Birthday Love: The rise & rise of Ranveer Singh

When his name comes up, the first thing which will undoubtedly spring to mind is his unmatchable energy and his cheekiness. However, for Ranveer Singh, his performances have also done wonders since he began his career. Having won many an award for his performance in his most recent film, ‘Bajirao Mastani’ (2015), Singh is now one of the industry’s most sought after actors in this current generation.

BizAsia is revisiting Singh’s performances film by film, to map the rise and rise of this incredible actor and his talent as he marks his 31st birthday on 6th July.

‘Band Baaja Baaraat’ (2010)

Singh’s debut film opposite Anushka Sharma is one that proved hugely successful for him. Produced by Yash Raj Films (YRF), it was a sure fire way to get him noticed but it did beyond that. The youthful and contemporary story gave way to Singh’s extravagant personality and showed off his natural talent right from the theatre stage straight to the big screen. As Bittu Sharma, Singh was able to start the stealing of hearts… and make “bread pakode” promises for all the fans to enjoy.

‘Ladies vs Ricky Bahl’ (2011)

Once again, produced by the trusted YRF, Singh stepped into a casanova con artist in ‘Ladies vs Ricky Bahl’. The beauty of his performance in this one was his chameleon-like ability throughout, managing to prove that he can slip into different avatars convincingly and romance a number of ladies with equal ease. His chemistry with Sharma was once again a highlight which seeped through from his first film and, once again, Singh showcased his natural versatility.

‘Lootera’ (2013)

In a complete contrast to his first two films, Singh impressed on a whole new level in ‘Lootera’, directed by Vikramaditya Motwane. Starring opposite Sonakshi Sinha for the first time, Singh was seen in an impressionable 1950s look to match the era of the film. His performance encompassed a vulnerability, a romance, an innocence and also a grey-shaded perfection which wowed audiences. With this film, it can be said that Singh portrayed how well he could slip into even a traditional and dramatic role.

‘Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela’ (2013)

Out stepped Singh’s Romeo with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela’; an Indian modern take on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Singh starred with Deepika Padukone for the first time and little did they know how appreciated they would be as a pair on the big screen. Singh’s passionate, somewhat violent and cheeky character was in fitting with his now quite exceptional and unconventional personality and Bhansali made sure that, after ‘Lootera’, he was firmly put on the map.

‘Gunday’ (2014)

With ‘Gunday’, Singh’s friendship with Arjun Kapoor came into play both within the film’s narrative and in their promotions. The story told a story between two childhood friends who end up falling in love with the same girl. The two characters also had a mafia-like background, indicated quite aptly in the film’s name. Singh was seen in a well-rounded role somewhat which was action-packed, lovable and also relatable. Although the film didn’t fare too well with the critics, the promotions of the film were definitely a little hatke – to the enjoyment of the fans and the media.

‘Kill Dil’ (2014)

Although this Govinda, Ali Zafar and Parineeti Chopra starrer didn’t get the best reviews, for Singh it was a film which was very different to his other YRF ventures. Many said that he was beginning to seem a little stereotyped in the film as it didn’t quite show off his real talents as such. Having said that, Singh seemed to swim comfortably in this film and his camaraderie with Zafar was something many complimented.

‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ (2015)

What can be said about ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ apart from how similar Singh’s real self was to his character of Kabir. In this multi-starrer, the actor showed just how he is able to light up the screen with his natural acting ability. His scenes with on-screen sister Priyanka Chopra were great as were his father-son dialogues with Anil Kapoor. He also shared screen space effectively with Farhan Akhtar and Shefali Shah. Additionally, his magic with Sharma was once again explored in a different love story which had universal appeal. Singh’s look in the film is arguably his most loved.

‘Bajirao Mastani’ (2015)

Ultimately, is has been Singh’s performance as a warrior in ‘Bajirao Mastani’ which has most wowed both audiences and industry folk and he’s swept all the awards as best actor in a leading role. In the tragic love story, Bhansali manages to derive a performance from Singh which his contemporaries probably won’t be able to touch in a long time. Singh completely changed his look for this film, as with his previous films, and stepped right into the skin of Bajirao. His incredible screen presence both alongside lead actresses Padukone and Chopra was entertaining, heartbreaking and full of eternal romance as per the story and he very much became the best he’s been.

With Aditya Chopra’s directorial ‘Befikre’ having wrapped not long ago, Singh is all set to go back to the romance genre once again with YRF. He is only the second actor being directed by Chopra and therefore there are huge expectations from the film which will see him opposite Vaani Kapoor.

Alongside his flourishing acting career, Singh has remained popular due to his personality as well as the bold choices he’s continued to make – whether that be his brand endorsements or to appear in the AIB roast. The actor is definitely not afraid of experimenting, and this has won him accolades, popularity and also a whole lot of praise from many. If he continues with these choices, he will definitely be on everyone’s wishlist soon enough… that’s if he isn’t already!

BizAsia would like to send Ranveer Singh best wishes on his 31st birthday.