Ranbir Kapoor turns 43: Films rejected by Ramayana star that turned blockbuster

Ranbir Kapoor, the heartthrob of Bollywood, has always carried forward the legacy of the Kapoor clan in his own unique way. With his effortless blend of charm and depth, he has delivered a wide spectrum of memorable performances- from the rebellious musician in Rockstar and the endearing mute character in Barfi! to the stylish Bunny in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and the ruthless Rannvijay in Animal. Despite his enviable career graph, some of Bollywood’s biggest hits could have had him in the lead- if only he had said yes.

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As the Ramayana star celebrates his 43rd birthday, here’s a look at a few blockbuster films that Ranbir Kapoor passed on, only to become milestones for other actors.

Band Baaja Baaraat (2010)

Reportedly, before Ranveer Singh made his grand entry into Bollywood, the role of Bittoo Sharma was offered to Ranbir. He chose not to take it up, paving the way for Ranveer’s fiery debut. The film not only clicked with audiences but also gave Hindi cinema one of its most energetic new stars. 

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)

Media reports suggest, Zoya Akhtar had envisioned Ranbir as Arjun in this iconic road film. Eventually, Hrithik Roshan slipped into the role and turned it into one of his most memorable performances. Today, ZNMD is remembered as a modern-day classic, and fans often wonder how Ranbir’s version of Arjun might have shaped the film.

Raanjhanaa (2013)

In an interaction with Bollywood Hungama, director Anand L. Rai shared that his first choice for Raanjhanaa was Ranbir Kapoor. However, scheduling conflicts prevented Ranbir from coming on board. This made Rai revisit his casting options, and the role ultimately went to Dhanush- marking the Tamil star’s big breakthrough in Bollywood.

2 States (2014)

Based on Chetan Bhagat’s best-selling novel, 2 States was initially offered to Ranbir Kapoor. He declined, and Arjun Kapoor stepped into the part of Krish Malhotra opposite Alia Bhatt. The movie resonated strongly with young audiences and emerged as a commercial winner.

Dil Dhadakne Do (2015)

Allegedly, another Zoya Akhtar ensemble piece nearly had Ranbir on board. He was considered for the role of Kabir, later played by Ranveer Singh. With its powerhouse cast, the film was both a critical and commercial success, and Ranbir’s absence became yet another “what if” moment for fans.

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Gully Boy (2019)

According to media reports, the role of Murad, which earned Ranveer Singh immense acclaim and international recognition, was first offered to Ranbir Kapoor. Believing it didn’t align with his choices at the time, he declined. The film went on to become a cultural phenomenon, with Ranveer’s performance widely regarded as one of his finest.