From Khamoshi to Padmaavat: Celebrating Sanjay Leela Bhansali's cinematic marvels

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's name is resonant with grandeur, larger-than-life filmmaking, lavish sets, elaborate song-and-dance sequences and drama. On his birthday, we look back at SLB's directorial journey from Khamoshi to Padmaavat. 

Updated On: 2023-02-24 04:43 PM IST

From Khamoshi to Padmaavat: Celebrating Sanjay Leela Bhansali's cinematic marvels

Padmaavat (2018): Originally titled Padmavati, Padmaavat was an adaptation of an epic poem which starred Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor in lead roles. The film was plagued by several controversies and faced stiff opposition from fringe groups but emerged a critical and commercial success at the box-office grossing over 500 crore

Bajirao Mastani (2015): Sanjay Leela Bhansali in his characteristic style narrates his version of the story of 'Bajirao Mastani' in a Mughal-e-azamesque scale of grandiosity, replete with breathtakingly beautiful sets, elaborate and well thought of costumes and accessories and dreamy cinematography. Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra's performances lift the magnum opus and make sure the film secures awards, critics' appreciation and audience applause alike.

Goliyon Ki Raasleela: Ram-Leela (2013): Gorgeous sets. Grand song-and-dance numbers. Lavish costumes. Intense romance. A film couldn't get more extravagant than this. Goliyon Ki Raasleela: Ram-Leela had it all. Colourful themes, seductive love story, exquisite jewellery and traditional outfits, a dash of culture and phenomenal performances from Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone made this film an instant hit with the critics and audience alike.

Guzaarish (2010): Sanjay Leela Bhansali's tryst with tragedy in 'Guzaarish' garnered rave reviews from the critics, but failed to strike the right chord with the audience. Hrithik Roshan was applauded for his performance as a quadriplegic, while Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's Goan outfits signified how particular Bhansali is with the entire styling and look of his films.

Saawariya (2007): Only Sanjay Leela Bhansali can make a film with one hue throughout and make it look as good as Saawariya. However, production design and visual aesthetics apart, the film failed to impress at the box office. It also marked the Bollywood debut of star kids Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor.

Black (2005): Black, released in 2005, narrated the unusual story of a blind and deaf girl, and her relationship with her teacher who himself later develops Alzheimer's disease. The film, that drew inspiration from Helen Keller's life and struggle, was highly acclaimed by the critics and struck the right chord with the audience propelled by Rani Mukerji and Amitabh Bachchan's performances.

Devdas (2002): Devdas, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Madhuri Dixit, was Sanjay Leela Bhansali's ode to the novel of the same name. It set an example with its elaborate song-and-dance sequences, lavish sets and traditional costume. 'Devdas' was the highest-grossing film of 2002 and was India's submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999): Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, released in 1999, was a love triangle between Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Salman Khan and Ajay Devgn. It established Sanjay Leela Bhansali's style of grand film-making and colourful celebration of festivities. The film was well-received for its music, cinematography and performances by lead actors Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Salman Khan and Ajay Devgn.

Khamoshi (1996): Sanjay Leela Bhansali made his directorial debut with 'Khamoshi: The Musical' in 1996. The story was a narration of a daughter's struggle to communicate with her deaf and mute parents. The film was high on drama, emotions and performances from its leads Manisha Koirala, Nana Patekar and Seema Biswas. It garnered critical acclaim but failed to click at the box office.

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