Producer
Sanjay Leela Bhansali, born on February 24, 1963, is an acclaimed Indian filmmaker, director, screenwriter, and music composer known for his exceptional work in Hindi cinema. He has received numerous awards, including four National Film Awards, ten Filmfare Awards, and a BAFTA nomination. In recognition of his contributions to the industry, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award.
Bhansali made his directorial debut with the musical romance "Khamoshi" (1996), which won him the Filmfare Award for Best Film (Critics). He gained prominence in Hindi cinema with the successful love triangle "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam" (1999). His period romantic drama "Devdas" (2002) received critical acclaim and was nominated for Best Film Not in the English Language at BAFTA. The drama "Black" (2005) was highly acclaimed, earning him multiple Best Film and Best Director Awards at the Filmfare Awards, as well as additional recognition from the National Film Awards.
After a brief period of decline with "Saawariya" (2007) and "Guzaarish" (2010), Bhansali bounced back with the adaptation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet in "Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela" (2013), which received positive reviews and performed well at the box office. His production "Mary Kom" (2014), a sports film, won him a third National Film Award. Bhansali solidified his position as a director with the big-budget period dramas "Bajirao Mastani" (2015) and "Padmaavat" (2018), both of which became among the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. For "Bajirao Mastani," Bhansali received the National Film Award for Best Direction and won Filmfare Awards for Best Film and Best Director. For "Padmaavat," he won the National Film Award for Best Music Direction and the Filmfare Award for Best Music Director.
In addition to directing, Bhansali is also a producer under his banner, Bhansali Productions. His recent film, "Gangubai Kathiawadi" (2022), a biographical crime drama centered around a female protagonist, achieved commercial success and garnered critical acclaim.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known for his visually stunning films, intricate storytelling, and captivating music, and his contributions have left a lasting impact on Hindi cinema.