Ranbir To Make Directorial Debut; Hails Sanjay Leela Bhansali As Mentor

MUMBAI-Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor, who turned 43 on September 28, celebrated his birthday with fans through an Instagram Live session where he shared heartfelt reflections on his acting journey, future aspirations, and personal milestones.

Ranbir hailed filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali as the driving force behind his evolution as an actor, crediting him for sowing the seeds of his craft. He expressed excitement about reuniting with his mentor for the much-anticipated film ‘Love and War,’ which also stars Vicky Kaushal and Alia Bhatt, and is slated for release on March 20, 2026.

“Love and War is a film directed by Mr. Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and it stars one of my two favorite actors, Vicky Kaushal, and of course my super talented wife Alia Bhatt. It’s directed by the man who taught me everything about cinema. Whatever I know about acting was seeded in by him. He was a master then, and I’m working with him 18 years later — he’s an even bigger master today. So, I’m very happy with that collaboration,” Ranbir said.

Ranbir began his career by assisting Bhansali on ‘Black’ and made his acting debut with the director’s 2007 romance drama Saawariya, opposite Sonam Kapoor.

Beyond acting, Ranbir also revealed that he is preparing to step behind the camera. When asked about his directorial ambitions, he admitted he has already taken the first step. “I am dying to direct a movie. I have started a writer’s room, actually. I am trying to inspire myself with the two ideas I have and starting to work on them. But it is definitely on my to-do list in the next couple of years,” the actor shared.

The session also turned personal when Ranbir reflected on turning 43 and embracing the inevitable signs of ageing. Reacting to a fan’s compliment, he mused, “Just imagine, it’s just seven years till I hit 50. It just hit me. I was making a video and looked at my grey hair and realized in seven years, I am going to be 50. Life goes by too fast. Just live every day to your fullest, give it your best, be kind, be loving, and just have fun in your life — and be a good person.” (IANS)