CITS: Ranveer Singh

Bring in the band, baaja, baraats because this week we focus the spotlight on 2010's blockbuster debutant Ranveer Singh!

Born on July 6^th, 1985 as Ranveer Singh Bhavani in amchi Mumbai, his heart had locked acting for a career from a young age. In accordance with the same, Ranveer's extracurricular in school was generously marked with debates and school plays.

Eventually as a student at H.R. College of Commerce and Economics in Mumbai, Ranveer begun to question his dream on account of being rather "far-fetched", since it became evident that entering the glamorous tinsel town was no easy feat.

That's when he decided to pursue his second passion, creative writing. The lad moved across shores to the US and attended the Indiana University in Bloomington, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Something must have rekindled the old dream in the meantime, because whilst there, Bhavani decided to give acting another shot; thereby taking up acting classes while studying, choosing theatre as his minor.

In 2007, he returned to Mumbai where he worked as a copywriter for advertising agencies such as O&M and JWT for several years. Alongside, he worked tirelessly for his dream to see the light of day, paying visits to many directors with his portfolio after having worked also, as an Assistant Director. Despite many auditions and visits, Ranveer failed to bag a lead role.

In January 2010, Ranveer was given the opportunity of a life time when he was invited by Shanoo Sharma, head of the casting division of Yash Raj Films Pvt. Ltd. for an audition. Aditya Chopra, Vice President was instantly impressed and convinced but director Maneesh Sharma remained doubtful which led to Singh doing a few more auditions. In the end, he was chosen as the lead for Band Baaja Baraat opposite Anushka Sharma and went on to have the debut of a lifetime, commercially a blockbuster at BO, whilst garnering critical appreciation for his acting in equal measure. At the 56th Filmfare Awards, Singh was honoured with the "Best Debut Male" award.

During the shooting of BBB, rumours were rife about Singh and Sharma cozying up, which sometime after the release and success transformed to talks of the alleged duo splitting; however, the rumours have been repeatedly denied by both actors. For the record, as of yet, the handsome lad is single and likely ready to mingle!

Did you know...

His next film, Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, starring Anushka Sharma once again, among others, is set to hit the theatres on December 9, 2011! Don't miss it!