Sanjay Leela Bhansali Recalls Alia Bhatt’s Path from Breakdown to Gangubai Fame

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OCTOBER 08,2024

Alia Bhatt, one of Bollywood's most talented and versatile actresses, is set to reunite with renowned filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali for the second time in their upcoming film Love and War. However, their journey towards collaboration has been filled with unexpected twists. In a recent interview, Bhansali opened up about Alia's emotional reaction when their highly anticipated project, Inshallah, was shelved. This moment became a turning point in their partnership, leading to the critically acclaimed Gangubai Kathiawadi.

Events Leading to the Long-Awaited Collaboration in Gangubai Kathiawadi

Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Alia Bhatt's eventual collaboration in Gangubai Kathiawadi wasn't their first attempt to work together. Bhansali first approached Alia for a film titled Balika Vadhu, which would have starred her alongside her now-husband Ranbir Kapoor. Unfortunately, the project never materialised. Years later, the two entered talks again for Inshallah, a film that was set to feature Alia opposite Salman Khan.

However, much like Balika Vadhu, Inshallah too was shelved just before it could take off, leaving Alia heartbroken.

Also Read: Shanaya To Sehmat, 5 Characters That Shaped Alia Bhatt As One Of The Finest Actresses Of Bollywood

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Bhansali shared details about the difficult moment when Inshallah was cancelled. He recalled, 'I was doing Inshallah with her, and suddenly the project got shelved. She broke down, she cracked up, she cried, raved, ranted, locked herself in a room.' Bhansali's words revealed the intensity of Alia's disappointment at the time, as she had been deeply invested in the project.

However, it didn't take long for Bhansali to offer her another role mdash one that would define her career. 'Then, I called her up after one week and said, 'You're playing Gangubai'. She said, 'I was going to play a character in Los Angeles and now I've come to Kamathipura, how will I do it? I don't know this character.''

Also Read: Alia Bhatt to Kareena Kapoor: 6 Actresses Who Played The Role Of A Sex Worker

Alia Bhatt's Transformation into Gangubai

Despite her initial hesitation, Bhansali convinced Alia to take on the role of Gangubai by assuring her of his belief in her talent. He recalled telling her, 'Do you trust me, and do you know me? Then I'll tap into that strong woman in you because I can see it in your eyes.'

This faith paid off when Alia delivered a powerful performance in Gangubai Kathiawadi, a film based on S. Hussain Zaidi's book Mafia Queens of Mumbai. Bhansali added, 'She even today sometimes talks like Gangubai. It's so much a part of it. It's so beautiful to have believed in her.'

Gangubai Kathiawadi was released during the pandemic and became one of the earliest box-office successes of that period. The film, which tells the story of a woman sold into a brothel in Mumbai's Kamathipura, was a critical and commercial hit. It starred Alia Bhatt in the title role, with a strong supporting cast including Shantanu Maheshwari, Vijay Raaz, Indira Tiwari, and Ajay Devgn.