Birthday Love: Ranbir Kapoor & his dancing prowess

Ranbir Kapoor is one name everyone gets excited about and, being from the Kapoor khandaan, it’s one he has definitely lived up to – though his family lineage doesn’t play towards his success. His natural talent and humble character proves to his audiences that his success is of his own credit. It’s fair to say that Kapoor is a talented actor, but having the dance skills of a professional is a big part of what makes him the star he is. With a growing number of catchy tunes to his name which he so effortlessly shakes a leg to, Kapoor has given audiences a lot look forward to when it comes to his work. As the actor turns 36 on 28th September, BizAsiaLive.com looks at five of his most impressive dance numbers.

Badtameez Dil – ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’ (2013)
This is probably Kapoor’s most listened to and watched songs. When the first looks of Badtameez Dil came out, they grabbed the attention of audiences instantly. The music alone was catchy and had everyone dancing the minute they heard it. However, as soon as Kapoor was witnessed presenting the song in dance form, it was appreciated on a whole other level. Choreographed by Remo D’Souza, Kapoor’s dance moves were particular and on point, catching every beat with every step, showing the world how to pop, lock, hip and literally hop. And all of that whilst wearing a fitted suit.

Ullu Ka Patha – ‘Jagga Jasoos’ (2017)
‘Jagga Jasoos’ had been in production for a while, and though in the end it failed to reach higher box office ratings, the songs had everyone bobbing their heads to the beats. However, there was one song in particular that impressed all eyes that have seen it. Shiamak Davar had Kapoor and co-star Katrina Kaif perform some odd and complicated moves for Ullu Ka Patha, where they interlock arms, legs and bodies as a form of public performance that their characters were doing. Most of these steps had only been done by professionals, however, Kapoor didn’t make it look any different. Though the film had taken a long time to make, Kapoor looked as natural as ever and it made many people wonder how can he do that?

The Breakup Song – ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ (2016)
As soon as The Breakup Song came out, audiences knew they were in for a treat and expectations of a full-on dance track were high. And both Kapoor and Anushka Sharma delivered an outstanding performance for this song. Put together by Tushar Kalia, many had expected this to be another Badtameez Dil. However, Kalia was clever to include some old dance move favourites and incorporate the sign for each word of the song. However, it was Kapoor’s style and expressions that make this song a memorable one. What’s more with this song in particular is that it puts together different styles of dancing, all of which Kapoor moved to perfectly.

Jogi Mahi – ‘Bachna Ae Haseeno’ (2008)
Kapoor’s character is placed into an arguably stereotypical household and is invited to a wedding ceremony. It’s the perfect setting for a typical Bollywood Punjabi dance number, putting Kapoor, who at the time was still a very young talent who had yet to show his feathers, in the perfect situation to showcase what he could do. Already winning their hearts of an engaging performance in the film, Jogi Mahi was one of the first times audiences got to see the actor’s dancing skills. Choreographed by Ahmed Khan, Kapoor’s foot kicks, head flicks and wrist turns were all it took to get him noticed as a dancer. Little did audiences know of the things that were about to come from him after that.

Special Mentions
Of course, Kapoor’s list of brilliant dance performances are ever-growing, and no list can be complete without mentions of a few special numbers. Having shared the screen with Madhuri Dixit-Nene in Ghagra in ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’, Kapoor was somewhat the star of the show. Showing off his boyish charm, Kapoor was all the while syncing with his co-star to a tee.

His rapport with Deepika Padukone on and off screen works well as they are a joy to see on screen, especially when it comes to their dance numbers together. Balam Pichkari and Dilliwali Girlfriend were both performed to perfection, where even five years after they were first seen together, they had people imitating their moves and expressions.

The film may have not done well at the box office but ‘Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani’ (2009) was a first for both Kapoor and audiences with the song Main Tera Dhadkan Teri. It was the first full western style dance track Kapoor did, with fast beats and a lot of synchronisation.

Having a tendency to make odd dance moves look good and fun to imitate, Kapoor’s performance in Matargashti in ‘Tamasha’ (2015) has also been one to remember. Making every move look fun and full of enjoyment, though it may have been meticulously planned, this was one song where Kapoor sent the message to dance like nobody’s watching and his chemistry with Padukone also played a big part in this.

Kapoor is definitely the whole package, and thankfully it seems he won’t be putting those dancing shoes away any time soon. Here’s wishing the actor a very happy birthday, and may he continue to be amongst those who get his audiences dancing their troubles away.