The USP of Ranbir Kapoor, one of Bollywood’s most talented actors, is that he can consistently deliver fine performances with a wealth of detail and energy. From the beginning of his career, the Animal actor has shown a remarkable ability to blend into different characters, making each performance memorable. Here’s a chronological look at some of his best performances.
Wake Up Sid (2009)
In this Ayan Mukerji film, Ranbir Kapoor plays Sid, a careless, wealthy young man with no sense of direction in life, who undergoes a transformation after moving in with a writer (Konkona Sen Sharma). His portrayal of Sid was sweet and natural, making the audience resonate with his journey of self-discovery and responsibility. His performance in this film laid the foundation for him as an actor capable of nuanced roles. Wake Up Sid did well commercially, and fetched Ranbir Kapoor a Filmfare nomination for Best Actor.
Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year (2009)
In this underrated gem by Shimit Amin, Ranbir Kapoor played the role of a young, honest Sikh salesman navigating the corporate world with integrity. While the film didn’t perform exceptionally well at the box office, Ranbir’s portrayal of Harpreet Singh Bedi is considered one of his most sincere and grounded performances, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate subtle, character-driven stories and won him a Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Critics).
Rockstar (2011)
This Imtiaz Ali film can be considered as a career-defining one for Ranbir Kapoor, where his ability to bring the audience to the theater and keep them there with his acting chops is at full wattage. Kapoor portrayed the emotional journey of Jordan – a struggling singer who rises to fame but faces heartbreak along the way – with wild abandon. Rockstar was a critical and commercial success, with Ranbir sweeping major awards for his deeply emotional and complex performance, most notably the Filmfare Award for Best Actor.
Barfi! (2012)
In this Anurag Basu hit, Ranbir played a mute and deaf character who communicates solely through expressions and gestures. His performance was imbued with charm and a childlike innocence. Without relying on dialogue, Ranbir Kapoor conveyed a wide range of emotions, making this challenging performance another milestone in his career. With Rs. 175 crore under its belt, Barfi! was not only a box office success, but also widely appreciated by critics, earning Ranbir several accolades, including Best Actor trophies at the Filmfare and Screen Award ceremonies.
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani remains one of the biggest hits of Ranbir’s career, with a lifetime theatrical collection of nearly Rs. 320 crore. His portrayal of Bunny, a carefree young man, struck a chord with the college crowd, and his character’s journey from chasing dreams to understanding the value of relationships was both enjoyable and emotional. His chemistry with Deepika Padukone also shone and cemented this film’s place as a favorite among young fans.
Tamasha (2015)
Ranbir Kapoor teamed up with director Imtiaz Ali once again to explore the inner recesses of a man trapped between practical expectations and his true passion for storytelling. His performance as Ved was filled with nuances and vulnerability. Tamasha’s meandering, self-indulgent detours were pointed out by the critics, but they were equally appreciative of Ranbir Kapoor’s fine performance. With earnings of nearly Rs. 136 crore by the end of its theatrical run, Tamasha wasn’t the massive success it was expected to be, but Ranbir Kapoor received a Filmfare nomination for Best Actor for this film.
Sanju (2018)
In Sanju, Ranbir Kapoor transformed himself into Sanjay Dutt under the skilled direction of Rajkumar Hirani. His portrayal was spot-on, from capturing Sanjay Dutt’s mannerisms to portraying his struggles with addiction, loss, and redemption. Ranbir’s performance earned him widespread acclaim, and his ability to balance humor, vulnerability, and intensity made Sanju one of his most memorable performances. Sanju raked in a whopping Rs. 590 crore by the end of its theatrical run, and brought Ranbir Kapoor yet another Filmfare Award for Best Actor.