How the Failure of Bombay Velvet Shaped Ranbir Kapoor’s Career Choices
The failure of Bombay Velvet remains one of the most discussed events in Bollywood, not just for its box office loss but for the impact it had on its lead actor, Ranbir Kapoor. Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap recently opened up about the aftermath of the film, admitting that he feels partly responsible for pushing Ranbir into self-doubt. The actor, known for experimenting with diverse roles, became cautious after the film’s debacle and temporarily hesitated to take on unconventional projects.
Anurag Kashyap, who has been celebrated for films like Gangs of Wasseypur and Ugly, reflected on the challenges of working with big budgets and stars. He revealed that during Bombay Velvet, the team’s approach changed due to external pressures and expectations. “We sometimes go crazy with money,” Anurag admitted. “The film should have followed the research and vision we had initially, but I went along with suggestions that came from outside. Everybody said, ‘Imagine what happens if we get stars and big money.’ And we saw the result.”
Ranbir Kapoor’s Struggle With Self-Doubt
Ranbir Kapoor has always been appreciated for separating his stardom from his craft, willingly taking on experimental roles that challenge conventional norms. However, the failure of Bombay Velvet hit him hard. Anurag explained that this failure, along with a series of other setbacks, caused a period of uncertainty for Ranbir. The actor stopped experimenting for a while, unsure about his choices, despite his commitment to the craft remaining intact.
Anurag noted that the actor’s trust in directors and dedication to roles never wavered, even during the period of self-doubt. He also clarified that he does not blame Ranbir for the film’s failure. “Ranbir doesn’t do wrong,” he said. “It’s the director’s responsibility. A film is a collective effort, and sometimes it doesn’t come together as planned.”
The director also highlighted that Ranbir eventually regained his confidence. His recent film Animal marked a return to experimental cinema, showing that the actor continues to embrace creative risks. Anurag emphasized that although Ranbir experienced hesitation after the failure of Bombay Velvet, his resilience and dedication to performance have always been his strengths.
Lessons From Bombay Velvet
The failure of Bombay Velvet was a learning experience for everyone involved. Anurag Kashyap acknowledged that big budgets and star-studded casts can sometimes hinder the creative process. He pointed out that overthinking financial aspects and external opinions often leads to compromised storytelling. This reflection highlights how even seasoned filmmakers encounter challenges when balancing creativity and commercial expectations.
For Ranbir Kapoor, the film’s underperformance was a turning point in understanding the complexities of the film industry. It was a reminder that success is never guaranteed, and even talented actors may face periods of hesitation. Yet, his willingness to experiment later with projects like Animal proves that talent, resilience, and trust in collaborators ultimately pave the way forward. Also Read: Actor Nivin Pauly Shines in 5 Remarkable Shades Through Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela
Conclusion
The failure of Bombay Velvet left a lasting mark on Bollywood, both as a commercial flop and as a personal challenge for Ranbir Kapoor. While the film did not achieve box office success, the lessons it imparted were invaluable. Anurag Kashyap’s candid reflections underscore the importance of creative integrity and the delicate balance between vision and execution. Today, Ranbir Kapoor continues to experiment, showing that setbacks, no matter how large, cannot stifle talent when combined with determination and resilience.
