Updated on: 28 September, 2026 01:01 PM IST |Kavya Agarwal
Ranbir Kapoor has come a long way since his debut with "Saawariya", evolving from a promising newcomer into an actor who has consistently experimented with characters, genres and vastly different shades of storytelling. From being the chocolate boy of the industry to turning baddy for "Animal", RK sure knows how to keep his fans hooked with every stirling performance! As the actor celebrates his 44th birthday, here’s a look back at the career milestones, celebrated performances and prestigious accolades that have added several memorable chapters to his Bollywood journey.
Ranbir won his first award as a debutant
Ranbir Kapoor has built a career around characters that demand completely different shades of performance, moving from vulnerable romantic leads to intense, emotionally conflicted personalities and proving that he can make each character feel distinct. The journey began with his movie with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Saawariya". This earned him his Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut.
Ranbir Kapoor has built a career around characters that demand completely different shades of performance, moving from vulnerable romantic leads to intense, emotionally conflicted personalities and proving that he can make each character feel distinct. The journey began with his movie with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Saawariya". This earned him his Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut.
Many more Filmfares were on the way for RK!
What makes Ranbir particularly compelling is his ability to communicate emotions without always spelling them out; a glance, a pause, a smile or a subtle change in expression can often reveal what his character is feeling beneath the surface. This has always earned him the well-deserving awards like Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor for performances in Wake Up Sid, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, and Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year (2009). He also won Filmfare Award for Best Actor (consecutive wins) for Rockstar (2011) and Barfi! (2012). Next in frame for him was Filmfare Award for Best Actor for playing Sanjay Dutt in the biographical drama Sanju (2018) and for the action drama Animal (2023).
What makes Ranbir particularly compelling is his ability to communicate emotions without always spelling them out; a glance, a pause, a smile or a subtle change in expression can often reveal what his character is feeling beneath the surface. This has always earned him the well-deserving awards like Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor for performances in Wake Up Sid, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, and Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year (2009). He also won Filmfare Award for Best Actor (consecutive wins) for Rockstar (2011) and Barfi! (2012). Next in frame for him was Filmfare Award for Best Actor for playing Sanjay Dutt in the biographical drama Sanju (2018) and for the action drama Animal (2023).
The mind-blowing "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani" (2013) and "Brahmastra: Part One– Shiva" (2022) era!
Ranbir starred in major commercial hits like Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013) and the fantasy epic Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva (2022). His portrayal of Kabir “Bunny” Thapar remains one of his most recognisable performances. He also stepped into an entirely different cinematic world, playing Shiva, a young man who discovers extraordinary powers and finds himself connected to a much larger battle between forces of good and evil.
Ranbir starred in major commercial hits like Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013) and the fantasy epic Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva (2022). His portrayal of Kabir “Bunny” Thapar remains one of his most recognisable performances. He also stepped into an entirely different cinematic world, playing Shiva, a young man who discovers extraordinary powers and finds himself connected to a much larger battle between forces of good and evil.
A never-seen before "Animal" avatar!
Ranbir Kapoor has spent nearly two decades building a filmography that reflects his willingness to take on characters far removed from one another. From the wide-eyed newcomer of Saawariya to the deadly performance in "Animal", his journey has been filled with memorable turns and significant milestones. RK achieved his highest-grossing film with "Animal" (2023), which grossed over 917 crores worldwide.
Ranbir Kapoor has spent nearly two decades building a filmography that reflects his willingness to take on characters far removed from one another. From the wide-eyed newcomer of Saawariya to the deadly performance in "Animal", his journey has been filled with memorable turns and significant milestones. RK achieved his highest-grossing film with "Animal" (2023), which grossed over 917 crores worldwide.
High in industry!
Ranbir is considered as one of the highest-paid actors in Hindi cinema, featured consistently on Forbes India's Celebrity 100 list since 2012. If that isn't consistency, we don't know what is!
Ranbir is considered as one of the highest-paid actors in Hindi cinema, featured consistently on Forbes India's Celebrity 100 list since 2012. If that isn't consistency, we don't know what is!
Sports ownership
Ranbir Kapoor’s passion for football extends well beyond being a fan. He became a co-owner of Mumbai City FC in 2014, turning his love for the sport into a major entrepreneurial venture in Indian football.
Ranbir Kapoor’s passion for football extends well beyond being a fan. He became a co-owner of Mumbai City FC in 2014, turning his love for the sport into a major entrepreneurial venture in Indian football.
