A Look At Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Filmography Amid ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’ Release
As Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s debut OTT series ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’ released on Netflix, we decided to take a look at his filmography.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali, born on February 24, 1963, in Mumbai, India, is a celebrated filmmaker known for his visually stunning and heart-touching movies. Growing up in a family with a connection to the world of cinema, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's early exposure to the magic of movies ignited his passion for filmmaking. After completing his schooling from Mumbai, Sanjay Leela Bhansali went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Lala Lajpatrai College in Mumbai. He then went to Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune. It was during his time at FTII that Sanjay Leela Bhansali honed his craft, experimenting with various aspects of filmmaking and developing his own unique style.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s journey into Bollywood began as an assistant to filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Working under Vidhu Vinod Chopra Chopra's guidance, Sanjay Leela Bhansali gained invaluable experience and insights into the intricacies of filmmaking.
In 1996, Sanjay Leela Bhansali made his directorial debut with the film ‘Khamoshi: The Musical’. Starring Manisha Koirala and Salman Khan in the lead roles, the movie was a poignant tale of love, loss, and the power of music. While ‘Khamoshi’ received critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of its subject matter, it performed modestly at the box office.
However, it was Sanjay Leela Bhansali's second film, ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’, that catapulted him to fame and established him as a formidable force in Bollywood. Starring Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Ajay Devgn, the film was a romantic drama that struck a chord with audiences and critics alike.
Following the success of ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’, Sanjay Leela Bhansali continued to push the boundaries of Indian cinema with his subsequent projects as he showcased his penchant for emotional storytelling and visually breathtaking scenes.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's films are characterised by their larger-than-life sets, stunning cinematography, lavish production designs and exquisite attention to detail. He has a unique ability to transport audiences into a world filled with opulence, drama, and emotion, captivating them with his powerful storytelling and breathtaking visuals.
Costumes also play a crucial role in bringing Sanjay Leela Bhansali's cinematic masterpieces to life. Working closely with renowned costume designers, he ensures that every character is impeccably dressed, reflecting their personality, social status, and the film's overall aesthetic. Sanjay Leela Bhansali's films are a feast for the eyes, with costumes that enhance the storytelling and immerse viewers in the rich tapestry of Indian culture.
Throughout his career, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has garnered numerous accolades for his contributions to Indian cinema, including several National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards. His films have not only achieved commercial success but have also earned him critical acclaim and international recognition. In addition to directing, Sanjay Leela Bhansali is also known for his talents as a screenwriter, producer, and composer.
With the rise of OTT (Over-the-top) platforms in India, Sanjay Leela Bhansali decided to reach a wider audience as he recently made his web series debut with the release of ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’.
The rise of OTT platforms, like Netflix, Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, Jio Cinema, Sony Liv, Zee5 and more, has been remarkable. It has truly transformed the entertainment landscape forever.
These services offer a diverse range of content, from movies and series to documentaries, catering to varied tastes. And the convenience that streaming services offer has also challenged traditional television and cinema releases, providing viewers flexibility in choosing what, when, and where to watch. Original Indian content, coupled with international productions, has fueled the OTT boom.
With the cinematic landscape constantly evolving with technology, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’ landed on Netflix on May 1, 2024. The show stars Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s niece Sharmin Segal, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Manisha Koirala, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Taha Shah Badussha, Shekhar Suman, Fardeen Khan and Adhyayan Suman.
Set in the era of India's struggle for independence in the 1940s, this Netflix series explores the cultural nuances of Heeramandi, a red-light district in Lahore known for its courtesans and their clientele. The show’s music is helmed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
Amid the release of ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’, we decided to take a look at Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s filmography.
Without further ado, check out the list here:
1. ‘Khamoshi: The Musical’: This Hindi film marked Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s directorial debut. It was released on August 9, 1996. The 1996 Hindi movie starred Manisha Koirala, Nana Patekar, Salman Khan, Seema Biswas, and Helen. The film told the story of a talented small-town girl, Annie (Manisha Koirala), torn between her dream of becoming a singer and taking care of her deaf and mute parents, Joseph and Flavy. Salman Khan starred as a handsome music enthusiast, Raj, who wished to help Annie realise her dreams but her family stays reluctant to send her out into the world, which they believe wouldn’t accept them. The movie featured soulful music composed by Jatin-Lalit. Some of the popular songs from the film include ‘Baahon Ke Darmiyan’, ‘Aaj Main Upar’, and ‘Jana Suno Hum Tum Pe Marte Hain’.
The film received critical acclaim for its poignant storytelling, stellar performances, and memorable music. However, despite its critical success, the film performed modestly at the box office.
2. ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’: This 1999 Hindi movie, starring Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Ajay Devgn, catapulted Sanjay Leela Bhansali to massive fame. The Hindi romantic film remains iconic for its rich storytelling, vibrant cinematography, memorable music and heart-touching performances. The film is often regarded as a milestone in Indian cinema, reflecting SLB’s distinctive style and emotional storytelling. The plot revolved around a love triangle between Nandini (Aishwarya Rai), Sameer (Salman Khan), and Vanraj (Ajay Devgn). Nandini is a young woman who falls in love with Sameer, a passionate singer. However, due to family pressure, she is forced to marry Vanraj, who is unaware of her past. The story unfolds as Vanraj learns about Nandini's love for Sameer and decides to unite them, showcasing a profound journey of love and sacrifice. The film's music, composed by Ismail Darbar, was highly praised, particularly the songs ‘Nimbooda Nimbooda’, ‘Dholi Taro Dhol Baaje’, and the title track ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’. The movie was also a commercial success, earning well at the box office.
3. ‘Devdas’: Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s third directorial Devdas, which came out in 2002, is the first film that pops up in my mind when I think of unrequited love and alcoholism. This is the OG hopeless and jilted lover-turned-alcoholic movie, and Shah Rukh Khan nailed the role of Devdas Mukherjee, making it one of his most iconic performances till date. This Sanjay Leela Bhansali classic also starred Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Madhuri Dixit. The movie is a visual treat to the eyes, thanks to its beautiful cinematography, larger-than-life sets, stunning costume designs, and the amazing choreography, yes, we're talking about ‘Dola Re Dola’ – one of the most iconic Bollywood songs till date. The 2002 Hindi movie gave us several other hit songs like ‘Silsila Ye Chahat Ka’, ‘Maar Daala’, ‘Morey Piya’ and ‘Hamesha Tumko Chaha’.
4. ‘Black’: Another Sanjay Leela Bhansali masterpiece is this 2005 Hindi movie – ‘Black’. The Bollywood drama film starred Rani Mukerji and Amitabh Bachchan in the lead roles. The plot of the movie revolved around a blind and deaf girl named Michelle McNally (played by Rani Mukerji) and her relationship with her teacher Debraj Sahai (played by Amitabh Bachchan). The movie depicted their journey of friendship, learning, and growth. The movie's soundtrack was composed by Monty Sharma. ‘Black’ received widespread critical acclaim and was highly praised for its direction, powerful performances, and emotional depth. The movie was also a commercial success, grossing over Rs 23 crore in India and Rs 39 crore globally. It received numerous awards and nominations, including eleven Filmfare Awards.
5. ‘Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela’: After the success of ‘Black’ in 2005, Sanjay Leela Bhansali came out ‘Saawariya’ in 2007. The movie, which didn’t perform well at the box office, marked the Bollywood debut of Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor. SLB then delivered a critically acclaimed film in the form of the 2010 movie ‘Guzaarish’, starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Then came the hit movie, ‘Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela’, in 2013. The Bollywood romantic drama film starred Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone in the lead roles, with an ensemble cast including Richa Chadha, Supriya Pathak, Gulshan Devaiah and Sharad Kelkar. The plot of the movie, set in rural Gujarat, revolved around the forbidden love between Ram (Ranveer Singh), and Leela (Deepika Padukone). Despite the enmity between their families, Ram and Leela fall deeply in love, leading to a tumultuous and tragic series of events. The film featured a memorable soundtrack, composed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, with songs like ‘Laal Ishq’, ‘Nagada Sang Dhol’, and ‘Lahu Munh Lag Gaya’, which became insanely popular among audiences.
The movie, featuring lavish sets, stunning visuals and powerful performances, was a commercial success, grossing over Rs 117 crore in India and minting Rs 218 crore globally. The movie is considered a significant entry in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's filmography and is remembered for its passionate love story and impressive performances.
6. ‘Bajirao Mastani’: After the hit movie ‘Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela’, Sanjay Leela Bhansali reunited with Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh for their second film together – ‘Bajirao Mastani’. The 2015 Hindi movie also starred Priyanka Chopra Jonas, whose performance was widely appreciated in the film. The film’s plot revolved around the love story between Bajirao I (Ranveer), a Maratha peshwa, and Mastani (Deepika), the daughter of the Hindu Rajput king Chhatrasal. Despite facing opposition from Bajirao's family and society due to their different backgrounds, the couple's love remained strong. The film also explores the dynamics of Bajirao's relationship with his first wife, Kashibai (Priyanka Chopra). The 2015 Bollywood movie delivered a memorable soundtrack, composed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, with songs like ‘Deewani Mastani’, ‘Pinga’, and ‘Malhari’.
‘Bajirao Mastani’ was well-received by both critics and audiences. It was praised for its grandeur, performances, and direction. The film was a commercial success, grossing over Rs 184 crore in India and Rs 362 crore globally. It won several awards, including several National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards.
7. ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’: Sanjay Leela Bhansali collaborated with Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt for the 2022 Hindi movie – ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’. The movie also starred Shantanu Masheshwari, Vijay Raaz, Seema Pahwa and Ajay Devgn. The film is based on a chapter of Hussain Zaidi's book ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai’ about Gangubai Kothewali, a powerful woman in the 1960s red-light district of Kamathipura in Mumbai. The music for the film was composed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali himself. The movie, which delivered hit songs like ‘Meri Jaan’, ‘Dholida’, ‘Jab Saiyaan’ and more, received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. Alia Bhatt's performance was particularly praised, with many lauding her portrayal of Gangubai's strength and vulnerability. The film was also appreciated for its cinematography, set design, and powerful dialogues. In terms of box office performance, ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ grossed over Rs 132 crore in India and Rs 211 crore globally. The film is considered to be one of Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Alia Bhatt's best works.
Next up for Sanjay Leela Bhansali is ‘Love & War’. For the upcoming Hindi movie, he is reuniting with his ‘Saawariya’ actor Ranbir Kapoor and his ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ actress Alia Bhatt. The movie will also star Vicky Kaushal. SLB is collaborating with Vicky Kaushal for the first time. The upcoming Hindi film will be releasing in theatres on Christmas 2025.
