In a recent interview, acclaimed lyricist and scriptwriter Javed Akhtar explored whether Ranbir Kapoor could achieve the same level of superstardom as Amitabh Bachchan, particularly with his role in Animal.
Akhtar reflected on the “angry hero” archetype that defined Bachchan’s era, noting that Bachchan’s anger stemmed from genuine personal pain, which added depth to his performances. Over time, however, this archetype became superficial and “crude,” he observed.
The discussion then shifted to the modern hero, with Akhtar questioning the challenge of defining heroism today and the moral boundaries of contemporary society. He suggested that the lack of great characters is why great stars are missing.
When asked if Ranbir could become a superstar like Bachchan, Akhtar responded humorously, “No. But I may write a film for him,” accompanied by a knowing smile.
The interview generated diverse reactions on Reddit. Some users attributed the success of Animal more to its director, Sandeep Reddy Vanga, than to Ranbir. Others highlighted that Ranbir himself has admitted he doesn’t see himself as a superstar, as he revealed on Nikhil Kamath’s show.