Ranveer Singh's Bollywood Leela at 29

Four years in Bollywood and Ranveer Singh is already a showbiz veteran. There has been no looking back for the actor ever since he made a grand debut with the film Band Baaja Baaraat.

On his 29th birthday, here is a look at his journey so far.

Ranveer Singh Bhavnani was born on July 6, 1985 in Mumbai to Jagjit Singh and Anju Bhavnani. He has an elder sister named Ritika.

From a very young age, Ranveer aspired to become an actor. In college, though, he focused on a career in creative writing. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana University in USA and later worked as a copywriter in advertising agencies like Ogilvy & Mathers and JWT.

Ranveer then decided to switch completely to acting and started sending his portfolio to production houses. In 2010, the actor was called for an audition by Yash Raj Films and was selected for a lead role for the film Band Baaja Baraat, opposite Anushka Sharma.

Band Baaja Baraat turned out to be a hit and critics heaped praise on Ranveer's portrayal of Bittoo Sharma. He won a slew of awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut.

Ranveer and Anushka were again seen together in the film Ladies vs Ricky Bahl in 2011. The film did average business but Ranveer was praised for his role of a conman.

Ranveer's next release, Lootera (2013), directed by Vikramaditya Motwane and co-starring Sonakshi Sinha, was well received by critics and audiences and performed moderately well at the box office.

In a very short time, Ranveer caught the eye of big directors and producers. His last release of 2013 was Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Ram-Leela opposite Deepika Padukone. The movie was an adaptation of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The film minted money at the box office and is regarded as one of Ranveer's biggest commercial successes till date.

In 2014, Ranveer Singh featured in Gunday with Arjun Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra.

On the personal front, Ranveer's on and off-screen chemistry with his Band Baaja Baaraat co-star Anushka Sharma initially made headlines. They were frequently spotted together at social events but claimed to be "just good friends." The romance reportedly ended after Ranveer was linked to his Ram-Leela co-star Deepika Padukone.

Ranveer is currently shooting for Zoya Akhtar's Dil Dhadakne Do and Shaad Ali's Kill Dill. He has also been signed for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Bajirao Mastani opposite Deepika Padukone.

We wish Ranveer a very happy birthday and a great year ahead.