- My Alerts
- Go Ad-Free
-
My Account
Happy Birthday Sanjay Leela Bhansali: Revisit the filmmaker’s most iconic masterpieces
Sanjay Leela Bhansali turned 63 on February 24, marking over three decades of redefining grandeur and storytelling in Indian cinema. From Khamoshi: The Musical to Gangubai Kathiawadi, his iconic films continue to set benchmarks in visual brilliance and emotional depth.
1/10
Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali turned 63 on February 24, 2026. He has been in the industry for over three decades and has delivered some masterpieces, redefining filmmaking in Indian cinema.
He has transformed Indian cinema with his wide-ranging vision, poetic storytelling, and timeless soundtrack. He is also known for creating visually stunning realms that are brimming with intense feelings and likeable characters. Take a look at his iconic films.
He has transformed Indian cinema with his wide-ranging vision, poetic storytelling, and timeless soundtrack. He is also known for creating visually stunning realms that are brimming with intense feelings and likeable characters. Take a look at his iconic films.
2/10
Khamoshi: The Musical
Sanjay Leela Bhansali made his directorial debut with this deeply emotional drama about love, faith and family in 1996. The film stars Salman Khan and Manisha Koirala in the key roles. The film revolves around Annie, a hearing and speech impaired couple's daughter, who meets Raj, who brings music and love to her life. However, she has to overcome obstacles when her family refuses to accept their relationship. Khamoshi: The Musical is available to stream on JioHotstar.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali made his directorial debut with this deeply emotional drama about love, faith and family in 1996. The film stars Salman Khan and Manisha Koirala in the key roles. The film revolves around Annie, a hearing and speech impaired couple's daughter, who meets Raj, who brings music and love to her life. However, she has to overcome obstacles when her family refuses to accept their relationship. Khamoshi: The Musical is available to stream on JioHotstar.
3/10
Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
Soon after his debut, Bhanshali returned with this romantic classic, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, cementing his reputation as a master of intense love stories. The film features Aishwarya Rai, Salman Khan and Ajay Devgn, and follows a newlywed man who discovers that his wife is in love with another man and decides to unite them. Ignoring the ridicule he might have to face for this, he takes his wife to Italy in search of her love. Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam is available on Prime Video.
Soon after his debut, Bhanshali returned with this romantic classic, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, cementing his reputation as a master of intense love stories. The film features Aishwarya Rai, Salman Khan and Ajay Devgn, and follows a newlywed man who discovers that his wife is in love with another man and decides to unite them. Ignoring the ridicule he might have to face for this, he takes his wife to Italy in search of her love. Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam is available on Prime Video.
4/10
Devdas
Bhansali revolutionised Indian cinematic grandeur with Devdas. The tragic love story, which starred Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Madhuri Dixit, was presented on a grand scale with elaborate sets and costumes. One of the most aesthetically striking adaptations of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's beloved work, the movie captivated viewers all over the world. Devdas is available on Prime Video.
Bhansali revolutionised Indian cinematic grandeur with Devdas. The tragic love story, which starred Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Madhuri Dixit, was presented on a grand scale with elaborate sets and costumes. One of the most aesthetically striking adaptations of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's beloved work, the movie captivated viewers all over the world. Devdas is available on Prime Video.
5/10
Black
After multiple romantic hits, Bhansali shifted his filmmaking towards a dramatic, character-driven narrative with Black. The film, which starred Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukerji, followed the story of a girl who is blind and hard of hearing and her dedicated instructor. Inspired by the life of Helen Keller, it won multiple accolades and was widely praised for its moving story and strong performances. Black can be streamed on Prime Video.
After multiple romantic hits, Bhansali shifted his filmmaking towards a dramatic, character-driven narrative with Black. The film, which starred Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukerji, followed the story of a girl who is blind and hard of hearing and her dedicated instructor. Inspired by the life of Helen Keller, it won multiple accolades and was widely praised for its moving story and strong performances. Black can be streamed on Prime Video.
6/10
Bajirao Mastani
Bhansali's command of historical epics was demonstrated in Bajirao Mastani. The movie, which starred Priyanka Chopra as Kashibai, Deepika Padukone as Mastani, and Ranveer Singh as Peshwa Bajirao, depicted sacrifice, love, and loyalty. It won numerous important prizes and received significant praise for its dramatic production design and poignant story. Bajirao Mastani is available on Prime Video.
Bhansali's command of historical epics was demonstrated in Bajirao Mastani. The movie, which starred Priyanka Chopra as Kashibai, Deepika Padukone as Mastani, and Ranveer Singh as Peshwa Bajirao, depicted sacrifice, love, and loyalty. It won numerous important prizes and received significant praise for its dramatic production design and poignant story. Bajirao Mastani is available on Prime Video.
7/10
Padmaavat
Padmaavat was notable for its scale and powerful acting. The movie, which starred Shahid Kapoor as Maharawal Ratan Singh, Ranveer Singh as Alauddin Khilji, and Deepika Padukone as Rani Padmavati, portrayed bravery and honour. The film landed in controversy before its release, but later turned out to be a huge box office hit. Padmaavat is available to stream on Prime Video.
Padmaavat was notable for its scale and powerful acting. The movie, which starred Shahid Kapoor as Maharawal Ratan Singh, Ranveer Singh as Alauddin Khilji, and Deepika Padukone as Rani Padmavati, portrayed bravery and honour. The film landed in controversy before its release, but later turned out to be a huge box office hit. Padmaavat is available to stream on Prime Video.
8/10
Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela
Bhansali reinterpreted Romeo and Juliet in this intense romantic tale set against a violent Gujarati backdrop. The film, which starred Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone, was dazzling with its vivid hues, thrilling soundtrack, and gripping narrative. It became a huge commercial hit and signalled the start of Bhansali's renowned partnership with the main duo. Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela is streaming on Prime Video.
Bhansali reinterpreted Romeo and Juliet in this intense romantic tale set against a violent Gujarati backdrop. The film, which starred Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone, was dazzling with its vivid hues, thrilling soundtrack, and gripping narrative. It became a huge commercial hit and signalled the start of Bhansali's renowned partnership with the main duo. Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela is streaming on Prime Video.
9/10
Gangubai Kathiawadi
Alia Bhatt played a career-defining role as a brothel madam turned activist in Gangubai Kathiawadi. The film, which was inspired by actual occurrences, examined empowerment and resiliency in Mumbai's Kamathipura. Bhansali's combination of stylised frames and emotional intensity led to both critical and financial success for its gripping narrative. Gangubai Kathiawadi is on Netflix.
Alia Bhatt played a career-defining role as a brothel madam turned activist in Gangubai Kathiawadi. The film, which was inspired by actual occurrences, examined empowerment and resiliency in Mumbai's Kamathipura. Bhansali's combination of stylised frames and emotional intensity led to both critical and financial success for its gripping narrative. Gangubai Kathiawadi is on Netflix.
10/10
Upcoming project – Love & War
Sanjay Leela Bhansali is now gearing up for the highly-anticipated film, Love & War, which has already generated immense anticipation. The film features an exciting cast including Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. Love & War promises an intense saga of passion and conflict. Further details on the film are awaited.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali is now gearing up for the highly-anticipated film, Love & War, which has already generated immense anticipation. The film features an exciting cast including Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. Love & War promises an intense saga of passion and conflict. Further details on the film are awaited.
Discover the latest Business News, Budget 2025 News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
