Sanjay Leela Bhansali Reveals Alia Bhatt Cried After Inshallah Was Shelved

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OCTOBER 08,2024

If there is one filmmaker who can narrate stories with exceptional skills and have the audience hooked till the very end, it is Sanjay Leela Bhansali. From his larger-than-life sets to stories that bring us closer to history and fiction, he has become every actor's dream director.

While there are many incredible women he has written, Alia Bhatt as Gangubai Kathiyawadi will always be special to Bhansali. In a recent interview, he recalled how the 2022 release was not the first film he had offered to the actress.

It was a movie titled Inshallah, which was supposed to bring Alia Bhatt and Salman Khan together for the first time on the big screen. Now, SLB recalled the actress's reaction after the movie was unexpectedly shelved.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali on Alia Bhatt's reaction

A couple of years back, Alia and Salman were supposed to star together in a Bhansali film titled Inshallah. As soon as the announcement was made, fans and moviegoers were extremely excited to see a new pair.

However, the film was unexpectedly shelved, leaving the audience disappointed. It was not only the fans who were upset, but the decision also impacted the Jigra actress.

Also Read: Taking A Look At The Glorious Women Of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Cinema


In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the filmmaker opened up about the emotional impact Inshallah's cancellation had on Alia Bhatt. While discussing his process of bringing out the true potential of actors, the renowned director mentioned how she reacted to the upsetting news.

'She broke down she cracked up, cried, raved, ranted, and locked herself in a room,' Bhansali added. Just a week later, SLB had an important discussion with Bhatt, offering her the lead role in his film, Gangubai Kathiyawadi.

Also Read: Aditi Rao Hydari Talks About the Time Bhansali Stopped her from Having Lunch on Heeramandi Sets

Initially, she contemplated thinking the character was too complex for her to do justice. However, with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's guidance, she gradually started getting into the skin of the character, and the rest is history.

'From LA, where I was supposed to play the character in Inshallah, I suddenly found myself in Kamathipura. I didn't know if I could do it,' Alia Bhatt told the director.

On the work front

Alia Bhatt will yet again reunite with Sanjay Leela Bhansali for his next project, Love and War. The film also stars Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal in leading roles.


While Ranbir has previously worked with the ace director in his debut film Saawariyaa, the upcoming romantic drama will mark the Bad Newzz actor's first film with SLB.

Love and War was initially scheduled to see a Christmas 2025 release. However, it has now been pushed to March 20.

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