Bajirao Mastani: When Sanjay Leela Bhansali wanted audience to feel humiliation that Deepika Padukone’s character felt because she was ‘other woman’

Bajirao Mastani: When Sanjay Leela Bhansali wanted audience to feel humiliation that Deepika Padukone’s character felt because she was ‘other woman’

As a devoted admirer of Sanjay Leela Bhansali‘s work, I find myself captivated by his unique ability to breathe life into every frame and transform them into unforgettable moments on the silver screen. His dedication to his craft is evident in his pursuit of creating experiences that resonate with viewers, making us feel the raw emotions of his characters.


Sanjay Leela Bhansali is a renowned movie director who has significantly contributed to the grand tapestry of Indian cinema over the past few decades. Much like any artist, he has his unique approach that helps him produce timeless films such as Devdas and Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela. In an interview, he discussed his aim of making viewers experience the feelings of his characters, whether through the script, costumes, set decorations, or background music. Speaking about his epic creation, Bajirao Mastani, SLB expressed that he wanted filmgoers to sense the humiliation Mastani felt when she was referred to as the ‘other woman’.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reported India about his approach to filmmaking, Sanjay Leela Bhansali explained that what matters most to him is capturing the essence of a moment on screen, making it relatable for viewers. He emphasized that some scenes that become iconic truly come to life during production, and for this reason, he must be fully engaged in the process.

As an ardent admirer, let me share how the filmmaker-composer expressed his craft isn’t merely about the dramatic hair movements or subtle eye shifts. For him, it’s all about capturing those poignant moments, showcasing the expressions that speak volumes, and allowing the audience to immerse themselves in the setting he paints. He strived for viewers to experience the heartache of Mastani (in Bajirao Mastani), to understand her anguish of being loved by Bajirao yet not fully accepted as his equal, and of being the other woman. The filmmaker created Bajirao because he wanted to tell the tale of a man who declared, “You’re not the other woman. You will be part of my household because I love you.” This is why he chose to narrate the passionate love story of this warrior.

But to make the viewers feel the emotion, he made Tanvi Azmi’s character Radhabai and added layers to a scene to exude what he wants people to interpret. This is how he likes a film to be; to have mystery, enigma, a sense of unraveling that he is doing. Giving another example, Bhansali stated that the moment when Manisha Koirala’s character Mallikajaan from debut OTT series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, went to the fountain to purify herself after being assaulted by the Britishers came alive because during the making he questioned himself, ‘How am I going to make the audience feel what Manisha is feeling?’

As a dedicated follower, On the professional side, I’m eagerly anticipating Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming project. He will be directing Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal in a film titled Love And War. This masterpiece is slated to premiere in cinemas in March 2026.

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2024-10-07 21:52