Veteran actor Anil Kapoor recently opened up about working with Ranbir Kapoor on Animal, revealing a side of the young star that few people knew at the time. In an emotional and candid reflection, Anil shared that when Ranbir joined the sets of Animal, he was still recovering from the box office disappointment of his previous film, Shamshera, which had failed to make an impact despite high expectations.
Speaking in a recent interview, Anil Kapoor said, “When Ranbir came on set for Animal, I could sense that he was a little down. Shamshera hadn’t done well, and that had clearly affected him. He is someone who puts his heart and soul into his work, and when something doesn’t go as planned, it hits him deeply. But what struck me most was the quiet strength he carried — he didn’t complain, didn’t show it outwardly, but you could see it in his eyes.”
Anil, who played Ranbir’s on-screen father in Animal, revealed that there were moments on set where he could feel Ranbir’s vulnerability. “We were doing some very intense scenes, and the emotions felt so real,” Anil said. “I remember thinking to myself, ‘This boy is channeling something deep.’ It was like he was pouring all his pain, frustration, and passion into the film. That’s what made his performance in Animal so powerful — it came from a very raw, honest place.”
The JugJugg Jeeyo actor added that he felt a strong protective instinct toward Ranbir during the shoot. “Sab mujhe dekh rahe the, but main usko dekh raha tha,” Anil recalled warmly. “Everyone was focused on how I was performing, but my attention was on him — on how he was coping, how he was expressing himself. As a senior actor, and as someone who has seen the highs and lows of this industry, I could relate to what he was feeling. I wanted to make sure he knew he wasn’t alone.”
From Setbacks to Triumph
Anil also praised Ranbir’s resilience and dedication, calling him one of the most grounded and disciplined actors of his generation. “Ranbir didn’t let Shamshera define him. That’s the mark of a true artist — to rise even higher after a fall. I’ve seen actors crumble after one failure, but he came to the set every day with full focus and humility. By the time we finished Animal, I could see his confidence returning,” he said.
Ranbir’s transformation — both on-screen and emotionally — during the making of Animal has been widely discussed by fans and industry insiders alike. The actor’s performance in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s high-octane drama was hailed as one of his career-best, earning him immense praise and re-establishing him as one of Bollywood’s most versatile stars.
According to Anil, the success of Animal was especially meaningful because it came after such a tough period. “When Animal released and people started appreciating his work, I could see that spark back in his eyes,” he said. “It was like he had been reborn as an artist. That’s the beauty of this industry — one Friday can change everything. But to survive here, you need the heart to keep going when things don’t work out. Ranbir has that heart.”
Anil’s Admiration for Ranbir’s Craft
Throughout the conversation, Anil Kapoor couldn’t stop praising Ranbir’s professionalism and artistic depth. “He’s one of the finest actors I’ve ever worked with,” he said. “Ranbir is not someone who seeks attention — he’s very quiet on set, very respectful. But when the camera rolls, he transforms. You forget everything else. He has that rare gift of being both subtle and intense at the same time.”
Anil also revealed that during their time on set, the two often discussed films, life, and the changing nature of the industry. “He’s extremely intelligent,” Anil noted. “He doesn’t just think about his character — he thinks about the whole film, the rhythm of every scene, the emotion behind every line. Working with him reminded me of why I love acting so much.”
A Lesson in Resilience
Anil Kapoor, who has experienced his own share of ups and downs over a four-decade-long career, said Ranbir’s journey reminded him of his younger days. “Every actor goes through this phase — the heartbreak of failure, the joy of redemption. I told him, ‘This too shall pass. The real test is not how you handle success, but how you rise after failure.’ And Ranbir proved that he’s a fighter.”
He continued, “People sometimes forget that behind the glamour, every actor is human. We all have our insecurities, our moments of doubt. But that’s what makes performances real. When Ranbir was shooting Animal, I could see him using that pain as fuel. It wasn’t just acting — it was therapy, it was catharsis.”
Ranbir’s Growth Beyond Stardom
Anil Kapoor also reflected on how Ranbir has evolved as a person over the years. “He’s matured beautifully,” Anil said. “There’s a calmness about him — a wisdom beyond his years. He doesn’t chase fame or validation. He’s content as long as his work speaks for itself. That’s a rare quality today.”
He even praised Ranbir’s ability to balance his personal and professional life, especially after becoming a husband and father. “You can see how much he has grown since marriage. There’s a sense of peace and stability in him now. That translates into his work — he’s more focused, more grounded,” Anil added.
In Conclusion
Anil Kapoor’s revelations offer a rare and touching glimpse into the emotional journey of one of Bollywood’s biggest stars. Ranbir Kapoor, who faced a professional setback with Shamshera, turned his vulnerability into strength, channeling it into a performance that would go on to define his career in Animal.
As Anil put it perfectly, “Ranbir didn’t just act in Animal — he lived it. He bled for it. And that’s why people connected with him so deeply.”
The story of Ranbir’s quiet perseverance, supported by a veteran like Anil Kapoor, is a reminder that even in the glitzy world of cinema, success often comes to those who endure, who learn, and who rise — again and again — with humility and heart.
