Ranbir Kapoor says working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali again feels like coming full circle

Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor turned 43 this week. And, he chose to celebrate his birthday by connecting with fans through an Instagram Live session.

One of the highlights of the conversation was a tribute from Ranbir Kapoor to filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He revealed that Bhansali was the first person to shape his understanding of cinema in true sense.

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Ranbir started out as an assistant director on Bhansali’s ‘Black’. Later made his acting debut with ‘Saawariya’ in 2007, also directed by Bhansali. Reflecting on that early journey, Ranbir said that whatever he knows about acting began under Bhansali’s mentorship.

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Now, nearly two decades later, Ranbir is reuniting with the celebrated director for the much-anticipated film ‘Love and War’. The movie, going to release on March 20, 2026, also stars Vicky Kaushal and Alia Bhatt.

Ranbir Kapoor expressed his excitement not just about working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali again, but also about sharing the screen with two actors he admires deeply. Calling Vicky one of his favorite performers and describing Alia, his wife, as “super talented,” Ranbir said the collaboration feels special on many levels.

The actor added that Bhansali, who was a “master” even back when he first worked with him, has only grown more powerful as a filmmaker.

Fans also got a glimpse of Ranbir’s lighter side as he chatted about ageing and the changes he sees in himself. When a follower complimented his looks by saying, “43 never looked so handsome,” Ranbir laughed but admitted the thought of turning 50 in just seven years came as a shock. He said he recently noticed the increasing grey strands in his beard and reflected on how quickly time passes.