Bollywood's new cupid — Ranbir Kapoor

For years now actor Shah Rukh Khan has ruled the Bollywood marquee as the king of hearts, and while several actors did try to don the mantle of the romantic hero’s image, no one’s been as successful as the Badshah himself.  Though there are the other Bolly superstars like Aamir Khan and Salman Khan, who have essayed romantic roles in the past, they are famous for more than just their romantic images.

“Aamir becomes whatever character he plays, while Salman diverted into action. Though SRK, too, has done a variety of roles, his romantic image has withstood the test of time. So, when you say romance, you associate SRK with it,” says trade analyst Komal Nahta. In fact, the star will soon be seen in his romantic avatar again in the upcoming Yash Chopra film. “Shah Rukh is the only hero, one has always continuously associated romance with,” agrees trade analyst Taran Adarsh.

However, now Bollywood seems to have found an heir to being the undisputed king of mush, apart from the dimpled superstar who’s serenaded almost all top actresses with his arms-wide-open act on screen. According to trade, inching towards that crown is actor Ranbir Kapoor, who is already referred to as the prince of hearts by the industry at large. And though trade and industry insiders do not discredit any other actors, they are all unanimous in their choice of talking about the Bollywood’s new heartthrob.

Talking about Gen Now,  they are quick to add that Ranbir comes the closest. “What works in his favour,” says trade analyst Bharti Pradhan, “is that he’s already proven his mettle as an actor.” Taran adds, “So you know that he’s not all looks and no substance. Besides being a natural on camera, he’s a charmer on screen and off it. He’s as loved as SRK was when he entered the industry. The adulation is on the same lines.” Nahta feels that, “it’s a mix of personal and professional life that works in his favour.” “Whether true or not, he’s been linked to several women and on screen, he’s proven that he’s a pro when it comes to romancing both camera and the women,” he adds. Though the actor’s not done an out-and-out romantic film since his debut Saawariya and a romcom Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahaani, his performances as the ‘man-in- love’ in all Rajneeti, Rockstar, Bachna Ae Haseeno… did strike a chord with the audiences, say insiders.

Interestingly, however, despite being tagged as the Prince of hearts, the actor had earlier revealed that he himself does not believe in the concept of celebrating love only on one day — Valentine’s Day. “I don’t believe in Valentine’s Day. I love my mum, my dad, my sister, my friends… Love has more forms to be celebrated in, so why narrow it down to this day,” Ranbir had earlier said.