27 years of Sanjay Leela Bhansali: From Khamoshi to Gangubai Kathiawadi, decoding his significance in Indian cinema

Over the past 27 years, the great storyteller has constantly reinvented himself, starting his journey as a creative individual with Khamoshi: The Musical that completes 27 years. Post that, he moved to more grandeur projects with cinematic gems such as Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas, Black, Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, Bajirao Mastani, Padmaavat and Gangubai Kathiawadi. 

Bhansali has a knack for creating well-etched female characters and is an avid observer of the female psyche. Hence his female characters are etched more strongly as compared to his male ones. He raises them to the level of goddesses and manages to bring out their human frailties at the same time. That perhaps, is his greatest strength.

He is the one storyteller with a vision who never felt the need for crutches that visual effects offered to large-canvas films and is passionate about every minute detail that brings perfection to every frame of his films. The aesthetics that he creates form the universe of Bhansali’s creative vision. Bhansali's commitment to authenticity and genuine representation has always been unwavering.

Throughout his illustrious career, Bhansali has consistently showcased his deep-rooted love for Indian music, preserving its timeless beauty and infusing it into the heart and soul of his films. Iconic songs from Bhansali's films have become a testament to his mastery of music and his dedication to preserving the essence of traditional Indian melodies. Whether it is the hauntingly beautiful Aankhon Ki from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, the up-tempo Dola Re Dola from Devdas, the foot-tapping Tatad Tatad from Ram Leela, the classical Mohe Rang Do Laal from Bajirao Mastani or the soulful Binte Dil from Padmaavat, his compositions captivate listeners with their intricate arrangements and poetic lyrics. 

Bhansali is the one creator who is all Indian in his aspects of storytelling from grandeur, art, and frames. The maker whose movies connect with audiences across and are uniquely Indian for the global stage, which is cementing Sanjay Leela Bhansali's status as a torchbearer for Hindi cinema.

Bhansali is a name that resonates with grandeur and artistic brilliance in the Indian film industry. From Raj Kapoor, K Asif, Mehboob Khan, V Shantaram, Guru Dutt, and Kamal Amrohi, and now SLB is the one who is carrying the legacy forward and often gets featured amongst cinema greats and their iconic works. On the work front, Sanjay Leela Bhansali will make his debut in OTT with Heeramandi.