Ranbir Kapoor – Complete Biography & Filmography (2007–2025)

Ranbir Kapoor
Ranbir Kapoor is one of the most versatile and critically acclaimed actors of modern Hindi cinema. Belonging to the legendary Kapoor family, he is the son of actors Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh, and the grandson of Raj Kapoor. Known for his natural charm, boyish looks, and intense performances, Ranbir has balanced commercial blockbusters with critically acclaimed cinema over the years. From his debut in 2007 with Saawariya to his record-breaking hits like Sanju and Animal, Ranbir has established himself as one of the leading superstars of Bollywood.
He bounced back with a series of romantic-comedy successes:
- Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008) – his first commercial hit.
- Wake Up Sid (2009) – a coming-of-age drama that resonated with urban youth.
- Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani (2009) – a superhit comedy with Katrina Kaif.
- Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year (2009) – although not a big hit, critics praised Ranbir’s performance.
By 2010, Ranbir was seen as a promising young star. His performance in Raajneeti (2010) alongside Ajay Devgn and Katrina Kaif proved his versatility and gave him a big ensemble hit.
Key highlights of this period:
- Rockstar (2011) – A milestone in his career, where he played a troubled musician. The film won him the Filmfare Best Actor Award.
- Barfi! (2012) – One of his most loved performances, portraying a mute and deaf man. India’s official entry to the Oscars; winner of multiple awards.
- Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013) – A cultural phenomenon and one of the biggest hits of his career. His chemistry with Deepika Padukone became iconic.
- Besharam (2013) – A rare flop despite starring alongside his parents.
By 2014, Ranbir was a household name. However, films like Roy and Bombay Velvet (2015) underperformed.

However, Tamasha (2015) with Deepika Padukone, though not a massive hit, received cult appreciation for its emotional depth, layered storytelling, and Ranbir’s intense performance.
Mega Stardom – Sanju & Beyond (2018–2022)
- Sanju (2018): Biopic on Sanjay Dutt, directed by Rajkumar Hirani. A blockbuster (₹586 crore worldwide); Ranbir’s transformation is widely hailed.
- Shamshera (2022): Returned after 4-year gap; the film failed at the box office.
- Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva (2022): Fantasy-action by Ayan Mukerji; mixed reviews but a massive success, crossing ₹400 crore worldwide.
Recent Years & Box Office Domination (2023–2025)
- Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar (2023): Rom-com with Shraddha Kapoor; a solid commercial hit that revived his rom-com charm.
- Animal (2023): Crime-action by Sandeep Reddy Vanga (Arjun Reddy, Kabir Singh). A blockbuster, entering the ₹900+ crore global club; cemented pan-India stardom.
Upcoming (2025 & Beyond)
- Animal Park (sequel to Animal) – officially announced.
- Brahmāstra: Part Two – Dev – Ayan Mukerji’s fantasy sequel.
- Love & War (2025) – Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali; co-starring Alia Bhatt & Vicky Kaushal.
Acting Style & Legacy
- Effortless, natural screen presence.
- Brilliant emotional range (from Rockstar to Animal).
- Balances romantic-hero roles with serious, intense characters.
- Among the rare stars with both critical acclaim and mass popularity.
Awards & Recognition
- Filmfare Awards: Multiple wins including Best Actor (Rockstar, Barfi!, Sanju).
- Regularly features in Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list.
- Often called the “Best Actor of his Generation.”
Complete Filmography (2007–2025)
Year | Film | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2007 | Saawariya | Ranbir Raj | Debut |
2008 | Bachna Ae Haseeno | Raj Sharma | Hit |
2009 | Wake Up Sid | Siddharth Mehra | Cult classic |
2009 | Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani | Prem | Superhit |
2009 | Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year | Harpreet Singh | Critically acclaimed |
2010 | Raajneeti | Samar Pratap | Hit |
2010 | Anjaana Anjaani | Akash | Average |
2011 | Rockstar | Janardhan / Jordan | Blockbuster |
2012 | Barfi! | Murphy (Barfi) | National acclaim |
2013 | Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani | Kabir (Bunny) | Blockbuster |
2013 | Besharam | Babli | Flop |
2014 | Roy | Roy | Flop |
2015 | Bombay Velvet | Johnny Balraj | Disaster |
2015 | Tamasha | Ved | Cult following |
2016 | Ae Dil Hai Mushkil | Ayan | Hit |
2017 | Jagga Jasoos | Jagga | Semi-hit |
2018 | Sanju | Sanjay Dutt | All-time blockbuster |
2022 | Shamshera | Shamshera/Balli | Flop |
2022 | Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva | Shiva | Superhit |
2023 | Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar | Rohan | Hit |
2023 | Animal | Ranvijay Singh | Mega blockbuster |
2025 | Love & War | TBA | Upcoming |
2026 | Brahmāstra Part Two – Dev | Dev | Upcoming |
2026 | Animal Park | Double role | Upcoming |
🌟 Personal Life, Legacy & Conclusion 🌟
Personal Life: Ranbir Kapoor married actress Alia Bhatt in April 2022 in a private ceremony. The couple welcomed their daughter Raha Kapoor in November 2022.
Known for being private, Ranbir has previously dated Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif, both of which were highly publicized relationships.
Legacy in Bollywood:
- Considered the torchbearer of the Kapoor legacy.
- One of the most bankable stars of modern cinema.
- Praised for redefining the Bollywood hero in the 21st century.
Conclusion: From a starry debut in Saawariya to delivering iconic performances in Rockstar, Barfi!, Sanju, and Brahmāstra, Ranbir Kapoor has carved his niche as one of Bollywood’s finest actors. Balancing commercial appeal with powerful performances, he stands today as a true superstar — carrying forward the Kapoor family legacy while creating his own mark in Indian cinema.