In the bustling streets of Mumbai, where dreams often find their wings, the remarkable journey of Sanjay Leela Bhansali, one of Bollywood’s recognized visionaries, stands out as a true testament to perseverance and destiny. Once a boy from a modest Mumbai chawl, Bhansali’s path to becoming one of the most celebrated directors in the Hindi film industry was far from straightforward. Recently, in a candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Bhansali took a trip down memory lane, recounting his early struggles and the moment Vidhu Vinod Chopra—after initially dismissing him—changed the course of his life by giving him his first job as an assistant.
Reflecting on these times, Sanjay Leela Bhansali remembers his seemingly impossible entry into the world of films. “My entry into the film world was impossible. How did this boy, living near Bhindi Bazaar, come here? That boy never spoke well, had no friends, no influence, but there is a path, and it’s a long path,” he shared with a sense of nostalgia. In the competitive landscape of Bollywood, where connections often play a pivotal role, Bhansali attributed much of his early success to his sister. He elaborated, “My sister worked with Vidhu Vinod Chopra. She approached his ex-wife, Renu Chopra, who forced him to take me on. Vinod Chopra, in his characteristic style, initially dismissed me. But then he accepted me, and I worked with him for 8 years.”
The experience of working with Vidhu Vinod Chopra proved transformative for Bhansali. He credits the tough mentorship under Chopra as vital in his journey, stating, “He made me iron and steel. After working with him for 8 years, you can face anything in the world. To this day, if Vinod Chopra calls, I stand up when I talk to him. That is the gratitude I feel towards someone who changed my life,” he concluded.
. It was during these seminal years that Bhansali honed his craft, learning the intricacies of filmmaking and solidifying his cinematic vision that would later captivate millions.
While his past shaped his foundation, Sanjay Leela Bhansali continues to look toward the future with equal passion and dedication. Bhansali’s upcoming project, ‘Love and War,’ stands as a testament to his relentless pursuit of storytelling excellence. However, fans eagerly awaiting the film will have to exercise patience. The release date, previously set for Christmas 2025, has been postponed to March 20, 2026. The decision, as confirmed by Bhansali’s team, ensures the film meets the genius’s exacting standards. ‘Love and War’ is highly anticipated as it marks the first collaboration between Ranbir Kapoor and Bhansali since the actor’s silver screen debut in the 2007 film ‘Saawariya.’ Kapoor, alongside Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, form the film’s star-studded trio. Bhatt, having collaborated with Bhansali in the critically acclaimed ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ in 2022, and Kaushal’s fresh pairing with the director, promise to deliver a cinematic spectacle that Bhansali is renowned for.
The official announcement of ‘Love and War’ was made in January 2024, sparking significant excitement within the industry and among fans. Announced through an Instagram post, the project was introduced with the message, “We Bring You Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Epic Saga ‘Love & War.’ See You At The Movies Christmas 2025,” capturing the anticipation and setting the stage for a much-awaited cinematic experience.
As Sanjay Leela Bhansali continues to forge ahead in his illustrious career, his story serves as an inspiration to countless aspiring artists. From a Mumbai chawl to the heights of Bollywood, his journey is a vivid reminder that with resilience, support, and a little bit of fate, dreams can indeed come true. With his vision, commitment, and artistry, Bhansali remains a beacon of storytelling brilliance, promising to enchant audiences for years to come.
