Ranbir : Hot or Not
His debut film releases in about two weeks and he has already replaced SRK in Rajkumar Hirani's next. On the other hand Yashraj has apparently cast him in a romantic comedy with six leading heroines. That's Ranbir Kapoor for you. What's more? On the posters of Saawariya it's Ranbir who is the essential pin-up star, hogging all the limelight in his towel even though Sonam Kapoor makes her debut in the same film. Already hailed as a gay icon, the entire media has been going gaga over him, touting him as the next big thing. But is he actually the sexiest man to hit Bollywood in recent times?
"Every newcomer is labeled as the 'next big thing'," says celeb photographer Vikram Bawa. He argues, his chocolate boy looks have made him an instant hit with the girls and that's what has been working for him. The real test however begins when the film releases. Only once he opens his mouth and one gets a glimpse of his overall screen presence will I cast my vote," he says.
For actress Minissha Lamba, Ranbir needs to 'grow up a bit' before he can carve a niche for himself. "His cute looks and shaggy hair remind me of a school-going boy." While Vikram and Minissha don't seem to be completely floored, the inimitable Bobby Darling has a completely different take on the newest Kapoor lad. "Ranbir is my latest crush. I love his nose, his lips… Everything about him is just so nice," gushes Bobby. According to Bobby, Ranbir's sex appeal among the gay community lies in the mischief in his eyes.
For Ranbir however competition comes in extremes. On one hand is SRK who's invading our lives with his six-packs in Om Shanti Om. On the other there is Neil Nitin Mukesh whose edgy presence in Johnny Gaddaar has made quite an impact. Vikram says, "Initially I'd say Ranbir has the clear advantage as he fits the bill of a romantic hero. Neil however might go the Akshay Kumar way and could come into his own a little late in his career."
The hitch? If Ranbir can't rise above his physical appearance, doomsday isn't too far either. Actress Raima Sen however feels, "It is unfair to compare Ranbir to SRK or even Neil." For her, the three have different kinds of appeal. She adds, "Ranbir reminds me of Aamir Khan in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, with his innocent wide-eyed look." For Bobby, Ranbir again is the clear winner and refuses to give Neil a chance. But as far as SRK goes, the opinion is unanimous – six-pack or no six-pack he is the king… in a different league.
But how does the tag of a pin-up star and 'gay icon' affect his prospects as a hero? Filmmaker Sajid Khan feels Ranbir is too new to even think of an image or what his competitors are doing. "His immediate concern should be getting accepted in the film and only later can he ponder over peripheral factors," Sajid says.
Minissha Lamba has no problems seeing his bare body. "It's certainly not my idea of being cool, but has created the right impact which a debutante needs," she says. Vikram goes back to his point of appealing to the girls. He feels that the gossip about being a gay icon coupled with the bare body shots 'are tricks to generate a buzz amongst the female fans'. And that gets the guys paying attention as well
But if there are still any doubts over Ranbir's sex appeal Chak De captain Vidya Malvade has the answer. "Yum!" she says is the first thing that comes to her mind when we say Ranbir. "Now adorable, but soon hot," is how she describes this new kid on the block. And talent? Vidya signs off saying, "If he is a Kapoor then he'd better have it in him". That's what we'd call a super shot! Come November 11, and the nation will soon decide for itself, if Ranbir Kapoor is really the 'next big thing' or if he is just another hype gone horribly wrong!
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