Ranbir Kapoor prefers term Indian cinema over Bollywood
The actor told a British media outlet that he wants to be a representative of Indian cinema rather than a Bollywood star.
Actor Ranbir Kapoor has expressed his dislike for the term 'Bollywood' used to describe Hindi cinema or Indian films, according to a report by Hindustan Times. Speaking to ITV in London, the actor stated he would prefer to be known as an Indian actor.
Kapoor explained that the term is a derivative of Hollywood. He noted that because the industry was based in Bombay at the time, it became Bollywood, while the Telugu industry became Tollywood.
The actor said he wants to be a representative of Indian cinema, noting that India has different cultures, languages, and states. He added that authentic storytelling rooted in culture and tradition speaks to the world.
Kapoor is currently promoting his upcoming film, Ramayana, which is described as the most expensive Indian film ever made. The project is produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in collaboration with DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations.
The two-part film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Ravie Dubey as Lakshman, and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman. It will be released in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam.
The first part of Ramayana is scheduled for a worldwide release on November 5, 2026, with the second part set for Diwali 2027. Sony Pictures will handle global distribution outside India, while Dharma Productions will distribute it in the Hindi-speaking market.