Not being accessible via social media makes him an elusive and more sought-after star. No wonder the noise around his pre-release appearances and press interviews is very high.
Ranbir’s friends and family have sometimes hinted that he has an unofficial social media handle that he uses to keep tabs on things. And with wife Alia Bhatt around, we do get a glimpse or two of his special days and holidays.
Love for number 8
Ranbir is in love with the number 8. Reasons? His mother Neetu Kapoor was born on July 8, and the number signifies infinity. Alia seems to have grown a fondness for the number as well. From Ranbir’s car plate number to his football jersey and cap number, from featuring in Alia’s mangalsutra, kaleere, and mehndi to posting 8 pictures of their wedding on social media, this particular number is a constant companion of Ranbir and Alia.
Seasoned risk-taker
He said yes to first-time director Ayan Mukerji’s coming-of-age drama Wake Up Sid, became a turbaned salesman in Shimit Amin’s ahead-of-its-time film Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year early on in his career, took up the challenge of playing the deaf and mute Murphy in Anurag Basu’s Barfi!, stuck to a long-drawn project with many hurdles that became an endearing film like Jagga Jasoos (also by Anurag Basu), and kept faith in a director who offered him a mythology-based fantasy tale like Brahmastra. Ranbir has proved, time and again, that he is open to new challenges. It’s true that not all his risks turned out successful, but he doesn’t stop trying.
Smooth dancer
Jab se tere naina, Badtameez dil, Dilliwaali Girlfriend, Balam pichkari, Galti se mistake, Matargashti, Ghagra, Ji huzoor! – What’s common in the dance numbers? An energy ball who can bring childlike ease and innocence to his dance performances. Be it an impromptu jig or a choreographed routine, Ranbir can channel emotions like nobody can. There is a certain carefree kid that gets unleashed when he moves. From his 2007 debut in Saawariya to Brahmastra, the flamboyant-yet-confident style makes him a delightful watch.
Cute chemistry with Alia Bhatt
Ranbir Kapoor’s love life has garnered a lot of public attention but the way he and Alia Bhatt came together is the stuff of romance lore.
In a previous season of Koffee With Karan, Alia was candid about having a crush on Ranbir; this was much before they took off as a couple. The romance blossomed on the sets of Brahmastra, in which they star together for the first time. From the beginning of their growing fondness for each other, they neither gave away nor tried to hide what met the eye.
Unlike his previous relationships and his need for privacy, Ranbir was more forthcoming about his then girlfriend, Alia. And much before the release of Brahmastra, people began to warm to their cute camaraderie whenever they were spotted together at press events, awards shows and social dos.
Ranbir-Alia’s wedding on April 14 was a special occasion held in their own apartment in the presence of only family members and some close friends. The newlyweds are soon going to be parents.
