On Ranveer Singh’s birthday, a look at his boundary-pushing Bollywood roles

Ranveer Singh has refused to be typecast, and has delivered a host of acclaimed performances across a variety of genres.

Written by Entertainment Desk

July 6, 2024 15:57 IST

Written by Meher Malhotra

Actor Ranveer Singh, who turned 39 on July 6, has been a part of the film industry for over a decade now. While he is known for his effervescent and electric personality off-screen, his acting prowess quickly set him apart from his contemporaries.

While Ranveer may not be the first mass entertainer in the Hindi film industry, there is no denying that he doesn’t allow himself to be boxed into any such categories. In the past, mass entertainers often found themselves limited to certain genres, but Ranveer has experimented in all kinds of films.

Ranveer is both an entertainer and a talented actor. He has worked with the likes of Zoya Akhtar in Dil Dhadakne Do and Gully Boy, has delivered grand dramatic performances in films directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and has fit right into the over-the-top world of Karan Johar’s cinema.

Ranveer has repeatedly proven to the world that his talent cannot be contained. No matter which genre he explores and which character he embodies, the audience is happy to go on cinematic journeys with him. His filmography is a kaleidoscope of entertainment.

1 / 12
Ranveer Singh made his debut with the romantic comedy Band Baaja Baaraat. He was the hero no one saw coming. But he proved doubters wrong with his charismatic presence on screen.

2 / 12
His next film, Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, may not have impressed critics, but his sleek charisma and smooth delivery as the conman Ricky Bahl brought the audiences to the cinemas.

3 / 12
Ranveer surprised everybody with his range as the mysterious Varun Srivastava aka Atmanand Tripathi in Lootera, directed by Vikramaditya Motwane.

4 / 12
He pushed the boundaries of the drama genre with his next film as well. Ranveer’s performance in the tragedy Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela put him on the path to Bollywood stardom, and began a fruitful collaboration with Bhansali.

5 / 12
Adding another genre to his repertoire, Ranveer then starred in the film Gunday, which might not have been a hit, but gave audiences a memorable onscreen 'jodi' thanks to his chemistry with Arjun Kapoor.

6 / 12
In the comedy-drama Dil Dhadakne Do, he delivered a restrained performance that combined humour with pathos.

7 / 12
He was then seen in two epic period dramas, Bajirao Mastani and Padmaavat. He was the proud, clever and powerful Peshwa Bajirao in the former and the arrogant, cruel and ruthless Alauddin Khilji in the latter.

8 / 12
In between these two power-packed performances came the goofy and chaotic Dharam Gulhati in Befikre. The film did not receive much acclaim, but Ranveer stole the audience’s hearts with his charisma.

9 / 12
There was no stopping Ranveer after his Bhansali era, as he went from one blockbuster to another, and one genre to another. Putting on his action boots again, Ranveer was charged with energy in and as Simmba. His electrifying performance entertained the audience and made the film his biggest solo hit.

10 / 12
He followed Simmba up with his most muted performance, in Zoya Akhtar's Gully Boy.

11 / 12
Ranveer has time and again shown the audience that he becomes one with his characters. No stone was left unturned in his transformation into the legendary cricketer Kapil Dev in 83.

12 / 12
Ranveer proved his uncanny ability to deliver each role of with absolute conviction in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. As the West Delhi boy Rocky, he stole the show in Karan Johar's film.