The Durga Puja celebrations in Mumbai saw a heartwarming reunion between Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor and his close friend, director Ayan Mukerji. The two were spotted at the Mukerji family's Durga Puja pandal, participating in the festivities and seeking blessings. This appearance held a poignant note as Ranbir Kapoor remembered Ayan's father, the veteran actor Deb Mukherjee, who passed away earlier this year.
Ranbir Kapoor, dressed in a traditional dark blue kurta paired with white pyjama, was seen offering prayers to Goddess Durga. Ayan Mukerji, on the other hand, sported a peach-toned traditional ensemble. The duo warmly greeted fans and fellow guests, with Ranbir shaking hands and posing for pictures.
The passing of Deb Mukherjee in March 2025, at the age of 83, was a significant loss for the family and the film fraternity. He was not only a respected actor but also a driving force behind the North Bombay Durga Puja, an event well-known for its grand celebrations and celebrity attendance. Following his death after a prolonged illness, many members of the Bollywood fraternity, including Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, and Aditya Roy Kapur, attended the prayer meet to pay their respects. Kajol, Ayan's cousin, shared a heartfelt message on social media, expressing her grief and remembering him as "one of the finest men" she had ever known.
Ranbir and Ayan share a close bond that extends beyond their professional collaborations. Ayan has directed Ranbir in films such as "Wake Up Sid", "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani," and "Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva". Their friendship is often described as being like a marriage. Ayan has openly acknowledged Ranbir as his muse, emphasizing the deep connection and understanding they share. In fact, Ayan admitted that he limited Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor's public appearances before the release of "Brahmāstra" to maintain the freshness of their pairing on screen.
During the Durga Puja celebrations, Ranbir's presence at the pandal was particularly meaningful, considering his close relationship with Ayan and the recent loss of Ayan's father. Although there are no direct quotes available, it is understood that Ranbir's presence served as a source of support for Ayan and a gesture of remembrance for Deb Mukherjee. Speaking about his 43rd birthday which he celebrated just a day before the Durga Puja visit, Ranbir expressed gratitude for his family, friends and work.
The duo's appearance at the Durga Puja pandal underscores their strong bond and the importance of family and tradition. As they continue their journey in the film industry, their friendship remains a source of strength and inspiration. Ranbir will next be seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Love and War', and also in Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana'. Ranbir and Ayan are expected to collaborate on future projects, including "Brahmastra 2".
