Jaw-dropping sets, iconic movies, medieval dramas, and films that make us live in a fairytale world, Sanjay Leela Bhansali one of the most sought-after filmmakers for every Bollywood actor. Whether you call him the king of drama, romance or larger-than-life film sets, the magic he creates on the silver screen almost always draws you in. With nine magnum opuses like Black, Saawariya, Padmaavat, Ram Leela, Bajirao Mastani, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Devdas to his name, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has transformed Indian cinema.
Completely 25 glorious years in the industry, the maestro has carved a special niche for himself in the film fraternity. He has changed the face of Indian cinema by stirring a movement that focuses on artistic sets, clean direction, thematic backdrops, highly choreographed sequences and larger-than-life mega-musicals. A music connoisseur, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has given us some memorable melodies such as Ram Chahe Leela, Tattad Tattad, Lahu Munh Lag Gaya, Ghoomar, Dholi Taro Dhol Baaje, Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan, Chand Chupa Baadal Mein, Nimbooda, Mastani, Saawariya, Jab Se Tere Naina.
What makes him so iconic in Bollywood is his role in establishing the careers of many top celebrities like Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone. His eye for detail, thematic style of direction and powerful storylines have left an indelible mark on Bollywood. As he completes quarter of a century in Bollywood, he is currently working on his tenth film Gangubai Kathiawadi starring Alia Bhatt.
Taking Indian to a global platform were his films Devdas that premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2002, and his Big B and Rani Mukherji starrer, Black stood fifth in Time’s "10 Best Movies of the Year 2005" (Europe) amongst films from across the world. It was in 2015 that he was honoured with the most prestigious award in India the Padma Shri.
Speaking about his journey so far, Sanjay Leela Bhansali said, “It has not always been an easy journey but I've thoroughly enjoyed myself regardless - I've won some and learnt some. But these 25 years would not be complete without the incredible effort of every single person I've worked with so far. The movie that an audience watches on their screens is a creative culmination of so many different forms of art – from the soundtrack, colours, screenplay, architecture, dialogues to every thread on every costume. It's the fantabulous team of technicians, artistes, writers, producers and assistant directors that have been the real pillar behind every movie made. That's why I like the call my films 'handmade movies'. The years ahead are blank pages waiting to be written and I am itching to write them.”