Bollywood reunion: Deepika Padukone’s comeback with Bhansali after 7 years?

Entertainment: In 2024, the maestro announced his magnum opus Love and War; the film had already become a hot topic for discussion. For Bhansali, this film was more of a reunion project with his muse Alia Bhatt, but, more importantly, it was Alia and Ranbir Kapoor's reunion on screen as well after being a real-life couple in Brahmastra franchise. Coming in 2026, the star power doesn't end there--this ambitious venture has Vicky Kaushal again as a parallel lead fresh off the buzz around Chhaava.

Deepika Padukone rumoured cameo fuels fan frenzy

Adding to the excitement, fans noticed a significant update on the film's IMDb page: Deepika Padukone, Bhansali’s muse for three blockbuster films (Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, Bajirao Mastani, and Padmaavat), is listed with a cameo role in Love and War. If true, this would mark Deepika’s return to Bhansali’s cinematic universe after a seven-year gap, following their last collaboration in Padmaavat (2018).

Moreover, her rumored role in Love and War would reunite her on screen with Ranbir Kapoor after three years, the last being her brief cameo in Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva (2022). Fans can’t help but reminisce about their electric chemistry in Imtiaz Ali’s Tamasha (2015), making the possibility of this reunion all the more tantalizing.

Alia Bhatt and Sanjay Leela Bhansali: A promised partnership

Alia Bhatt has had a great ride with Bhansali. "Gangubai Kathiawadi" (2022) is one of the best performances by an actress in any Bollywood film. While promoting that film, Alia gave her fans a teaser on how she was promised four films by Bhansali-a head more than the trilogy that made Deepika Padukone a queen of three iconic films: "He gave her three; he promised me four. But he didn't promise me he'd take her as well in my four," she quipped.

Online has gone abuzz over the possibility of Deepika sharing screen space with Alia as fans feel that it will be a perfect blend of "love and war." Adding more spice to this cocktail is Orry, which makes the ensemble much more interesting.

Nearing the final stages of filming

As Love and War inches closer to production, its star-studded cast and potential cameos have set fans on edge. Bhansali’s directorial prowess combined with the charisma of Alia, Ranbir, Vicky, and Deepika promises a cinematic extravaganza that could redefine Bollywood’s benchmarks.