Revealed: Ranbir's game plan to reach the top

Aakansha Naval-Shetye (DNA; August 20, 2013)

Ranbir Kapoor may not have the crown of the numero uno on his head yet, but he is being touted as the rightful heir to the throne that is currently being shared by the ruling Khan triumvirate (Salman, Aamir and Shah Rukh). A closer look reveals how in Ranbir's recent films and even his upcoming one, he has actually been trying to beat the Khans at their own game, taking their genres and claiming them for his own. Is it a guess, whether it's purely incidental or a well-thought out strategy? Don't agree? Read on and you will…

Love like the Badshah
When it comes to romance, no-one does it like King Khan. SRK ruled as the loverboy of the '90s and the following decade with his unbridled love and passion play on screen in films like Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Dil Toh Pagal Hai, Devdas et al. He was the quintessential romantic hero and the heartthrob who'd hit jackpot after jackpot flashing those dimples to woo not only the heroine but also the female janta who couldn't get enough of the king of romance. Enter Ranbir with Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, which is entirely Shah Rukh's space. And with a girl that Shah Rukh launched in Om Shanti Om — Deepika Padukone. Need we mention it was also in the star's favourite banner — Karan Johar's Dharma. It is rumoured that the Kapoor lad will be directed by KJo in his next. Game, set match RK.

Like Mr Perfectionist
If there's one thing that Aamir Khan's known for besides his penchant for perfection, then it's his choice for the hatke roles. He is also known as a good actor, a label that Ranbir earned with his very first film. Ghajini Khan likes doing films that no actor would accept. He likes being challenged. If Aamir has Lagaan, Talaash and Dhobi Ghat, RK has Rocket Singh — Salesman Of The Year, Wake Up Sid and Rockstar. This young actor has surprised the industry and the audiences with his choices and won their respect — like Aamir. Last year, Ranbir played the role of an hearing impaired Murphy in Barfi with UTV (Aamir's territory!). It was a role that only an Aamir would attempt, and Ranbir aced it. Says a source, "It's almost as if he is telling these three actors: I will get into your territory and do better than you."

Going the Bhai way
Having scored in Aamir and SRK's domains, Ranbir is now all set to grab Salman's market with his next release Besharam. He even has the Dabangg director Abhinav Kashyap at the helm of this one. The film is said to be an all out mass-entertainer total Salman style. Rishi Kapoor even admitted recently that the film is in the Dabangg zone. Then there is the matter of Salman's ex-girlfriend Karina Kaif, who is now with the Kapoor lad. Both Barfi! and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani made Rs100 crore. Will his Besharam act win him accolades as well? We'll find out soon enough.