Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Biography:

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is a renowned Indian filmmaker, producer, and music composer in Hindi cinema. Known for his aesthetic sensibilities and period dramas, Bhansali has received numerous accolades, including seven National Film Awards, twelve Filmfare Awards, and a BAFTA nomination. Honored with the Padma Shri in 2015, he debuted as a director with “Khamoshi: The Musical” (1996) and achieved significant success with “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam” (1999) and “Devdas” (2002). Bhansali’s later works, such as “Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela” (2013),”Bajirao Mastani”(2015), and “Padmaavat” (2018), solidified his status as a top filmmaker. His biopic “Gangubai Kathiawadi” (2022) garnered further acclaim, and in 2024, he launched his music label, Bhansali Music.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali began his career as an assistant to Vidhu Vinod Chopra, contributing to films like “Parinda” (1989), “1942: A Love Story” (1994), and “Kareeb” (1998). He made his directorial debut with “Khamoshi: The Musical” (1996), which, despite its commercial failure, received critical acclaim and won five Filmfare Awards. Bhansali achieved significant success with “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam” (1999), a musical love triangle that won numerous awards, including four National Film Awards and eight Filmfare Awards.

He continued his ascent with the period drama “Devdas” (2002), starring Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Madhuri Dixit. The film was both a commercial and critical triumph, winning ten Filmfare Awards and five National Film Awards. “Black” (2005), featuring Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukerji, further established Bhansali’s reputation, breaking records with 11 Filmfare Awards and earning a National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.

After a decline with “Saawariya” (2007) and a foray into stage direction with the opera “Padmavati” (2008), Bhansali rebounded with “Guzaarish” (2010). Despite mixed reviews, the film secured a Filmfare nomination for Best Director. Bhansali experienced a resurgence with “Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela” (2013), “Mary Kom” (2014), and the highly successful “Bajirao Mastani” (2015), which won seven National Film Awards and was a major box office hit.

In 2018, he directed “Padmaavat,” which, despite facing significant controversy and protests, emerged as the highest-grossing film of the year and won several awards. Most recently, Bhansali directed “Gangubai Kathiawadi” (2022), starring Alia Bhatt. The film received critical acclaim, winning 11 Filmfare Awards and five National Film Awards. In March 2023, he launched his music label, Bhansali Music, with the soundtrack for the Netflix series “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar.”

Sanjay Leela Bhansali, born into a Gujarati Jain family, has humble beginnings. He speaks Gujarati at home and has a deep appreciation for Gujarati food, music, literature, and architecture. He wrote the script for “Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi” (2012), directed by his sister, Bela Bhansali Segal. Bela’s daughter, Sharmin Segal, made her acting debut in Bhansali’s production “Malaal” (2019) and recently “Heeramandi” as well, where he also contributed as a writer and composer.