Director in the Spotlight: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

In this edition of Director in the Spotlight, BollyCurry shines its light on a man who is the epitome of sheer brilliance, Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

Published: Monday,Feb 02, 2015 22:46 PM GMT-07:00

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All of the Bollywood movies that we've come to love over the years would've been impossible without a grinding force behind the scenes. More often than not, the director is lauded for the overall presentation of a film. Therefore, in this edition of Director in the Spotlight, BollyCurry shines its light on a man who is the epitome of sheer brilliance, Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

Bhansali, born on the 24^th February, 1963, is more than a director; he's also a producer, screenwriter and a music director. Bhansali made his directorial debut in 1996 with critically acclaimed Khamoshi: The Musical. However, his second film proved to be the turning point of his career as Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999) was not only commercially successful, but also won many awards nationally and internationally. Bhansali went on to direct many successful films that rewarded him greatly in terms of trophies and fans.

By 2005, Bhansali was known to choose films that carry a strong societal message based on growing issues of concern. Devdas (2002) and Black (2005) are two of these films that were well received and applauded for their distinguished storyline and incomparable casting. To date, these two are known to be his most successful films. His recent ventures, Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-leela (2013) and Mary Kom (2014) were also commercially successful and critically acclaimed as Bhansali continues to shine through with his unique films.

The 51 year old received his first Filmfare Best Director award in 2000 for Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. He went on to win the same award for Black and Devdas. Over the years, Bhansali has been graced with numerous Filmfare Best Film awards in both the Critics and Popular categories. Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam also earned him international fame as he was awarded the IIFA Best Director Award, IIFA Best Movie Award, IIFA Best Story and IIFA Best Screenplay Award. Once again, Devdas and Black earned him the IIFA Best Director Award in 2003 and 2006 respectively, with Black winning the IIFA Best Movie Award as well.

Did You Know?

The "Leela" in Bhansali's name is a tribute to his mother, Leela Bhansali.

He founded his production house, SLB Films in 1999, the same year that Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam changed his career.

On the eve of India's 66^th Republic Day, Bhansali was named for the Padma Shri Award.

BollyCurry wishes Bhansali continued accomplishments in his life and may his upcoming films Main Gabbar and Bajirao Mastani bring him many more accolades. Until our next edition of Director in the Spotlight, you are encouraged to post your best wishes for Bhansali in the space below.

Author: Mohini N.

Editors: Nisha M. and Gunia K.

Graphics: Nabila S.

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