Throwback Tuesdays: When Ranbir Kapoor’s fateful meeting with Amitabh Bachchan foretold the rise of a Bollywood superstar

Today’s throwback story reflects the time when Ranbir Kapoor met Big B for the first time and he was told when the superstar said that he would be a big star in future.

The Mumbai humidity clung to 10-year-old Ranbir like a second shirt. He wasn’t on set this time, though. He was with his mom, Neetu Kapoor, at a prestigious awards ceremony. Backstage, the nervous energy crackled. Ranbir, ever the chatterbox, was buzzing with excitement.

Suddenly, the iconic Amitabh Bachchan walked in. Revered as “Big B” by all, he was Bollywood royalty. Ranbir froze, struck silent by awe. Then, the unexpected happened. Big B, known for his booming voice, knelt before the little boy.

“Ranbir,” he said in a gentle tone, “you’re going to be a big star someday.”

Ranbir, speechless, could only manage a shy nod. Neetu, mortified by her son’s silence, nudged him. “Thank you, Mr. Bachchan,” she said, flustered.

Big B chuckled. “No need, Neetu ji. This young man has star written all over him.”

The moment became a legend. It was captured by photographers, the shy boy and the towering legend. Years later, as Ranbir himself became a Bollywood superstar, the photo still resurfaced. In interviews, Ranbir would fondly recall that day, a reminder from the great Amitabh Bachchan himself that his dreams were within reach.