Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Bhansali in 2021
Born (1963-02-24) 24 February 1963 (age 61)
Bombay, Maharashtra, India
Occupations
  • Film director
  • film producer
  • screenwriter
  • editor
  • music composer
Years active1996—present
RelativesSharmin Segal (niece)
AwardsFull list
HonoursPadma Shri (2015)
Signature

Sanjay Leela Bhansali (Gujarati: [ˈsəndʒeː ˈlilɑː ˈbʱəɳsɑliː]; born 24 February 1963) is an Indian filmmaker and music composer, who works in Hindi cinema.[1] He is the recipient of several awards, including seven National Film Awards and 12 Filmfare Awards, in addition to a nomination for a BAFTA Award.[2] In 2015, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award. Bhansali is best known for his use of aesthetics and musical vision, particularly in period dramas.

Bhansali's directorial debut was the romantic musical Khamoshi: The Musical (1996). He gained both mainstream and critical success with the romantic dramas Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999) and Devdas (2002), the latter of which won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, and was nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Film Not in the English Language.[2] He won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi for directing the drama Black (2005). His subsequent releases Saawariya (2007) and Guzaarish (2010) were box-office flops. The latter film marked his debut as a music composer. He also began producing under his banner Bhansali Productions.[3]

Bhansali reinforced his status with the tragic romance Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013), and the top-grossing period dramas Bajirao Mastani (2015) and Padmaavat (2018). He won the National Film Award for Best Direction for Bajirao Mastani and the National Film Award for Best Music Direction for Padmaavat. He has since directed the biopic Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022), winning further National and Filmfare Awards. [4][5] In 2024, Bhansali launched his own music label, named Bhansali Music, as well as created and directed the period drama series Heeramandi.[6]

  1. ^ Tasnim, Zarin (24 February 2023). "Sanjay Leela Bhansali: The Master of Grandeur". The Daily Star. Retrieved 1 April 2023.
  2. ^ a b "Film in 2003 | BAFTA Awards". awards.bafta.org. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  3. ^ Verma, Sukanya (6 November 2007). "OSO-Saawariya rivalry: May the best director win". Rediff.com. Retrieved 14 March 2008.
  4. ^ "Gangubai Kathiawadi Emerges A HIT". Box Office India. 28 February 2022. Archived from the original on 14 March 2022. Retrieved 24 December 2022.
  5. ^ "Gangubai Kathiawadi out on OTT: When and where to watch the Alia Bhatt movie". The Indian Express. 26 April 2022. Archived from the original on 19 July 2022. Retrieved 24 December 2022. The movie garnered critical and commercial acclaim post its release.
  6. ^ Mazumdar, Shreyanka (7 March 2024). "Sanjay Leela Bhansali Launches Music Label, Says 'Experience The Same Joy And Spiritual Connect...'". News18. Retrieved 7 March 2024.