New Delhi, Feb 24 (.) Well-known filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali marked his 63rd birthday today immersed in work on his upcoming film ‘Love & War’, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal.
Speaking about spending his birthday on the set, Bhansali said, “Work is all that I have to define my identity. When I am workless, I feel worthless. I’m more adventurous and fearless as an artist now. Today, I am working harder than I did five or 10 years ago. I put in nearly 20 hours every day, and I am enjoying it,” as quoted by Variety India.
The director remained tight-lipped about his 11th feature film, adding, “I am trying to do something special here.”
Bhansali is also looking forward to collaborating with Ketan Mehta on a film about the Somnath temple. “I have been a fan of Ketan Mehta’s cinema from my student days at the FTII. His ‘Mirch Masala’ is one of my 10 favorite films of all time. I love the film for the sheer power of the folk tale,” he said.
Reflecting on his cinematic journey, Bhansali shared, “I still look back at my first (‘Khamoshi: The Musical’) with the most affection. I wish it had worked. I remember going to the Liberty theatre, seeing those empty seats and the scattered audience restless and angry, my spirit was broken.”
He emphasized the importance of remembering one’s roots. “The red-light area in Gangubai Kathiawadi was my neighborhood during my childhood. I spent the first 30 years of my life living just one lane away from Kamathipura. All the smells, colors and chaos of my growing up years were incorporated into ‘Gangubai’,” Bhansali shared.
When asked about ‘Devdas’, he said, “His search for love is universal. I would love to work with Shah Rukh Khan again.”
Looking ahead, Bhansali revealed his enduring passion for filmmaking. “I don’t know how many years I’ve left. But I want to keep making films until I die.”
. MI .