14 years since Ranveer Singh became ‘Bittoo Sharma’: A role that defined his legacy

As Band Baaja Baarat turns 14, so has Ranveer Singh entered his 15th year in the entertainment world. The 'Bollywood livewire' made his grand showbiz debut with the movie in 2010 and has long been known for his dynamic portrayal of the quintessential Delhi boy, a character he has perfected over the years.

From his vibrant and audacious Bittoo Sharma in Band Baaja Baaraat to his more recent performance as Rocky Randhawa in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani, Ranveer has effortlessly captured the essence of the lovable, brash, yet finest portrayal of the quintessential 'Delhi ka munda'. His ability to embody this persona has made him one of Bollywood's most beloved actors, and each time he comes on screen, it is a treat to watch one of the finest and most versatile actors of the generation.

Looking back, Ranveer's career was propelled by his breakthrough role as Bittoo Sharma in Band Baaja Baaraat (2010), a film directed by Maneesh Sharma. Playing a young, energetic Delhi boy with big dreams of starting his own wedding planning business, Ranveer’s portrayal of Bittoo won over both critics and audiences alike. His infectious energy, witty dialogue delivery, and effortless charm made the character unforgettable. That role was not just a career-defining moment for him but also cemented his place in Bollywood as an actor who could deliver both comedy and drama with equal flair. A debut that stays as fresh as ever.

As shared in a previous interview, Ranveer took everyone back to the day when he said, "I gave the audition for 'Band Baaja Baaraat,' and I was told that the role is of a 21-year-old boy from Delhi. So, I worked on my accent by watching all the Delhi-based films that were being made during that time, such as Dibakar Banerjee's Oye Lucky Lucky Oye. Aditya (Chopra) sir couldn't believe it when everyone told him that I was born and raised in Mumbai.”

Fast forward to 2015, and Ranveer took on the role of Kabir Mehra in Dil Dhadakne Do, another unforgettable character that showed his versatility. His portrayal of a privileged, conflicted young man trying to navigate family expectations while pursuing his desires earned him widespread acclaim. The now-iconic line "Voh butter knife hai" from the film further solidified Ranveer's knack for delivering memorable dialogues with just the right mix of wit and gravitas. As Kabir, he deftly balanced the demands of a complex family drama, adding yet another layer to his already impressive repertoire of performances.

In Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani (2023), Ranveer once again embraced his signature, over-the-top Delhi persona as Rocky Randhawa, this time with a dash of romance and comedy. The film, directed by Karan Johar, took audiences on a rollercoaster of emotions, and Ranveer’s performance as the charming, impetuous Rocky was one of the highlights of the film.

In the meantime, Ranveer’s fans have something to look forward to with Aditya Dhar’s untitled film, which created waves with his first look, and Don 3, where he steps into the shoes of the iconic titular character made famous by Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan in earlier iterations.

The teaser for Don 3 has already generated immense buzz, with Ranveer’s slick portrayal of the character seen lighting up a smoke and delivering the chilling line, "I am Don", with trademark flair. His leather jacket and cool persona suggest a darker, edgier take on the legendary character, and fans are eagerly waiting to see how he redefines the role.

As he continues his journey in the film industry, Ranveer Singh truly remains a powerhouse of talent who brings depth, humour, and an unforgettable energy to every role he plays.