Sanjay Leela Bhansali wants to get rid of 'star system' in the industry, says, "The star system should be demolished"

According to Bhansali, relying on the star system often undermines the true essence of filmmaking, which should be about storytelling and strong performances.

In an exclusive interview with a portal renowned filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali discussed the current state of the film industry and emphasised the need to eliminate the star system. Bhansali, who has recently ventured into OTT with his new project 'Heeramandi', shared his insights on casting and the importance of focusing on talent rather than star power.

Bhansali explained that his casting process is highly instinctive and spontaneous. He doesn't rely heavily on over-analysis but trusts his intuition when choosing actors for his films. For instance, he recounted how he cast Shantanu Maheshwari for 'Gangubai'. Bhansali noticed Maheshwari during a casual visit to his office and instinctively felt that he was perfect for the role. Maheshwari's participation in a dance show further validated Bhansali's choice, as his mother also pointed out his talent.

He shared a similar anecdote about singer Shreya Ghoshal, whom he discovered years ago while she was performing on a show. Bhansali was so impressed by her singing that he immediately knew she was the right choice to sing for Aishwarya Rai in 'Devdas'. This intuitive approach also led him to cast Taha Shah Badusha, whom he instantly recognised as fitting for the role of Tajdar in another project.

Bhansali's approach reflects his belief that great actors are more important than star power. He elaborated, "I need actors. I feel stars are a system we should get rid of in our industry. We need very good actors. And if the stars are very good actors, like I have worked with wonderful stars who are wonderful actors. For me, they're actors. The star system should be demolished."

According to Bhansali, relying on the star system often undermines the true essence of filmmaking, which should be about storytelling and strong performances. He stressed that the industry should focus on nurturing and promoting talented actors, regardless of their star status. This perspective aims to shift the industry's focus from commercial appeal to artistic integrity and quality performances.

Bhansali's recent work, 'Heeramandi', released on Netflix on May 1, 2024, exemplifies his commitment to this philosophy. The series features a cast chosen through Bhansali's instinctive and intuitive process, aiming to deliver compelling performances and captivating storytelling.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's call to dismantle the star system highlights a crucial conversation in the film industry about prioritising talent and performance over star power. His instinctive and spontaneous casting approach serves as a testament to his dedication to finding and nurturing genuine talent. By focusing on actors who bring authenticity and depth to their roles, Bhansali hopes to inspire a shift towards a more meritocratic and artistically driven industry.