Ranbir Kapoor reveals why he dislikes Bollywood label

Indian actor Ranbir Kapoor has opened up about his discomfort with the term Bollywood, explaining why he prefers to be recognised as a representative of Indian cinema rather than being associated with a particular film industry. The actor believes that Indian cinema is much bigger than a single regional identity and that films should bring people together regardless of their cultural or linguistic backgrounds.

The discussion came during a recent interview as Ranbir continued promoting his highly anticipated upcoming film, Ramayana. When asked how the project would be categorised following its theatrical release, the actor shared his thoughts about the commonly used term Bollywood and explained why he does not particularly appreciate the label.

Ranbir Kapoor Explains His Dislike of Bollywood Label

Ranbir pointed out that the word Bollywood originated from Bombay, which was previously the centre of the Hindi film industry. He explained that the entertainment industries in different regions were also given similar names, including Tollywood, based on the locations and languages associated with their productions.

However, he believes such labels do not fully represent the diversity of Indian filmmaking. According to the actor, cinema should not be restricted to regional identities when artists from different backgrounds are working towards a common creative goal.

During the conversation, Ranbir explained that India is home to numerous cultures, languages and states, each contributing something unique to the country’s entertainment industry. He believes that all these different creative communities are ultimately connected through their shared passion for storytelling and artistic expression.

The Barfi actor also made it clear that he does not enjoy being described specifically as a Bollywood actor. Instead, he considers himself part of the broader Indian film industry and wants his work to represent Indian cinema as a whole.

Actor Believes Art Has No Boundaries

Ranbir further emphasised that art has the power to connect people beyond geographical, cultural and linguistic differences. He believes that filmmakers, actors and other artists should focus on creating meaningful work rather than being divided by industry labels.

His comments reflect the growing conversation about the changing identity of Indian cinema, particularly as films from different regional industries continue gaining recognition among audiences across the country and internationally.

Over the years, Indian cinema has expanded beyond traditional boundaries, with Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and other language films reaching wider audiences through theatrical releases and digital platforms. Ranbir’s perspective highlights the importance of recognising this diversity under one broader cinematic identity.

Ramayana Becomes One of His Most Anticipated Projects

Meanwhile, Ranbir is preparing for the release of Ramayana, one of the most ambitious projects of his career. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the fantasy drama is based on the ancient Indian epic and explores the legendary story of Lord Ram, Sita and Ravana.

The film has attracted considerable attention because of its scale, storyline and the cultural significance of its subject. Ranbir’s involvement has also increased audience curiosity, particularly as the actor takes on the role of Lord Ram.

The upcoming project is expected to be a major cinematic event, with audiences eagerly waiting to see how the filmmakers bring the traditional epic to the big screen.

Ramayana is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on November 5, making it one of the most closely watched upcoming releases.

As promotional activities continue, Ranbir’s comments about Bollywood have added another interesting dimension to discussions surrounding the film. His views underline his belief that Indian cinema should be celebrated as a collective creative industry rather than being limited to individual regional labels.