Ranbir Kapoor turns 44: from Saawariya to Animal

Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor is celebrating his 44th birthday today, September 28. Ranbir was born on September 28, 1982, in Mumbai. He is the son of the late actor Rishi Kapoor and actress Neetu Kapoor, and the grandson of veteran actor-director Raj Kapoor.

Coming from such a prominent film family, Ranbir faced pressure of expectations from the start. But instead of starting out directly in acting, he first learned work behind the camera. After his schooling in Mumbai, Ranbir studied filmmaking at the School of Visual Arts in New York. He then trained in method acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. While at film school, he also worked on short films titled "Passion to Love" and "India 1964".

In some of his interviews, Ranbir has shared stories from his childhood. He recalled that his father Rishi Kapoor once scolded him for entering a temple with his shoes on. He also said Rishi Kapoor punished him for troubling his elder sister Riddhima Kapoor.

Before becoming an actor, Ranbir gained experience as an assistant director. In 1999, he worked on the sets of his father Rishi Kapoor's film "Aa Ab Laut Chalen". He later worked as an assistant director on Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film "Black" (2005). The experience on the sets of "Black" gave him real lessons in filmmaking.

Ranbir made his Bollywood acting debut in 2007 with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film "Saawariya". The film did not perform as expected at the box office, but Ranbir's acting was praised. This was followed by films such as "Bachna Ae Haseeno", "Wake Up Sid", "Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani" and "Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year", which brought his acting to a wider audience.

The 2011 film "Rockstar" marked a major turning point in Ranbir's career. His performance as the character Jordan was widely praised. This was followed by "Barfi!" in 2012, in which his role was also well received. He won consecutive Filmfare Awards for both "Rockstar" and "Barfi!".

Ranbir's career also includes films such as "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani", "Tamasha", "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil", "Sanju", "Brahmastra" and "Animal". In "Sanju", he played the role of Sanjay Dutt, while in "Animal", the character of Ranvijay showcased a different side of his acting.

Ranbir Kapoor is currently in the news for his upcoming ambitious film "Ramayana". Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, he plays the role of Lord Shri Ram in the film. Fans are closely watching this project.

Ranbir Kapoor, who carries the legacy of the Kapoor family, began his career behind the scenes and went on to build his own identity by playing a variety of characters, has turned 44 today. His journey from "Saawariya" to "Animal" reflects his evolving range as an actor in Bollywood.