I never steal a friends actors, salman will always remain a friend-SLB

Says Sanjay Leela Bhansali, insisting he had his cast in place during Ram-Leela itself, and adds he's in the 'happiest' phase of his life right now.

On a rainy Sunday afternoon, stimulated by a cup of ginger tea, Sanjay Leela Bhansali sets the record straight on Salman Khan, Karan Johar, Mary Kom and why he is always looking for love.



Buzz is, you ghost-directed your next production, Mary Kom.
(Laughs) No, Mary Kom is Omung Kumar's baby. He pitched the story to me in the elevator. I'd never tell him, "Hey Omung, I love your script, now I will direct it!" Who does that? I've just been a good producer. I believe in good karma.



It's a bleak phase for the studio which is banking heavily on the film for survival...
Irrespective of whether they're going through a good or a lean phase, every production house needs a hit. Mary Kom is a spectacular story with depth and soul.



Have you managed to get a grip on your fiery temper?
If you're writing an article and someone spills tea on it, won't you be mad? If that's being temperamental, then yes, I am. I get over my anger but once a perfect frame goes awry, it stays that way for years.



So, you're saying that anger is justified when you're on the quest for perfection?
It is every filmmaker's right to feel that way for his or her creation. We all come together for that one beautiful moment. If it is lost, life is meaningless. If I can't express my anger at such moments, I'll become cold and indifferent. Life has given me enough grief to be angry. (Smiles) I'm perceived as a monster, I'm nowhere close!



Salman said that you should learn from Sooraj Barjatya and stop throwing things on the sets...
Salman has done a lot for me. He was, is and will always remain a close friend. I don't know if the feeling is reciprocated. If he has said this, he means it and still cares for me, deeply.



Karan says that you've gone into 'negativity' and 'darkness'...
I've never understood why someone, who you think is a friend, would publicly talk ill about you. Karan and I have had great moments together.



Yet, you poached Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone, whom Karan wanted for Shuddhi, for your Bajirao Mastani.
I had spoken to them about Bajirao Mastani during the post-production of Ram-Leela. As far as I knew, Hrithik (Roshan) and Kareena (Kapoor) were doing Shuddhi. I would never steal a friend's actors. I had my cast in place, so I didn't need anybody's permission. I've never had an ambition to become the most powerful man in the industry. I'm in the happiest phase of my life. I'm working more than 12 hours a day. Bajirao Mastani is looking exciting. I don't understand why anyone would say I've gone into darkness.



Karan has said he will release a film with your Bajirao Mastani on Christmas 2015--the same day Sajid Naidadwala's Tamasha is also scheduled to release.
Every film has its own destiny. I don't have to fear anyone. I know I will come up with the best possible film.



After Saawariya, you haven't worked with Ranbir Kapoor...
Yes, but I couldn't have gone to him with a Guzaarish, he was too young. During Ram-Leela, he was busy with other commitments. My relationships don't influence my casting.



Shah Rukh Khan in Devdas, Salman in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Hrithik in Guzaarish and Ranveer in Ram-Leela are all chasing unrequited love. Does this recurring theme stem from a personal longing?
Maybe. My stories are influenced by my understanding of romance, deceit, sacrifice and joy. All my male characters are me, they have my mannerisms. In my mind they even look like me.



Have you become cynical about love?
I'm too much in love with life, my work and the people around me to be cynical. Some love me, some hate me. Both are important to me. After Khamoshi's release, the first call was from my executive producer, at 9.30 am, informing me that "picture baith gayi hai". The next three months were really difficult. After Devdas, I was a king, after Saawariya there was a vacuum. I've experienced the thrill of success and the devastation of failure. So, don't dismiss me as temperamental and dark.