Randeep Hooda questions Ranbir Kapoor’s involvement in Highway promotions: Mujhe samajh nahi aaya Ranbir ka iss picture se kya lena dena hai

Randeep Hooda questions Ranbir's involvement in Highway promotions

Actor Randeep Hooda recently opened up about being sidelined during the promotional campaign for Imtiaz Ali’s 2014 road drama Highway, despite playing the lead opposite Alia Bhatt. During an appearance on Shubhankar Mishra's podcast, Randeep expressed his confusion and disappointment about being left out of the marketing efforts, while Ranbir Kapoor — who had no official role in the film — was actively involved.

“Maine bhi voh dekha aur mujhe bhi samajh nahi aaya Ranbir Kapoor ka iss picture se kya lena dena hai,” Randeep remarked, questioning Ranbir's presence during the film’s publicity events. He further shared that it was disheartening to see another actor, who wasn't even part of the cast, take the spotlight alongside Bhatt and director Imtiaz Ali.

“I felt really bad. If I would have gotten support at that time, it would have helped my career,” Randeep added, suggesting that the lack of visibility hurt his growth in the industry. He emphasized that as a leading man, being present during promotions is not just a matter of pride but a critical opportunity for recognition and professional advancement.

Reflecting on the possible reasons behind Ranbir Kapoor’s involvement, Randeep Hooda speculated that it might have had more to do with the budding romance between Ranbir and Alia than with the film itself. “Maybe that’s where their love story began. I offer them my best wishes. If this film brought them together, I’m truly happy for them,” he said with a gracious tone, despite his apparent frustration with the situation.

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The actor also mentioned that he was eventually brought into the promotional campaign—but only in the final days before the release. “Maybe in the last day or two, the film wasn’t picking up momentum, so they included me,” he concluded, hinting at the strategic nature of the decision rather than a genuine effort to recognize his role.

Randeep Hooda has since built a reputation for choosing intense and meaningful roles, such as portraying freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in Swatantra Veer Savarkar, and starring opposite Chris Hemsworth in the Netflix action hit Extraction as Saju Rav. Despite the Highway snub, his career trajectory has remained noteworthy.