Ranbir Kapoor Talks Showers, Grooming and His New Body Wash Brand Flux Theory

It’s finally getting its due – the humble body wash is now a mainstream grooming product. Not that it wasn’t but the spotlight on it is brighter than ever, as it rightfully should be. After all, it’s the one product we all use (hopefully!) and the first thing to ‘touch’ our torso every morning. So it's only fair we paid more attention to it, isn’t it? The way it lathers our being, purifies our pores, lasciviously layers our senses... erotic, sure, but also essential. Which is why, the body wash or shower gel finding its crown is rather pleasurable. Brands are talking about it. As are grooming influencers. Ranbir Kapoor has gone a step ahead and launched a brand of his own, Flux Theory, with a range of body washes. Remember that viral video of him taking a shower? You don’t need me to say much else now, do you?  

But Kapoor sure has a lot to say. About why he decided to launch a body wash. His ideal shower experience. And everything he does and does not do when it comes to skincare and grooming. As with everything Kapoor, his responses aren’t as expected either. 

Edited excerpts: 

Congratulations on Flux Theory. Where did the idea of launching your own shower gel come from?  

Thank you.   

I think the shower is one of those very underrated moments in the day. You're alone, with your thoughts, and finally have a few minutes truly to yourself. You might be thinking, singing, planning your day or just completely zoning out. We started thinking about how that moment could be made more personal & much more engaging. That’s really where Flux Theory came from — the idea that you’re not the same person every day, and different moments bring out different sides of you.  

What’s the one thing about the FMCG space that you’d like to disrupt with Flux Theory and why? 

For as long as I can remember shower products have been quite boring & functional. At the same time, shower is one of the most personal & engaging moment in one’s day. So, what really want to do is make the shower a completely sensorial experience & add lots of personality to it. With Flux Theory, You can choose something based on the mood and literally mood and literally step out on “Who you want to be today?”   

What else can people expect from the brand next?  

For now, we’re really focused on the shower and on building something people genuinely enjoy and connect with. There’s a lot we want to explore, but I think it’s important to first get this right and make Flux Theory a brand that people want to be a part of. The idea of being in flux, having multiple versions of ourselves gives us a lot of room to evolve. 

What does the ideal shower experience smell and feel like to you?  

It depends on the day…and my mood, actually. Sometimes I want something fresh and bold, sometimes something warmer and more relaxed. I don’t think I have one particular preference, and that’s actually what I like about Flux Theory. You don’t feel the same way every day, so why should your shower always feel the same?   

Tell us about some of your grooming essentials. What are the things you just can’t do without every day?  

I like to keep it pretty simple. A good shower and a fragrance are probably my everyday essentials. I’m not someone who has a very elaborate grooming routine, I prefer keeping it simple and sticking to what works for me.  

How has your grooming routine evolved over the years?  

It has become less about following a fixed routine and more about understanding what works for me at different moments. I think that’s true for most people… as you grow you realise you don’t need to fit into one idea of how you should look, feel or present yourself. You are allowed to evolve, change and show up differently.

Something that you used to do or use earlier that you won't use anymore?

I’m less interested in doing things just because they are supposed to be done a certain way. I think we’ve all become much more aware of what works for us individually.   

For a man who isn’t too sure about where to start with grooming and taking care of himself, what advice would you like to share?  

Don’t overcomplicate it. Start with the basics and, more importantly, find what feels right for you. Grooming doesn’t need to be about fitting into someone else’s idea of how you should look or feel. It can simply be about discovering what brings out the version of you that you want in that moment.  

What’s a signature Ranbir Kapoor smell? Or do you not have one?  

I would probably argue Why should you smell the same every day when you don’t feel the same every day? I don’t think anyone should have to have just one.   

Lastly, what’s the one thing about your self-care routine that most people will find extremely surprising?  

Probably how ordinary it is. There isn’t an elaborate routine behind it. The thing I value most is finding a little time to switch off and be present with whatever I’m doing.