Sanjay Leela Bhansali, a renowned and accomplished film maker in the Bollywood industry, has had the privilege of collaborating with the most iconic stars in Indian cinema. As a result, he has established himself as the most sought-after director in the industry, with a distinctive niche in the genre of Mega-Musicals.
Bhansali's illustrious career began as an assistant director to the esteemed Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Over the years, he has consistently demonstrated his passion for cinema and music through his work, as evident in his films such as Devdas, Bajirao Mastani, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, and Saawariya.
One of his most critically acclaimed films is the 1999 Romantic-Drama, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, which starred the heartthrob duo Salman-Aishwarya and became a landmark in the genre. Similarly, his 2005 film Black, starring Amitabh Bachchan, received widespread critical acclaim.
However, it was his 2002 adaptation of the Hindi literary masterpiece, Devdas, that truly cemented his position as a master storyteller. The film received a nomination for Best Foreign Film at the prestigious BAFTA Awards.
Devdas, as a story, has become synonymous with intense, passionate love that ultimately remains unfulfilled. This theme has been explored in numerous literary works, including the classic tale of Romeo & Juliet. Bhansali's adaptation of Devdas skillfully translated this timeless story into an Indian folk idiom, further solidifying his reputation as a master of his craft.
