Sanjay Leela Bhansali on working with Ranveer, Deepika, Amitabh Bachchan; not repeating actors in films: ‘Not here to build relationships’

Sanjay Leela Bhansali said that casting actors for films is very organic and has to come from deep within. He spoke about working with Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Madhuri Dixit, Rani Mukerji and Amitabh Bachchan.

By: Entertainment Desk

New Delhi | May 20, 2024 05:27 PM IST

2 min read

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's latest project is Heeramandi. (Photo: Varinder Chawla)

Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who recently made his digital debut with Netflix’s Heeramandi, has opened up about his bond with his actors. Bhansali explained that while he has the opportunity to collaborate with great actors who give their all, it isn’t always possible to cast them in other films, which can sometimes upset the actors.

In an interview with Galatta Plus, Sanjay said that he respects all his actors but for him, the casting is very organic. He was all praise for the actors he collaborated with and called himself fortunate.

He said, “I’ve worked with wonderful actors Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Madhuri Dixit, Rani Mukerji, Amitabh Bachchan. I have been very blessed, Hrithik Roshan, Nana Patekar, they’re all wonderful. Seema Biswas, one of my all-time favorites and one of the greatest actors. So I’ve been very, very fortunate.”

The filmmaker continued, “I feel that I have a great equation with each one. I feel sometimes when I don’t repeat them in another film, they get upset about it or they feel, ‘We give so much to Sanjay for this, why not this one?’ But I feel sometimes the casting is very organic. It has to come from deep within. We are not here to build relationships.”

Bhansali added, “I respect you, I love you for what you’ve created for me. You’ve acted, you’ve given your time, hard work, and you’ve created magic on the screen. More than 90% of them have created magic on the screen. It is because of this love and respect for each other, so they give me their best.”

Also read | Sanjay Leela Bhansali says his life is full of obstacles: ‘Even switching on a TV is difficult for me, someone has to come and do it’

Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar stars Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Sharmin Segal and Fardeen Khan among others. SLB will next collaborate with Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal and Ranbir Kapoor.

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