“I Am Trying To Do Something Special Here”: Sanjay Leela Bhansali On Love & War, His 11th Feature Film

Variety reports filmmaker puts in nearly 20 hours a day, reflects on cinema, failures, and future collaborations

Celebrated filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali marked his birthday on February 24 in the way he knows best  by working. According to a detailed report by Variety India, Bhansali is deeply immersed in his next ambitious project, Love & War, which stars Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal.

The filmmaker, known for his uncompromising vision, reportedly requires no pause or reprieve, choosing instead to push himself harder than ever.

‘Work Defines My Identity’: Bhansali

Speaking to Variety, Bhansali opened up about his relationship with work and creativity.

“Work is all that I have to define my identity. When I am workless, I feel worthless. I am more adventurous and fearless as an artist now,” he said.

The director added that he is currently working with diverse kinds of talent and is putting in nearly twenty hours every day, more than he did five or ten years ago  a pace he says he is thoroughly enjoying.

‘Love & War’: Bhansali’s 11th Feature Film

Talking about Love & War, Bhansali revealed that the project holds special significance for him.

“I am trying to do something special here. This is my eleventh feature film,” he said.

Reflecting on his early days, Bhansali spoke candidly about his debut Khamoshi: The Musical, recalling the disappointment of empty theatres and the emotional toll it took on him. Despite that setback, the filmmaker credits those experiences for shaping his artistic resilience.

Rooted In Reality: Gangubai Kathiawadi And Childhood Memories

Bhansali also emphasised the importance of remembering one’s roots. Drawing a personal connection to Gangubai Kathiawadi, he revealed that the red-light district portrayed in the film was closely linked to his childhood.

“I spent the first thirty years of my life living just one lane away from Kamathipura. All the smells, colours and chaos of my growing-up years were incorporated into Gangubai,” he shared.

Devdas And A Desire To Work With Shah Rukh Khan Again

When asked about Devdas, Bhansali described the story’s emotional core as universal.

“All of us are born lonely, and we die lonely,” he said, adding that he would love to collaborate once again with Shah Rukh Khan.

Future Plans And Admiration For Ketan Mehta

Beyond Love & War, Bhansali also expressed excitement about a potential collaboration with Ketan Mehta on a film based on the Somnath temple. Calling Mirch Masala one of his all-time favourite films, Bhansali praised Mehta’s storytelling and cinematic strength.

‘I Want To Keep Making Films Until I Die’

Despite decades in cinema, Bhansali remains driven by the same passion that marked his early years.

“I don’t know how many years I’ve left. But I want to keep making films until I die,” he said.

With Love & War and multiple ideas on the horizon, Sanjay Leela Bhansali shows no signs of slowing down