MUMBAI — Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor has ventured into the fashion world with his new lifestyle brand called Arks. The first store has opened in Bandra, a trendy area in Mumbai.
Ranbir, who has been in the film industry for 18 years, is known for his impressive roles in films like Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva and Animal. His transition to brand owner is exciting for his fans, marking a new chapter in his career.
To launch this brand, Ranbir has partnered with Abhinav Verma, an experienced entrepreneur. They created Arks to offer stylish and versatile wardrobe essentials, reflecting Ranbir’s relaxed sense of fashion.
The idea of Arks has been in the works for some time. Verma, who is the CEO, says the brand began with a focus on creating high-quality sneakers, tapping into Ranbir’s reputation as a sneaker enthusiast. “We wanted to branch out into more categories,” he explains, as they explored options beyond footwear.
Arks offers a range of clothing items for both men and women, including t-shirts, jeans, and jackets. They also provide unisex accessories and stylish sneakers, all designed and produced in India. Future plans for the brand include fragrances and tech accessories, hinting at exciting collaborations down the line.
Ranbir envisions Arks as a brand that promotes a refined lifestyle, emphasizing quality and individuality. “I want our products to make a statement without being loud,” he shares.
The pricing for Arks starts at 1,499 rupees and can go up to 34,999 rupees (about $17 to $403), aiming to balance quality and affordability. Verma notes that the middle-class demand for premium products is growing, making this the ideal time to launch a brand like Arks.
In a competitive market, Arks plans to target various segments within India’s fast-growing consumer landscape. Reports indicate that the mid-market fashion segment could see a significant boost this year. Plus, the Indian sneaker market is set for double-digit growth, making it a prime area for Arks to flourish.
The brand will follow an omnichannel approach, selling products both in their 1,000 sq ft store and online. Future plans include expanding to cities like New Delhi and Bengaluru, although specific timelines are still being finalized.
“We want people to engage with the products personally. Our store is designed to feel like a community space,” Verma explains.
Ranbir joins a group of Indian male celebrities launching their own fashion lines, like Salman Khan and Hrithik Roshan. His hands-on involvement in every aspect of Arks—from design to marketing—sets it apart from typical celebrity-led brands.
Fans are eager to connect with Ranbir through Arks, which has gained considerable interest even before its launch, with 130K followers on Instagram. A teaser featuring Kapoor garnered over 6 million views.
Ranbir’s wife, Alia Bhatt, also a star, has found success in the fashion world with her brand Ed-a-Mamma. Verma believes Arks can achieve remarkable long-term success, combining Ranbir’s passion with a focus on quality and cultural significance. “We aim for Arks to be a ‘Made in India’ brand with global appeal,” he emphasizes.
