This decision has reportedly upset the actor, who had previously delivered some of the biggest blockbusters of his career under Bhansali’s direction—Ram Leela, Bajirao Mastani, and Padmaavat. According to film journalist Subhash K Jha, the fallout stems from Ranveer being offered a second lead role, which he ultimately declined. That role was then passed on to Vicky Kaushal.
Love & War: A Casting Decision That Sparked Controversy
Love & War is being billed as an intense romantic drama set against a historical backdrop, featuring a powerful love triangle. While many expected Bhansali to cast Ranveer Singh once again in a primary role, the director surprised fans by opting for Ranbir Kapoor as the lead male protagonist instead.
Ranveer was reportedly offered the secondary male lead—a move that didn’t sit well with him, considering his successful past collaborations with the filmmaker. Declining the offer, he distanced himself from the project. This creative disagreement appears to have affected their personal bond as well.
Birthday Snub Sparks Rumors of Fallout
Adding fuel to the speculation, Ranveer Singh celebrated his 40th birthday on July 6 with a highly exclusive gathering attended only by close friends and family. Noticeably absent from the guest list was Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The omission did not go unnoticed by industry insiders and has since been interpreted as confirmation of the fallout.
A source close to the situation stated, “Despite Bhansali being instrumental in shaping Ranveer's superstardom, he wasn’t invited to the party. This clearly marks a shift in their relationship.”
Baiju Bawra on Hold?
Another project caught in the crossfire is Bhansali’s long-gestating film Baiju Bawra, which was previously expected to feature Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt. With the director now focused entirely on Love & War, it's unclear whether Baiju Bawra will move forward anytime soon—or whether it will star Ranveer at all.
Ranveer Singh Moves On with 'Dhurandhar'
While the rift with Bhansali grabs headlines, Ranveer Singh is charting a new path forward. On his birthday, the first look of his upcoming film Dhurandhar was officially unveiled. The teaser showcased a gritty, action-packed avatar of the actor, with intense visuals, raw performances, and high-octane sequences.
Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar features a powerhouse ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal. The teaser, running for 2 minutes and 40 seconds, signals Ranveer's return to a hard-hitting role that breaks away from his romantic and period drama roots.
Controversy Around Onscreen Pairing with Sara Arjun
However, Dhurandhar has not been without controversy. The film sparked debate due to Ranveer Singh’s onscreen romantic pairing with 20-year-old actress Sara Arjun. Critics point out the uncomfortable age gap—Ranveer was reportedly 38 years old during the time of filming, while Sara had just turned 18.
Although the film was shot two years ago and may have adhered to legal norms, the pairing has ignited a broader conversation about age dynamics in Bollywood. Ranveer Singh has yet to comment publicly on the backlash.
What’s Next for Ranveer and Bhansali?
While neither party has officially confirmed the fallout, industry insiders believe the fracture may take time to heal. Ranveer and Bhansali’s collaborations have defined a major phase in modern Bollywood storytelling. From the intensity of Ram Leela to the grandeur of Padmaavat, their creative synergy delivered both critical acclaim and commercial success.
Whether this rift is temporary or permanent remains to be seen. But for now, it’s clear that Ranveer Singh and Sanjay Leela Bhansali are walking different paths—with one choosing passion projects and new collaborations, and the other investing in a new set of stars to shape his next epic.
Conclusion: A Break in Bollywood’s Most Iconic Actor-Director Duo
The fallout between Ranveer Singh and Sanjay Leela Bhansali marks the end of an era for fans who cherished their cinematic magic. While Love & War prepares for its ambitious launch with a fresh cast, Dhurandhar signals a bold new direction for Ranveer Singh.
Only time will tell if this is a temporary professional rift or a lasting personal divide—but one thing is certain: Bollywood just lost one of its most powerful creative partnerships… for now.
