Ranbir Kapoor has delivered several superhits in his career such as Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Barfi!, Brahmāstra, and Animal. His performances on the big screen have won millions of hearts, earning him a massive fan following. Now, the actor who has charmed audiences with his on-screen presence is preparing to create magic behind the camera. Yes, Ranbir is all set to make his directorial debut, and he announced this himself on his birthday.
Fulfilling a Long-cherished Dream
This is not the first time Ranbir has spoken about becoming a director. Back in 2012, after the release of one of his most acclaimed films, Barfi!, Ranbir had expressed his wish to direct a film someday. In an interview at the time, when asked how he would manage direction alongside his acting commitments, he said:
“It’s my dream and goal to do this. I often dream big but fail to fulfil those dreams. That’s why I don’t make promises or announcements. But yes, when I have a strong story to tell, I will definitely make it. There’s still so much left for me to do.”
Not Looking for Credit
At that point, Barfi! had been completed, and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani was in production. Ranbir had also signed two more films – Abhinav Kashyap’s Besharam and Anurag Kashyap’s Bombay Velvet. Interestingly, during Rockstar and Barfi!, Ranbir had helped with promos and some scenes behind the camera, but he never wanted to take credit for it. He said:
“I’m just one of those people who like to get involved in every part of the process. But that doesn’t mean I was directing. You can’t take away credit from the actual director.”
Later, in 2022, Ranbir again mentioned that directing a film had always been on his bucket list. Now, the actor has confirmed that he has two ideas in mind and will soon start working on them.
Alia Bhatt to Turn Producer
Alongside this big announcement, Ranbir also surprised his fans by revealing that his wife, actress Alia Bhatt, might produce his directorial debut. He said:
“I want to make films, but I think I’ll take charge of directing. As for production, I feel my wife Alia will make a wonderful producer for my film.”
Experience as an Assistant Director
Before stepping into acting, Ranbir worked behind the camera as an assistant director on three films. In 1999, he assisted his father Rishi Kapoor in his directorial debut Aa Ab Laut Chalen. In 2005, he worked as an assistant to Sanjay Leela Bhansali on Black. He also assisted in PremGranth (1996).
Upcoming Projects
On the acting front, Ranbir will next be seen in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love and War, where he stars alongside Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. He also shared an update on Animal Park, confirming that work on the sequel will begin in 2027.