Subhash Ghai explains why he loves his dear friend Rishi Kapoor's son Ranbir Kapoor

Filmmaker Subhash Ghai has shared a heartfelt birthday tribute to Ranbir Kapoor, revealing five reasons why he has a special affection for the actor.

Ranbir, who turned 44 on Monday, received a special message from Ghai, who took to Instagram to share a picture of the actor along with a lengthy note celebrating his personality, acting ability and connection with the Kapoor family.

Among the personal details Ghai revealed was that his association with Ranbir goes back to the actor’s childhood. The filmmaker recalled directing Ranbir when he was just eight years old in his musical short film Pyar Ki Ganga Bahe.

Ghai highlighted Ranbir’s place in the Kapoor film dynasty, his personality away from his family’s star status and his growth as an actor. He also spoke warmly about Ranbir’s late father Rishi Kapoor and mother Neetu Kapoor, whom he described as dear friends.

The filmmaker also expressed his confidence in Ranbir’s future, particularly with the upcoming epic Ramayana, in which the actor plays Lord Ram.

Ghai wrote that he believes Ranbir is capable of establishing himself as a major actor on the global stage through the film, while extending his birthday wishes to the actor.

Ghai shares a long-standing association with the Kapoor family, one of Hindi cinema’s most prominent film dynasties. He previously directed Rishi Kapoor in the 1980 film Karz and also worked with Rishi’s uncles, Shashi Kapoor and Shammi Kapoor, during his career.

Ranbir is currently preparing for one of the biggest projects of his career following the success of Animal. The actor will headline Ramayana, the upcoming Hindi epic in which he portrays Lord Ram.

The film is scheduled to arrive in theatres around Diwali and has already generated significant interest among audiences.