"Ranbir is an actor you can't take your eyes off."
When one thinks of the best Indian actors in each generation, Ranbir Kapoor is right up there.
He was born on September 28, 1982, into one of Bollywood’s most illustrious families – the Kapoor clan.
The son of Raj Kapoor’s second son, Rishi Kapoor, and Neetu Kapoor, Ranbir was destined for stardom like his ancestors.
He was launched in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Saawariya (2007), which unfortunately, was a box office disappointment.
However, that debut got him noticed and Ranbir continues to enjoy a sparkling career and masses of adoring fans.
A versatile and talented actor, Ranbir has always entertained us with thought-provoking and intriguing cinema.
In a celebration of such a fine actor, DESIblitz proudly presents ten best films of Ranbir Kapoor.
Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008)
Director: Siddharth Anand
Stars: Ranbir Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Deepika Padukone, Minissha Lamba
After the dismal results of Saawariya, Ranbir Kapoor bounced back with Siddharth Anand’s Bachna Ae Haseeno.
Named after Rishi Kapoor’s classic song, the film presents Ranbir as the playboy, Raj Sharma.
In Bachna Ae Haseeno, Raj learns some difficult yet important lessons as he navigates three women in his life.
These women are Radhika Kapoor / Shreya Rathore (Bipasha Basu), Gayatri Divecha (Deepika Padukone), and Mahi Ahluwalia (Minissha Lamba).
Ranbir’s onscreen chemistry with his leading ladies, particularly Deepika, is praiseworthy and unique, cementing him as a celluloid ladies’ man.
When Raj deals with rejection, he realises how he broke the hearts of these women, motivating him to repent and seek forgiveness.
The chartbuster, ‘Khuda Jaane‘, by KK and Shilpa Rao, also contributed to the immense success of this film.
Bachna Ae Haseeno proved one thing: Ranbir Kapoor is not to be underestimated.
Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahaani (2009)
Director: Rajkumar Santoshi
Stars: Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif
In Rajkumar Santoshi’s slapstick comedy, fans see Ranbir as the happy-go-lucky Prem Shankar Sharma.
The film tells the story of Prem and Jennifer ‘Jenny’ Pinto (Katrina Kaif), with whom Prem falls in love at first sight.
However, he cannot muster the courage to tell Jenny how he feels, paving the path for an unforgettable yet hilarious love story.
Packed with comedic situations, balanced exquisitely with deep emotion, the film tickles ribs and numbs eyes at the same time.
Prem must contend with Jenny’s higher status, existing attachments, and her maturity, which all contrasts his own life.
Will he ever be able to win her heart?
The film has become something of a classic in Bollywood.
It was also highlighted for Ranbir and Katrina’s sizzling chemistry, as well as Ranbir’s impeccable comic timing.
Watch Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahaani for a fantastic viewing experience!
Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year (2009)
Director: Shimit Amin
Stars: Ranbir Kapoor, Gauahar Khan, Shahzahn Padamsee, Prem Chopra, Manish Chaudhari, D Santosh
Ranbir Kapoor becomes Harpreet Singh Bedi in Shimit Amin’s satire.
Harpreet is a B.Com graduate who starts to work in computer sales.
An idealist, Harpreet struggles with the company’s corruption and secretly starts his own business.
This begins a parallel war, with Sunil Puri (Manish Chaudhari), determined to have the new company for himself.
What follows is the narrative of honesty prevailing over corruption. The film contains one of Ranbir’s finest performances.
Film critic Rajeev Masand stated: “Ranbir is an actor you can’t take your eyes off.
“Whatever else you do, don’t miss this film.”
Admittedly, Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year was not a box office smash when it was first released.
However, over the years, it has gained respect and a cult following for its novel concept and Ranbir’s fabulous act.
Raajneeti (2010)
Director: Prakash Jha
Stars: Ajay Devgn, Nana Patekar, Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Arjun Rampal, Manoj Bajpayee, Sarah Thompson, Naseeruddin Shah
Inspired by the Mahabharat, Raajneeti marked the first time Ranbir featured in a multi-star cast.
In this political drama, Ranbir portrays Samar Pratap, the younger son of Chandra Pratap (Chetan Pandit).
Samar is the Executive of the Jana Shakti party.
Initially, Samar has no interest in politics. However, the film displays his arc from a reluctant observer to a ruthless strategist.
As Brij Gopal (Nana Patekar) takes Samar under his wing, the young politician learns to manipulate alliances, elections, and rivalries.
Ranbir brilliantly holds his own against some of the more experienced actors in the cast. He stands out like a rose among sunflowers.
In an interview, Ranbir regards Raajneeti as one of the first films of his which his father Rishi Kapoor was proud of.
Raajneeti may have garnered a mixed response from film critics, but what cannot be denied is Ranbir’s powerful performance.
Whether as a solo lead or among a cohort of famous faces, fine artistry is not a problem for Ranbir Kapoor.
Rockstar (2011)
Director: Imtiaz Ali
Stars: Ranbir Kapoor, Nargis Fakhri, Aditi Rao Hydari, Shammi Kapoor
For Rockstar, Ranbir teams up with ace director Imtiaz Ali for the first time.
In this film, he plays Janardhan ‘JJ’ Jhaker / Jordan, an awkward student.
When he begins to harbour feelings for Heer Kaul (Nargis Fakhri) that are not reciprocated, JJ takes this in his stride.
He believes that emotional pain will make him a better musician.
Adopting the stage name of Jordan, JJ becomes a rebelliously successful rockstar.
However, this is juxtaposed with his relationship with Heer, which turns destructive and toxic.
Ranbir’s performance in Rockstar was widely acclaimed, and bagged him his first Filmfare Award for ‘Best Actor’ in 2012.
The film is also notable for showcasing the final film appearance of the veteran legend, Shammi Kapoor.
As Ustad Jameel Khan, Shammi Sahab shares the screen with Ranbir, his real-life grand-nephew, for the only time.
Barfi (2012)
Director: Anurag Basu
Stars: Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Ileana D’Cruz, Saurabh Shukla
In Anurag Basu’s Barfi, fans can see Ranbir Kapoor like never before.
He transitions into the titular character, who despite being deaf and mute, is charming, optimistic, and wise.
Barfi lives his life with an unabashed smile, despite causing reams of mischief which causes Inspector Sudhanshu Dutta (Saurabh Shukla) to tear his hair out.
Later, Barfi falls in love with Shruti Ghosh (Ileana D’Cruz). In spite of her engagement, she secretly returns his feelings.
However, everything changes when Barfi’s childhood friend, the autistic Jhilmil Chatterjee (Priyanka Chopra Jonas), reenters his life.
Barfi must face his own challenges, while also battling his feelings for both Jhilmil and Shruti.
Funny, witty, and heartwarming, Barfi is a resplendent display of actors par excellence.
Ranbir and Priyanka nail their difficult roles and the film is also anchored by Pritam’s amazing soundtrack.
To prepare for his role, Ranbir studied the works of Charlie Chaplin and his grandfather, Raj Kapoor.
The astounding results are there for all to see.
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Stars: Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Aditya Roy Kapur, Kalki Koechlin, Kunaal Roy Kapur
This iconic film sees Ranbir join forces with his frequent collaborator, Ayan Mukerji.
After their previous smash hit, Wake Up Sid (2009), the actor-director duo reunited once again to create another coming-of-age drama.
The film introduces the audience to four classmates who meet during a trekking expedition.
Ranbir is the carefree Kabir ‘Bunny’ Thapa, who has ambitions of working in television.
After developing closeness with Dr Naina Talwar (Deepika Padukone), Bunny must leave before romance can blossom.
Years later, and after achieving his dreams, Naina and Bunny meet again, but can they rekindle their spark?
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani was a huge money-spinner when it was released.
Despite their highly-publicised personal break-up, Ranbir and Deepika professionally and delightfully keep their chemistry intact.
The film also gained popularity for its iconic Holi song, ‘Balam Pichkari‘.
Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016)
Director: Karan Johar
Stars: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma
Karan Johar’s everlasting saga of unrequited love, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, marked Ranbir’s comeback after a spate of unsuccessful films.
As the musician, Ayan Sanger, Ranbir’s expressions become a canvas of deep pain and incredible strength.
Ayan falls in love with Alizeh Khan (Anushka Sharma), who simply cannot love him back.
This causes a wave of heartbreak to wash over Ayan.
His journey also intertwines with Saba Tahir Khan (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan), who also navigates her broken heart.
Describing the film, Karan says: “It’s a film that dwells deeply on relationships, heartbreaks and how love completes you, defines you and yet leaves you wanting for more.”
The film is adorned with breathtaking music, including the anthem, ‘Channa Mereya‘, the perfect ode to unrequited love.
If you want to be amazed, charmed, and emotionally touched all at the same time, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil ticks these boxes like nothing else.
Sanju (2018)
Director: Rajkumar Hirani
Stars: Ranbir Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, Vicky Kaushal
In this enduring biopic, Ranbir Kapoor seamlessly blends into the skin of the Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt.
Sanju explores Dutt’s life, encompassing his romances, career, and controversies.
The film specifically deals with his battle with drugs and his legal ordeal involving firearms.
Nailing every aspect of Dutt’s personality, from his laugh, voice, and walk, Ranbir astonishes all with his award-winning performance.
He strikes good chemistry with both Paresh Rawal (Sunil Dutt) and Vicky Kaushal (Kamlesh Kanhaiyalal ‘Kamli’ Kapasi).
At its core, Sanju is the story of a father and son and of two friends.
It is filled with touching moments and thought-provoking dialogues, making it a standout in both Ranbir and Rajkumar Hirani’s filmographies.
You don’t need to be a fan of Sanjay Dutt for this biopic to impress you.
Ranbir’s performance alone will leave a lasting mark on your heart.
Animal (2023)
Director: Sandeep Reddy Vanga
Stars: Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Bobby Deol, Triptii Dimri
Ranbir Kapoor inhabits the unforgiving world of Ranvijay ‘Vijay’ Singh in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s epic, Animal.
Vijay deeply loves his father, Balbir Singh (Anil Kapoor). However, this love transforms into a dangerous obsession.
To protect his father, Vijay goes to extreme lengths, including murder.
This obsession is underscored by B Praak’s hair-raising chartbuster, ‘Saari Duniya Jala Denge‘.
Vijay’s missions and the way he goes about them threaten to destroy his relationships with not only Balbir, but with his wife, Geetanjali Iyengar Singh (Rashmika Mandanna).
A menacing Abrar Haque (Bobby Deol) also provides support towards making Animal the blockbuster it is.
As for Ranbir, in one of Bollywood’s best father-son dramas, he delivers a skilful act, showing us that there are no limits to his talent.
For Animal, Ranbir won the Filmfare ‘Best Actor’ award in 2024.
Ranbir Kapoor is undeniably a superstar, but he is also one of the greatest actors of his time.
Despite entering the industry with a flop, he has starred in and propelled some of Bollywood’s finest films.
Character and genre are no hindrance for him. He has always proven his dynamism and vibrancy in acting.
Whether it be the comedy of Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahaani, the rebellion of Rockstar, the painful love of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, the real-life figure of Sanju, or indeed the mythological world of Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana saga, Ranbir commits his all into every project.
The results of every film may not always be profitable, but what is consistent is Ranbir’s uncanny ability to transform into his characters.
For that, Ranbir Kapoor deserves our praise, respect, and adulation.
