In Rockstar, Ranbir Kapoor’s transformation from Janardan Jakhar, an aspiring musician from Delhi, to Jordan, a global rockstar sensation, is one of Imtiaz Ali's most defining works. But unlike most movies, which are shot from beginning to end, Rockstar was shot in reverse. The reason was surprisingly practical: Ranbir Kapoor’s hair length.
The climax of Ranbir Kapoor starrer Rockstar was shot before the beginning. Jordan’s character required long hair for the rugged look, while Janardan, the younger version of the character, needed a shorter hairstyle.
Why Was Rockstar Shot In Reverse?
In the climax of Rockstar, there is a transition where Janardan becomes a global music star. Along with his personality, the character’s appearance also changes, with long hair and a rugged beard.
Imtiaz Ali and the production team wanted to maintain continuity in Ranbir Kapoor’s hairstyle. If they had shot the movie from beginning to end, it would require Ranbir Kapoor to switch hairstyles again and again.
And therefore, it was decided that portions where Jordan has long hair would be shot first.
The decision was important because the physical appearance of Janardan and Jordan reflects different stages of his journey. Janardan is an inexperienced college student, while Jordan's long hair, clothing and stage persona establish his evolution into a musician.
(Image Credit: YouTube @EROS Now)
Ranbir Kapoor Also Prepared For Two Distinct Versions Of The Same Character
As per reports, Ranbir worked extensively to prepare for Jordan and Janardan’s very distinct roles. He learned the mannerisms, cultural background and musical abilities required to portray Janardan and Jordan convincingly.
During an interview with Rediff in 2011, Ranbir spoke about researching Janardan’s character, which was loosely based on Imtiaz Ali’s Jat friend. He revealed that he travelled to Pitampura in Delhi and stayed with the family.
"We did a lot to make this character look believable," Ranbir said in the interview, explaining that he watched how the family spoke, walked, interacted, ate and dressed.
He also learnt to play the guitar for Jordan. In an interview with India Today, Ranbir explained: “I had no idea how to play the guitar, and neither can I sing. But since the character was a musician, I felt it was important to learn how to play the guitar.”
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He added, “When I would perform on the stage before a large audience, they should feel the truth behind it.”
The actor spent time at A.R. Rahman's studio in Chennai, where he worked on his guitar skills.
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Was Rockstar Shelved By Imtiaz Ali?
Initially, Imtiaz Ali had John Abraham as the lead character in mind and A. R. Rahman as a composer. However, the project did not materialise at that time.
Imtiaz Ali made Jab We Met and Love Aaj Kal, finally before returning to the story.
In a 2024 interview with Mid-Day, Ali recalled that Ranbir brought up Rockstar when the two met to discuss another project. The actor had heard the story earlier and narrated its premise.
Imtiaz Ali revealed he was impressed by Ranbir's interest in the project. But he had lost the original screenplay. “I had lost the script. So I had to write it again,” Ali recalled, as quoted by Mid-Day.
The filmmaker eventually reworked the story with Ranbir and Nargis Fakhri. Shammi Kapoor played Ustad Jameel Khan, the musician who recognises Janardan's talent.
Released on November 11, 2011, Rockstar brought together Ali's storytelling, Rahman's music and Ranbir's portrayal of a musician whose personal heartbreak becomes inseparable from his artistic identity.
(Image Credit: YouTube @EROS Now)
The reverse shooting schedule might have originated from a hairstyle-continuity requirement, but it offers an interesting glimpse into the practical decisions in creating movies.
FAQs
Q1. Why was Rockstar shot in reverse order?
A1. Rockstar was filmed backwards to maintain continuity in Ranbir Kapoor's hairstyle as his character transitioned from long-haired rockstar Jordan to younger Janardan.
Q2. Which scene was shot first in Rockstar?
A2. The climax featuring Ranbir Kapoor's long-haired look was reportedly filmed first.
Q3. Who directed Rockstar and composed its music?
A3. Imtiaz Ali directed Rockstar, while A.R. Rahman composed its music. The film starred Ranbir Kapoor, Nargis Fakhri and Shammi Kapoor.