With less than 10 films in his kitty, Ranbir Kapoor has moved to a new orbit in the endorsement circuit, with the actor now estimated to command Rs 10-11 crore per brand.
Kapoor has achieved this within four years, something which took Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan over a decade to do. He is now the second highest paid actor, only next to Aamir Khan, who charges Rs 13-15 crore per brand, according to industry officials. "Prior to Rockstar, Ranbir charged Rs 7 crore per brand. Now his brand value has zoomed by almost 50 per cent," said talent management officials.
With big-ticket flicks like Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, critically acclaimed Rocket Singh, Prakash Jha’s Rajneeti and now Rockstar, Kapoor is now miles ahead of other actors in his age group — Imran Khan, Neil Mukesh and Harman Baweja and is now at par with the Bollywood biggies.
“So far he was just a youth icon but after his performance in Rockstar, he has a universal appeal. Over the years, he has sustained himself. Now he is a combination of star charisma, acting and warmth,” says Anirban Das Blah, managing director, KWAN Entertainment & Marketing Solutions. Currently, Kapoor endorses PepsiCo, Docomo, Panasonic, Nissan, John Players , Hero Moto Corp and Franco Leone.
The 28-year old Kapoor, who made a disastrous debut with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Saawariya in 2007, hasn’t looked back after his second film’s decent business.
Rockstar, directed by Imitiaz Ali , has seen renowned filmmakers noting the latest Kapoor sensation’s box office appeal. The movie has collected Rs 41 crore in four days and is still having 50-60 per cent occupancy on weekdays.
Predictably, producers are running out of adjectives to praise him. Kamal Jain, CFO, Eros International says Ranbir’s performance has made the film a success. “He has all the qualities an average Indian seeks — an obedient son, a talented actor and great looks. He is vivacious and versatile. He has experimented with different roles from a boy next door in Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, careless rich kid in Wake -up Sid, honest salesman in Rocket Singh, politican in Rajneeti, to a very powerful role in Rockstar,” he added.
With him now coming in the league of the likes of Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Aamir Khan and Akshay Kumar, Ranbir still has the biggest edge over his counterparts, with age by his side.
“Ranbir has a bright future. He has the privilege of working with the best in the industry, be it filmmakers or stars,” says film analyst Komal Nahata.
