Ranbir Kapoor, one of Bollywood’s most celebrated actors, has often been in the spotlight for his performances, personal life, and the legacy of the Kapoor family. Recently, veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai shared candid reflections on Ranbir’s journey as an actor, his bond with his late father Rishi Kapoor, and how marriage has brought about a noticeable change in his personality. Speaking in an interview with CNN-News18, Ghai offered insights into the intricate dynamics that shaped Ranbir’s career and personal growth.

A Father-Son Relationship Shaping an Actor

Subhash Ghai began by reminiscing about the relationship between Ranbir Kapoor and his father, Rishi Kapoor. Known for his fiery performances and deep affection for his family, Rishi Kapoor had a dynamic and, at times, complex bond with his son. “Rishi Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor are two different personalities,” Ghai said. “The way a younger generation wants to live is something which is always disliked by the father, and what the father wants is something the son opposes. So these two used to fight a lot. Just like a regular father-son dynamic. But there was ample love as well.”

Ghai elaborated that Rishi Kapoor was particularly concerned about Ranbir leaning towards westernized cinematic styles, emphasizing the importance of embracing Hindi cinema fully to achieve long-term success. “Rishi always felt that if Ranbir needs to be successful, he has to embrace Hindi cinema fully. He wanted him to explore, but also to stay rooted in what the industry valued,” said Ghai.

Reflecting on Ranbir’s current stature as one of the leading actors in Bollywood, Ghai expressed a sense of loss that Rishi Kapoor is no longer around to witness his son’s achievements. “When Ranbir does a role, he gets fully into it. He has done a lot of experiments as well, some good, some bad, but he has now proven himself to be a number one star, and also a number one actor. These days, anybody who gives four hits in a row is labelled a star by the media, but Ranbir is a fantastic actor. Sometimes I think, remembering Rishi, if he were alive, I would have told him, ‘See where your son has reached.’ I used to tell him, don’t pester him, let him do what he wants. But every father is concerned about their son and wants him to do better than himself,” Ghai said.

The Transformative Impact of Alia Bhatt

Subhash Ghai also highlighted the impact of Ranbir’s marriage to Alia Bhatt on his personality. He praised the actor for retaining his humility and grounded nature while exhibiting a new maturity in life. “He is somebody who understands life, and he has become more mature after marriage. He still respects the elders, always touches feet whenever we meet, so he has those values intact. In fact, those who have come just now have more tantrums than Ranbir. He is still very humble and too simple a guy,” Ghai observed.

Ghai’s reflections shed light on a softer, more settled side of Ranbir, one that fans might notice not just in his demeanor but also in the way he navigates personal and professional relationships. According to Ghai, this transformation is as much about emotional growth as it is about the stabilizing influence of Alia Bhatt, who has been a consistent partner through the ups and downs of his career.

On the topic of nepotism in Bollywood, Ghai reaffirmed that talent and hard work ultimately determine success. “Ultimately, it’s talent and hard work that determine success. Several individuals from film families have failed to make a mark because they didn’t have it in them,” he said, highlighting that Ranbir’s accomplishments are rooted in dedication and artistic capability.

Ranbir and Alia: Personal and Professional Life

Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt have frequently shared glimpses of their life together, both online and during public appearances. Recently, they celebrated Diwali in an intimate yet stylish manner, sharing pictures on social media. In one photo posted by Alia Bhatt, Ranbir is seen holding her from behind, both smiling at the camera. Alia looked radiant in a light-pink chikankari kurta paired with a lime-green wrap skirt, while Ranbir complemented her in a crisp white chikankari kurta. She captioned the post, “Dillwali Diwali. Happy Diwali to you and yours,” reflecting the couple’s festive spirit and warmth.

Professionally, both actors have major projects lined up. Alia Bhatt is gearing up for her action-spy film Alpha under Yash Raj Films. Additionally, she will be part of the highly anticipated Love & War, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, which also features Ranbir and Vicky Kaushal. The film is set to release in March 2026 and is expected to draw considerable attention given its star-studded cast and Bhansali’s signature cinematic style.

Ranbir Kapoor, meanwhile, is preparing for one of the most ambitious projects of his career: Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari. The two-part epic will also star Sai Pallavi, Yash, Sunny Deol, and Ravi Dubey, and is slated for a Diwali 2026 release. The film promises to be a significant milestone in his career, showcasing not only his acting prowess but also his ability to take on large-scale, culturally significant narratives.

Balancing Legacy, Love, and Stardom

Subhash Ghai’s reflections underscore the dual pressures and privileges of being part of a film dynasty like the Kapoors. Ranbir Kapoor carries forward a legacy that is both inspiring and challenging, balancing expectations rooted in his father Rishi Kapoor’s illustrious career while forging his own unique path in modern Bollywood.

Ghai’s comments also highlight the stabilizing effect of Ranbir’s personal life, particularly his marriage to Alia Bhatt, which appears to have introduced a newfound sense of emotional maturity and groundedness. Despite the pressures of fame, scrutiny from media, and the high stakes of blockbuster cinema, Ranbir continues to demonstrate humility, thoughtfulness, and a focused approach toward his craft.

In conclusion, Subhash Ghai’s insights provide a rare and candid look at Ranbir Kapoor’s evolution—from a young actor navigating the complexities of his father’s legacy to a mature, confident star balancing personal happiness and professional growth. The combination of talent, dedication, and personal grounding continues to make Ranbir Kapoor one of the most respected and compelling figures in contemporary Bollywood, with the support and influence of Alia Bhatt adding a significant dimension to his journey.