In a deeply emotional post that has moved fans and animal lovers alike, actor Randeep Hooda shared a tribute to his longtime equine companion, Ranji, who passed away at the age of 23. The post, filled with nostalgia, gratitude, and heartbreak, tells the extraordinary story of a horse that wasn’t just a pet — but a partner, a healer, and a soulmate. “We just ran out of time, brother,” Hooda wrote, as he bid goodbye to the one-eyed wonder who flew with him — literally and metaphorically — over life's hurdles.
Ranji's story reads like a cinematic tale. Born in 2002 and sired by the famed Gaylord (GY) in an army depot, he was rejected by the army for being undersized and due to a mishandled eye worm surgery. He was sold to a tanga wala — a life of pulling carriages seemed inevitable — until a chance call between two Colonels changed everything. One Colonel saw the potential being wasted and convinced the other, despite his reluctance, to part with the spirited colt. That twist of fate brought Ranji into Hooda's life, and the rest is a galloping legacy of love and triumph.
Named after Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Ranji mirrored his namesake in spirit — rebellious, fearless, and noble. He was notoriously naughty, breaking free from stables with Houdini-like ease, and always eager to run free. Hooda, a skilled equestrian himself, recalls how Ranji took him soaring over obstacles, sometimes even with Hooda’s eyes closed in fear. Despite being a more skilled jumper than his rider, Ranji always made sure Randeep stayed in the saddle — and on the podium, winning medal after medal.
Ranji’s journey wasn’t without challenges. He was diagnosed with laminitis, a painful and often fatal condition in horses. Most are put down after diagnosis — but not Ranji. Thanks to Hooda's determination and the expertise of Dr. Pheroz Khambatta, Ranji made a miraculous recovery and even returned to jumping — a rarity in equine medicine. Over the years, despite recurring complications, Hooda's unwavering belief in "just giving him time" saw Ranji bounce back again and again, supported by a loyal group of grooms who adored him like family.
Ranji passed away at 23 — a venerable age in horse years, equivalent to living into one’s 90s. Even on his final night, he tried to leap out of his stable, as if he knew his time had come and wanted to fly away one last time. “Fly away he did,” Hooda wrote, ending his post with a heavy heart and the feeling that he’s lost not just a horse, but a piece of his soul. With Ranji’s passing, Hooda hinted at not wanting to keep horses anymore — a testament to the deep and irreplaceable bond they shared.
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