Ranbir Kapoor launches brand ARKS, says name is NOT about Alia or Raha
Ranbir Kapoor has finally put an end to the speculation surrounding the name of his lifestyle brand ARKS, clarifying that it has nothing to do with his wife Alia Bhatt or their daughter Raha, despite widespread assumptions on social media.
Ever since the actor launched ARKS, fans have been busy decoding the brand name, with many believing it was a personal nod to his family.
Now, Ranbir has addressed the curiosity head-on in a new video shared on the official Instagram handle and YouTube channel of his brand.
In the video, Ranbir is seen giving viewers a behind-the-scenes tour of the factory while answering questions about the brand’s origins.
During the walkthrough, he also revealed that the manufacturing unit previously belonged to his brother-in-law, Bharat Sahni.
Opening up about the naming process, Ranbir explained that ARKS went through several interpretations before finally sticking. When asked how the name came about, he said, “You know, it just had different meanings to it.”
He elaborated further, saying, “We started with because we just wanted to come out with the sneakers so it was a Ranbir Kapoor shoe. So there were many different, meanings to it like a Ranbir Kapoor studio… Then I guess I came to a point where I said that it doesn't really need a meaning, but I think it just fit. When we heard the name ARKS, when we saw this logo, everything just came together.”
The 42-year-old actor also reflected on how his mindset has evolved with age and how that philosophy influences his brand. “As I grow older, my desire for material things is growing lesser. You always need a t-shirt or a denim jacket because you can wear it at any time. That’s where I come in with ARKS.”
He added that ARKS is just getting started and has bigger ambitions beyond clothing. “But the plan is to really expand in different areas of lifestyle, which could be athleisure or underwear. I am also interested in the whole furniture market. So under the umbrella of ARKS, I think we’re really trying to sell a sensibility, an aesthetic. A lifestyle for the consumer,” he said.
Ranbir officially stepped into entrepreneurship last year with the launch of ARKS. At the time, the brand’s Instagram account shared a cinematic introduction video featuring the actor lying on grass at night and gazing at the stars before drawing a symbol in the air. The caption read, “Meet the founder. He's not on social media.”
The launch drew warm reactions from his family. Alia Bhatt responded with fire emojis, while his mother Neetu Kapoor wrote, “Good luck.” Alia later shared the post on her Instagram Stories and added, “To new beginnings.”
The ARKS menswear line features a curated selection of wardrobe essentials, including cotton jersey t-shirts, embossed French terry sweatshirts, knitted hoodies, double pique polo shirts, flat knit t-shirts and linen shirts, all aligned with the brand’s understated, functional aesthetic.
On the film front, Ranbir will next be seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love And War, co-starring Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal.
He was last seen in the blockbuster Animal alongside Triptii Dimri and Rashmika Mandanna, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. A sequel titled Animal Park is already in the works, keeping the actor firmly in the spotlight both on and off screen.