At the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Ranbir Kapoor dropped an unexpected revelation about his wife, Alia Bhatt, that has since gone viral. While being interviewed by filmmaker Rahul Rawail, Ranbir shared an anecdote from his first meeting with Alia, where her unfamiliarity with a Bollywood legend left him surprised.
During the discussion, which also celebrated his grandfather Raj Kapoor ahead of his 100th birth anniversary, Ranbir recalled the moment that took him aback. “The first time I met Alia, she asked me, ‘Who’s Kishore Kumar?’” he shared, eliciting gasps of disbelief from the audience.
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Ranbir further explained, “It’s just the circle of life. People forget, and new artists emerge. It’s important to remember our roots.” The comment resonated with some, but it also stirred a debate online about preserving Bollywood’s legacy and passing it on to newer generations.
Social media quickly erupted with reactions, ranging from disbelief to criticism. A fan remarked, “Not knowing Kishore Kumar is worse. He’s the biggest male singer in Bollywood history!” Another quipped, “This is worse than not knowing the President.”
Some criticised Ranbir Kapoor for repeatedly sharing personal details about Alia. “Why does he keep embarrassing his wife publicly?” asked one fan.
This isn’t the first time Alia has faced public scrutiny. During her debut on Koffee With Karan in 2013, she mistakenly named Prithviraj Chauhan instead of Dr. Pranab Mukherjee as India’s President, which became a viral meme.
Ranbir himself has not been immune to controversy. A past revelation by Alia Bhatt in a Vogue interview about wiping off her lipstick because Ranbir “doesn’t like it” sparked criticism, with many labeling it a red flag in their relationship.
Ranbir’s anecdote highlights an ongoing conversation about bridging generational gaps in Bollywood’s rich history. While the moment has drawn polarizing opinions, it also underscores the importance of celebrating the icons of the past while embracing the stars of today.
