Sanjay Leela Bhansali Reflects on His Formative Years With Vidhu Vinod Chopra

Renowned filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali recently opened up about his pivotal early years in Bollywood during which he worked under the guidance of filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Bhansali, who is now a celebrated director within the Hindi film industry, credited Chopra with giving him his start despite the initial challenges. He worked as Chopra’s assistant for eight years, collaborating on several notable projects.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Bhansali revealed the circumstances that led to his working relationship with Chopra. “My walking into the film world was impossible,” he reflected. “How did this boy living near Bhindi Bazaar would come here? That boy never spoke well, had no friends, who had no influence but there is path and it’s a long path.”

Bhansali highlighted the role his sister, Bela Segal, played in his career breakthrough. She facilitated his introduction to Vidhu Vinod Chopra through Renu Chopra, Chopra’s ex-wife. As Bhansali explained, “My sister worked with Vidhu Vinod Chopra. She approached his ex-wife, Renu Chopra, who forced him to take me. Vinod Chopra came and in his characteristic style, he dismissed me. Then he accepted me and I worked with him for 8 years.”

During their professional partnership, they worked on significant films such as ‘1942: A Love Story’ and ‘Parinda’, with Bhansali co-writing the former. The duo’s professional relationship hit a snag when Bhansali chose not to direct the film ‘Kareeb’ (1998), which led to him making his own directorial debut with ‘Khamoshi: The Musical’.

Bhansali expressed enduring gratitude towards Chopra for his formative years, stating, “He made me iron and steel. After working with him for 8 years, you can face anything in the world. Till date if Vinod Chopra’s call comes, I stand up and talk. That is the gratitude I feel towards somebody who changed my life.”

Since then, Bhansali has directed several acclaimed films such as ‘Heeramandi‘, ‘Black‘, ‘Saawariya‘, ‘Devdas’, and ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’. His upcoming project ‘Love and War‘ features actors Vicky Kaushal, Ranbir Kapoor, and Alia Bhatt, marking another high-profile addition to his impressive portfolio.