Ranbir Kapoor on reuniting with his first director Sanjay Leela Bhansali for Love and War: I am excited, he is my godfather

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming film Love & War has already generated significant buzz, thanks to its star-studded cast, which includes Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal. The film is highly anticipated not only for its ensemble cast but also because it marks a reunion between Bhansali and Ranbir Kapoor.

During an interaction at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, Ranbir opened about his excitement for this collaboration, revealing how his relationship with the acclaimed director has been a formative one in his career.

Ranbir expressed his enthusiasm for reuniting with Bhansali, saying, “I am extremely excited. He is my godfather. Everything I know about films, everything I know about acting, it is something I learnt from him." This statement underscores the deep bond between the actor and the director, one that dates back to Ranbir’s early days in the film industry. Ranbir's admiration for Bhansali is not just rooted in their professional collaboration, but also in the mentorship the director provided, which has had a profound impact on his acting career.

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This isn’t the first time that Ranbir and Bhansali have worked together. Ranbir's first film, Saawariya (2007), was directed by Bhansali, marking the beginning of the actor’s cinematic journey.

Prior to his acting debut, Ranbir also worked as an assistant director on Bhansali’s 2005 film Black. Reflecting on their past collaborations, Ranbir fondly reminisced, “He hasn’t changed at all. He is extremely hard-working. All he thinks about is his movies. He just wants to speak about the character, he wants you to create, do something different.” These words suggest a deep respect for Bhansali’s unwavering dedication to his craft, something that has remained constant over the years.

The announcement of Love & War in January 2024 only added to the excitement surrounding the film. The movie’s official Instagram post revealed the film’s release date as Christmas 2025, along with the signatures of the three leads—Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal. The anticipation for the epic saga has only intensified, with fans eagerly awaiting the reunion of Ranbir and Bhansali after more than a decade.

Love & War also marks Bhansali’s second collaboration with Alia Bhatt after their successful partnership on Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022). Alia’s performance in the film earned her the prestigious National Award for Best Actress, further cementing the director-actor duo’s exceptional synergy. For Ranbir, the film represents not only a professional reunion but also a chance to collaborate with some of the finest actors of his generation.

The actor has been busy with multiple projects. His recent film, Animal, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, was well received, and a sequel is already in the works. He is also currently shooting for Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, a highly anticipated project that will see him share the screen with Sai Pallavi and Yash. Despite his packed schedule, the excitement Ranbir feels for Love & War is palpable, showcasing how deeply his bond with Bhansali and his passion for the craft runs.

As fans eagerly await the release of Love & War, it is clear that the reunion between Ranbir Kapoor and Sanjay Leela Bhansali promises to be a cinematic event that will captivate audiences worldwide. Their shared history, combined with the incredible talent of the cast, ensures that Love & War is a project to watch out for in the coming years.