Ranbir Kapoor and Imran Khan belong to illustrious Bollywood families. Both are 26 although Ranbir is four months elder to Imran. Ranbir is the son of Rishi and Neetu while Imran is the nephew of actor Aamir Khan and producer-director Mansoor Khan.Imran’s mom isMansoor’s sister Nuzhat married to Anil Pal.

Imran and Ranbir debuted with strong backing of Aamir Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali respectively. Ranbir debuted with a flop Saawariya (Nov 2007) and Imran with a blockbuster Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (JTYJN, 2008). Both had their lucky breaks but after that they are on their own.

Ranbir is dating Deepika Padukone and Imran Avantika Malik. Ranbir got Filmfare award for Best Male Debut for Saawariya in 2008. Imran followed it for JTYJN.

Ranbir was born in Mumbai while Imran in Madison, Wisconsin, US. Ranbir studied acting at The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York while Imran trained in film making in Los Angeles. While Ranbir’s debuted leading lady Sonam Kapoor is still finding her feet in films, Imran’s heroine Genelia D’souza is doing pretty well for herself.

Ranbir’s second release Bachna Ae Haseeno was a semi-hit, Imran’s Kidnap was a flop. Ranbir has a strong resemblance to Paul McCartney while Imran takes after uncle Aamir Khan. Both co-hosted 54th Filmfare Awards. Both have also appeared on Salman Khan’s Dus Ka Dum.

Imran acted as child artist in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988) and Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992), where in both films he acted as young Aaamir Khan. Ranbir was assistant director in Black (2005), Aa Ab Laut Chalen (1999) and Prem Granth (1996). While Imran aspired to be a director, Ranbir wished to be an actor.

While Ranbir’s Wake Up Sid opposite Konkona Sen Sharma is eagerly awaited, Imran’s Luck opposite Shruti Hasan too is looked forward too. The films will decide which way the careers of these two actors head.

While the similarities and differences do not end here, what is becoming clearer is Imran is a perfectionist like his uncle Aamir. He has been selecting his roles carefully and does not go by glamour, name or money alone.

While Ranbir is endorsing brands like Pepsi and Panasonic, Imran has kept away from the endorsement bandwagon. Ranbir has flaunted his relationship with Deepike but not much is known about Avantika and Imran prefers it this way. He would rather be known for the roles he plays instead of the attention seeking gimmicks.

His directors say Imran is an actor’s actor. He comes across as a perfectionist just like Aamir. There is an intensity in his performance that borders on living the role. It was well experienced in Kidnap although the movie did not do well. With Kidnap, Imran proved himself in a negative role. Not many newcomers can do justice to such a role.