Ranbir lookalike stuns many, including Rishi Kapoor

Bismah Malik

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Tribune News Service

Srinagar, April 26

Junaid Shah was never obsessed with his looks nor was he interested in making a career in acting or modeling until his friends started telling him that he resembled Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor.

Junaid became popular after young Kashmiris posted his pictures alongside Ranbir Kapoor on Facebook.

He became an instant hit not only among the Valley youth, but all over the country.

Junaid has been featured on many TV channels, including Zoom TV, MTV and Zee TV.

His looks have even caught the eye of Ranbir’s father and Bollywood veteran Rishi Kapoor, who recently posted his picture on Twitter.

“OMG. My own son has a double!!! Promise cannot make out. A good double,” Rishi tweeted.

Junaid, who studies management (MBA) at Kashmir University, said he had recently declined the offer of a production house to feature in a crime show.

He was even reluctant to join modeling or acting due to the conservative background. “My parents said when I complete my studies I can go for modeling or acting. Both my parents are educated and are government officials. For them, my education remains a priority,” Junaid told the Tribune.

But soon, the 24-year-old Ranbir lookalike will be heading to Delhi to feature in a ZEE TV show. “I wouldn’t say my bag is full. I am getting a lot of offers for modeling, but I want to pursue acting,” said Junaid.

He, however, knows that he has got a difficult journey to make to earn a name in the acting arena.

“For lookalikes, there is a little scope in acting. Hrithik Roshan’s lookalike, Harman Baweja, was the son of a Bollywood producer but he still got nowhere. Usually, lookalikes remain confined to small roles or some modeling assignments if they have a good physique,” he said.

Junaid also wants to get his portfolio professionally done in Delhi before he pursues his Bollywood dream.

“For aspirants like me Kashmir is not a place to be in. There aren’t even capable photographers around who can make a good portfolio,” he said.