Legendary director, producer, screenwriter and music director Sanjay Leela Bhansali completes 25 years in Indian Cinema today. This day marks the release of his debut directorial ‘Khamoshi : The Musical’, starring Salman Khan, Manisha Koirala and Nana Patekar. Many know that he started out as an assistant director to Vidhu Vinod Chopra, assisting him on ‘Parinda’ and ‘1942: A Love Story’, both incidentally featuring Anil Kapoor. He then made his directorial debut with ‘Khamoshi : The Musical’ in 1996, that won him his first Filmfare award for Critics Choice of Best Film. The film won 4 other Filmfare awards, including Critics Choice of Best Actress that leading lady Manisha Koirala won.
Of course, from there, we all know there was no turning back. He then went on to give Bollywood some of its biggest blockbusters and win several awards, including 4 National Film Awards, 10 Filmfare Awards, a BAFTA nomination and even the Padma Shri. His most famous movies include ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’, ‘Devdas’, ‘Black’, ‘Ram-Leela’, ‘Bajirao Mastani’ and ‘Padmaavat’, all regarded as his best directorial ventures. Yes, we all know he has also written the script for his recent blockbusters, ‘Padmaavat’, ‘Ram-Leela’ and even the much anticipated upcoming film, ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ with Alia Bhatt in the lead. Today, we take you on a journey of his best written works before these superhit money spinners. Some of these films may not have been as successful at the box office, but have surely cemented his position as a literary genius.
1. ‘KHAMOSHI : THE MUSICAL’ (Disney + Hotstar)
We cannot go further without first honoring the film that released on this day 25 years ago! Co-written with Sutapa Sikdar (Late actor Irrfan Khan’s wife), this 1996 musical starring Salman Khan, Manisha Koirala and Nana Patekar is about the communication struggle of a young girl (played by Koirala) with her deaf and mute parents and their acceptance of her lover (played by Khan). The film was in fact declared a flop, but went on to become a cult classic and is regarded as one of Manisha Koirala’s best performances.
2. ‘1942 : A LOVE STORY’ (Netflix)
This 1994 Vidhu Vinod Chopra directorial was co-written by Bhansali with Kamna Chandra and Chopra himself. It is a remake of the 1992 Kannada movie, ‘Mysore Mallige’, in turn based on a book by K.S. Narasimhaswamy. The film is about a love story set against the pre-independence backdrop of India in 1942. The film was highly acclaimed for its soulful music by legend R.D.Burman, song lyrics and stellar performances, receiving 13 Filmfare nominations and winning 9.
3. ‘HUM DIL DE CHUKE SANAM’ (Jio Cinema)
This 1999 romance drama starring Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai and Ajay Devgan, was directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and based on a Gujarati play. Bhansali co-wrote the screenplay along with Kanan Mani and Kenneth Phillipps. The film became an instant hit and went on to achieve cult classic status. The story revolves around a newly-wed man desperate to unite his unhappy wife with her former lover. This movie was appreciated for its grand sets, great music and performances and was considered Rai’s breakthrough as an actress. The film received 17 Filmfare nominations and won 7, including those of Best Film, Best Director and Best Actress.
4. ‘GUZAARISH’ (Netflix)
This 2010 romance drama starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai in the lead, was directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and co-written by Bhansali and Bhavani Iyer. The film revolves around the story of a paralyzed magician who wishes to end his life and seeks legal permission to do so. The film did well at the box office and was lauded for its unique script and measured performances.
5. ‘SHIRIN FARHAD KI TOH NIKAL PADI’ (Jio Cinema)
This 2012 cute, light-hearted rom-com featuring Boman Irani and Farah Khan in the lead, inspired from a Persian poem was written by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The story revolves around two middle aged unmarried Parsis and their acceptance of love and each other. This feel good film marked the acting debut of choreographer-turned-director Farah Khan and makes for a sweet, breezy watch, being a perfect mix of emotion and comedy.