Ranbir Kapoor Calls Bhansali His Cinematic Guru as Love & War Brings Stars Together
Ranbir Kapoor reunites with mentor Sanjay Leela Bhansali for epic film Love & War.
Bollywood icon Ranbir Kapoor recently expressed profound gratitude to filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, crediting him as the master who laid the foundation for his acting career. Speaking during an Instagram Live session on his 43rd birthday, hosted via his brand ARKS, Kapoor reflected on his journey with Bhansali, with whom he is collaborating after an 18-year gap for the upcoming film Love & War. The film, described as an “epic saga,” is set to release on March 20, 2026, and features a stellar cast including Kapoor, his wife Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal.
Kapoor’s cinematic journey began under Bhansali’s direction with his debut film Saawariya in 2007, a visually opulent yet commercially underwhelming project. During the Live session, the Rockstar actor lauded Bhansali’s unparalleled craftsmanship, stating, “Whatever I know about acting was seeded in by him.” He described Bhansali as a “master” whose expertise has only grown over the years, expressing excitement about their renewed collaboration. Love & War marks a significant reunion, bringing together Kapoor’s foundational mentor and his contemporary prowess as an actor.
The film also introduces fresh dynamics, with Vicky Kaushal working under Bhansali’s direction for the first time. Kapoor praised Kaushal as one of his two favorite actors, highlighting the camaraderie and mutual respect among the cast. For Alia Bhatt, this project is a reunion with Bhansali, following her critically acclaimed performance in his 2022 film Gangubai Kathiawadi, where she portrayed the fierce and complex brothel madame and mafia don of Kamathipura.
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Love & War promises to be a grand cinematic spectacle, aligning with Bhansali’s signature style of blending emotional depth with visual grandeur. Kapoor’s remarks underscore the film’s significance, not only as a professional milestone but also as a testament to Bhansali’s enduring influence on Indian cinema. Fans eagerly await the trio’s chemistry and Bhansali’s vision, set to unfold on the big screen in 2026.
