As an admirer of Sanjay Leela Bhansali‘s unyielding spirit and artistic brilliance, I find myself utterly captivated by his journey. The man is a true testament to resilience and dedication, standing tall amidst the tempest of adversity that often accompanies his grand cinematic endeavors.
As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase that experience as follows: When I, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, was directing the blockbuster Padmaavat featuring Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, I encountered resistance from multiple groups during production. More recently, I reminisced about the challenging period when I was personally assaulted on set. Despite these harrowing events, I ensured that none of it seeped into the film’s final cut. Intriguingly, the following day, I felt compelled to return to the same location for shooting, leaving my team bewildered and questioning my sanity.
In a frank conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, Sanjay Leela Bhansali expressed his method of creating grand movies featuring elaborate sets, high-end costumes, and well-known actors. He confided that he considers himself as “the most unrealistic and self-sabotaging filmmaker” and has faced criticism for producing large-scale films such as Devdas in the past.
In discussing his movie-making process, he brought up the example of creating “Padmaavat,” a film featuring Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, and Ranveer Singh. Upon announcing this project, some conservative groups expressed displeasure as the film centered around the tale of a Rajput queen’s life.
The movie’s plot originated from an ancient poem called “Padmaavat,” penned by Malik Muhammad Jayasi during the 16th century. However, critics argued that he distorted historical facts in his cinematic adaptation. Consequently, the sets of Padmaavat and its director, Bhansali, suffered repeated attacks. Yet, Bhansali remained resolute in bringing the film to life.
Speaking about the same incident, he stated, “During Padmaavat, I endured a series of assaults – physical, psychological, emotional. Yet, I kept it hidden from the screen. I’m as strong as iron and steel; I won’t yield. Go ahead with whatever you plan to do.
At Jaigarh Fort in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Sanjay Leela Bhansali faced assault by followers of the Rajput Karni Sena during filming. Yet, as an artist, he demonstrated resilience, prepared to return to the place where he was shamed and carry on with his work.
He said, “Following the attack, people inquired about where I would place the camera the next day. I responded by asking, ‘Shall we go to that location?’ They replied, ‘Have you lost your senses? You’ve just been embarrassed.’ However, I feel every artist must face embarrassment. If you aren’t outraged about what is right and wrong, then your art lacks sincerity.
Beyond just physical assaults, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and his crew faced multiple lawsuits regarding the production of Padmaavat. These legal challenges caused a postponement in its premiere. Eventually, it premiered in January 2018 and went on to be a box office success, accumulating approximately Rs 600 crore.
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2024-10-10 16:08