Ever energetic Ranveer Singh managed to carve the proverbial niche in the film industry with his very first film. He debuted with Band Baaja Baaraat opposite Anushka Sharma. Singh went for an audition in 2010 to Yash Raj productions, and was asked to perform two scenes. The actor said, "I was surprised because I knew Yash Raj does not launch new heroes. But I knew they were legitimate and I knew this would be the biggest and most important audition I would ever be giving."
Ranveer Singh's portrayal of Bittoo was lauded. Taran Adarsh commented: "Debutant Ranveer is the lifeline of the film. In fact, the youngster adds a lot of spontaneity and sparkle to his character, which is unsophisticated, but charming. He actually catches you unaware in the emotional moments, which he enacts so well. Here's a talent you just can't disregard."
Late Nikhat Kazmi gave the film three out of five stars, while noting: "As long as you view Band Baaja Baaraat as a loving, heartfelt take on what makes Delhi go dhak-dhak, the film holds your attention....Performance-wise, the duo do have a spontaneity that is disarming."
Anupama Chopra observed: "Debutant actor Ranveer Singh is pitch perfect in the role of the uncouth but good-hearted small town slacker who is a bit of a duffer when it comes to matters of the heart."
Box Office India website reported that the film grossed approximately 21.44 crore after five weeks, making it a box office success. At the 56th Filmfare Awards, Singh won the award for Best Male Debut.
Following Band Baaja Baarat, Singh signed his second film titled Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, produced by Aditya Chopra and directed by Maneesh Sharma. While post-production was going on for Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, Singh signed his third feature film titled Lootera. Written and directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, the film is a love story set in the 1950s, starring Sonakshi Sinha opposite Singh. The story was inspired by writer O. Henry's short story, The Last Leaf, even though the producers claimed it was different. Shooting for Lootera completed in August 2012 with it set for July 5, 2013 release.
Ranveer Singh will also be seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Ram Leela, Shaad Ali's Kill Dil and a remake of Telugu film Magadheera.
Fact File
Born on: 6 July 1985
Sun Sign: Cancer
School/college: H.R. College of Commerce and Economics, Mumbai and Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana University, Bloomington.
Personal life: Ranveer Singh's second cousins are actress Sonam Kapoor and producer Rhea Kapoor, daughters of actor Anil Kapoor and wife Sunita Kapoor; Singh is their second cousin from Sunita Kapoor's side.
Filmography
2010 Band Baaja Baaraat
2011 Ladies vs Ricky Bahl
2013 Lootera
2013 Ram Leela
2013 Gunday
2014 Kill Dil
List of Awards
2011 Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards Best Male Debut
Filmfare Awards Best Male Debut
International Indian Film Academy Awards Star Debut of the Year – Male
Hottest Pair (along with Anushka Sharma)
Lions Gold Awards Favourite Debutant Actor – Male
Favourite Jodi (along with Anushka Sharma)
Star Screen Awards Most Promising Newcomer – Male
Stardust Awards Superstar of Tomorrow – Male
Zee Cine Awards Best Male Debut
Quotable Quotes
On his debut performance
"It hasn't sunk in yet. I was expecting a good response, but after the film's release, the way people have reacted is just tremendous. I never imagined it would turn out all this way."
On one-night stands
"I've had more than one".
On fighting with Arjun Kapoor over Anushka Sharma
"We have known each other long before we became actors. There’s no question of us fighting".