The Meteoric Rise and Dramatic Downfall of Ranveer Singh: What Went Wrong With Bollywood’s Former Golden Boy?

Ranveer Singh once stood on the pinnacle of Bollywood glory. With smash hits like Bajirao Mastani, Gully Boy, and Padmaavat, he was celebrated as Indian cinema’s next superstar — a performer who could command attention, admiration, and box office records with equal ease. But the past few years have seen an unexpected and sharp decline in Ranveer’s career trajectory, raising the inevitable question: what brought the “unstoppable force” of Bollywood to a grinding halt?

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Ranveer’s career can be divided into three clear phases. His early days (2010-2014) were defined by youthful vigor and relentless ambition. Debuting with the charming, irreverent Band Baaja Baaraat, he made an instant mark, even earning a Best Debut Filmfare award. Audiences and critics alike praised his authentic portrayal of a Delhi boy, quickly cementing his place as a promising newcomer. Successive performances in Ladies vs Ricky Bahl and the emotionally complex Lootera showcased a spectrum of talent, revealing that Ranveer was more than just a one-hit wonder — he was a chameleon.

The second phase (2015-2019) was nothing short of electric. Ranveer became the face of “superstardom-in-the-making.” Collaborations with powerhouse directors like Sanjay Leela Bhansali led to roles that were both daring and unforgettable. His legendary turn as Alauddin Khilji in Padmaavat overshadowed even his talented co-stars, while box office juggernauts like Simmba and the critically acclaimed Gully Boy smashed records and further boosted his brand. During this period, Ranveer was everywhere — dominating Filmfare, rocking red carpets, and earning the status of Bollywood’s most bankable actor.

But from 2020 onwards, everything changed. 83, his long-awaited sports biopic, flopped. Jayeshbhai Jordaar and Cirkus failed to connect with audiences, and only Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani managed to recover some spark — though even then, co-star Alia Bhatt stole most of the limelight. The hits that once defined Ranveer’s image just weren’t coming anymore. Instead, his identity as an “energetic superstar” slowly morphed into perceptions of being an over-the-top clown.

What went wrong? The answer is multi-faceted. First, there’s Ranveer’s increasingly eccentric fashion sense. Once lauded for breaking the mold and redefining masculinity in Bollywood, his outlandish outfits began to provoke ridicule and accusations of attention-seeking. The infamous nude photoshoot in 2022, intended to shock and awe, only tarnished his public image further — with many branding him “shameless” instead of daring.

Second, Ranveer’s constant public visibility became a double-edged sword. While his manic energy made him stand out, it eventually led to audience fatigue and even annoyance. No longer a mysterious star, he became “that guy who’s always performing,” undermining the enigmatic aura true superstars carry. Every red carpet, every interview, and every viral wedding dance dulled the impact of his presence, making him seem less special — almost ordinary in his omnipresence.

The narrative around his much-publicized marriage to Deepika Padukone didn’t help either. What once seemed like Bollywood’s ultimate fairy tale became another PR spectacle, with even fans questioning the authenticity of their “picture-perfect” romance.

All of this happened while Ranveer’s contemporaries, like Ranbir Kapoor, perfected their public personas — mysterious, understated, and controversy-free. Ranbir, by retreating from the limelight, allowed his aura to grow. Ranveer, by contrast, invited scrutiny and criticism.

Ultimately, Ranveer Singh’s fall from grace is a cautionary tale that transcends mere box office numbers. The rise and fall of a superstar depends not just on talent and hit films, but on image, mystique, and the delicate balance between authenticity and spectacle. If there’s any hope for Ranveer’s comeback, it lies in rediscovering the quiet confidence and magnetic charm that once made him Bollywood’s king-in-waiting — not in chasing every headline or trend.

If he manages to course-correct, Bollywood’s most unpredictable performer might just surprise us all once again. Until then, the industry — and his fans — will keep watching, waiting for the next act in the Ranveer Singh saga.