The past three years have seen a rash of Bollywood debutants graduating from B-Town College. Sunday MiD DAY draws up their report card

Ranbir Kapoor

Class topper/ Valedictorian

From his batch, he can boast of the best Bollywood lineage. However, his famous last name is not the only reason that he comes out with flying colours; he has great talent to back the hoopla around him.
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Pass: Bachna Ae Haseeno (just about average), Wake Up Sid, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani

Fail: Saawariyau00a0

Distinction: As Siddharth Mehra in the coming of age film Wake Up Sid and the hilarious Prem in monster hit Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani.

Post graduation: Next up, Ranbir stars in Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year, the political drama Rajneeti and Siddharth Raj Anand's Anjaana Anjaani. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh says Ranbir's box office potential is shining bright. "Ajabu2026 is a hit and that automatically takes him to the top bracket. People have also liked his performance so that makes his case stronger. There is a lot of responsibility on his shoulders, but he will be in the top six actors."

Viva: In his interviews, Ranbir gives out a certain maturity that not many of his peers can pull off. While this doesn't strictly make him boring, he lacks irreverence. He needs to loosen up and let the quotes fly.u00a0

Prom date: Recently split from fellow batch mate and high school sweetheart Deepika Padukone. Ranbir might not really be on the market as he's rumoured to have jumped into a relationship with a certain senior who is still involved with a professor.

Most likely to: Rule Bollywood.u00a0



Deepika Padukone

Class divau00a0

She got a Bollywood debut that many would kill foru00a0 playing Shah Rukh Khan's leading lady in Farah Khan's Om Shanti Om. Added to this was the small detail that the movie ended up being Bollywood's highest-grossing film ever. She might not hit the acting high note, but she's easy on the eye and has screen presence.

Pass: Om Shanti Om, Bachna Ae Haseeno, Love Aaj Kal

Fail: Chandni Chowk to China

Distinction: As Meera, the practical-in-love monument restorer in Love Aaj Kal

Post graduation: Karthik Calling Karthik with Farhan Akhtar, Sajid Khan's comedy Housefull and Ashutosh Gowariker's Khele Hum Jee Jaan Se. Taran reveals, "I liked her in Om Shanti Om, but was very disappointed with Chandni Chowk to China. I was pleasantly shocked with Love Aaj Kal. She was natural and believable. She will be one of the top actresses."

Viva: Trying to get Deepika Padukone to say something witty is as difficult as making someone crack a smile at a funeral. She never steers away from politically correct answers. Needs to straighten out the 'Dull Deepika' image.

Prom date: Rumour has it that she decided to put a full stop to her relationship with Ranbir Kapoor. She has yet to sit and share lunch with someone else.

Most likely to: Have a successful innings as a star, but her acting needs work.

Neil Nitin Mukesh

Class best buddy

Neil chose a different film to debut with and Johnny Gaddaar pegged him amongst the newcomers with potential. But his next film Aa Dekhen Zara had people wondering if his name would be longer than his movie career. He's proved that wrong with New York, yet his acting is still below grade.

Pass: New York

Fail: Johnny Gaddaar, Aa Dekhen Zara, Jail

Distinction: As Vikram, the double-crossing conman in Johnny Gaddaar.

Post graduation: Neil will be seen in Sudhir Mishra's Tera Kya Hoga Johnny? Taran predicts, "People appreciated his performances in Johnny Gaddaar and Jail. There is no denying that he is a good actor. But he needs the backing of a good hit and needs to work hard to get those numbers."

Viva: He talks a lot. By that, we mean two sides of a tape, which makes for fun reading, but a lot of editing!

Prom date: Neil has been linked to Mugdha Godse, but is in a committed relationship with Priyanka Bhatia, not a graduate of B-Town College.

Most likely to: Ace supporting roles.

Sonam Kapoor