<p>Sanjay Leela &nbsp;Bhansali has returned from the Berlin Film Festival a very happy man.</p>

<p>He says, “It was memorable in every way possible. I cannot thank the Festival organizers enough for the honour that they gave my film. The Gala premiere was on 16 February. It was a full-moon night. It was also a rain-washed frosty night. The combination of the full moon and the rains were I think godsent. It was His blessing. The 'Devdas' premiere had happened on a no-moon night: it was a lunar eclipse. I always feel the hand of God in my films. At the most expected of times, when life looks unsure, God has brought down the rains. I feel they are a sign for me.”</p>

<p>Bhansali and his team had to follow strict Covid guidelines during the trip to Berlin. But he says the trip was worth all the discomfort. “It is difficult to travel with all the Covid guidelines. &nbsp;But it was all worth it. Yes, that was a &nbsp;great moment. Then of course the Red Carpet. Our 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' was the last film to be shown in the Gala section, so the red-carpet event was quite something. The theatre where our premiere was held was the most spectacular theatre I had ever seen. There were &nbsp;8,000 seats but we were allowed only 800 seats due to Covid restrictions. It was the most spectacular theatre I’ve ever seen. The screen &nbsp;was bigger than any I’ve seen in my &nbsp;life.”</p>

<p>Laughingly he says he couldn’t resist watching 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' with the Berlin audience. “When the film started &nbsp;I thought I’d stay for a while and then sneak away since I had already seen it &nbsp;300 times. But I just couldn’t take my eyes off. I am sorry but I was in awe of my own film. The most wonderful thing was that just one hour after they opened the box office all 800 tickets were sold out. It was a spectacular evening for me. The whole chain of events—the full moon night, the rain, the sold-out tickets, ours being the last film of the Gala—all seemed providential. I then came to know &nbsp;that there was an audience waiting to see 'Gangubai Kathiawadi'.”</p>

<p>The Berlin experience has given Bhansali confidence for its Indian release. &nbsp;“Birju Maharaj’s, Lataji’s and my mother’s blessings are with me and my hard work. The audience in Berlin clapped at my song Dholida. They enjoyed the music songs and humour and anger of my film. They clapped for 8 minutes after the film was over. I introduced my film to the audience which I &nbsp;was reluctant to do. Gangubai is a film that resonates in your mind. It is an experience that doesn’t need any explanation or analysis. &nbsp;You watch it. You like it. Or you don’t like it. Period. When I heard that standing ovation in Berlin I got my answer. They actually clapped for 6-7 minutes nonstop. That isn’t a small thing. It made all the pain and &nbsp;effort &nbsp;worth the while: the two &nbsp;lockdowns, the pandemic, the recession."&nbsp;</p>


Sanjay Leela Bhansali has returned from the Berlin Film Festival a very happy man. He says, “It was memorable in every way possible. I cannot thank the Festival organizers enough for the honour that they gave my film.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali has returned from the Berlin Film Festival a very happy man. He says, “It was memorable in every way possible. I cannot thank the Festival organizers enough for the honour that they gave my film. The Gala premiere was on 16 February. It was a full-moon night. It was also a rain-washed frosty night. The combination of the full moon and the rains were I think godsent. It was His blessing. The 'Devdas' premiere had happened on a no-moon night: it was a lunar eclipse. I always feel the hand of God in my films. At the most expected of times, when life looks unsure, God has brought down the rains. I feel they are a sign for me.” Bhansali and his team had to follow strict Covid guidelines during the trip to Berlin. But he says the trip was worth all the discomfort. “It is difficult to travel with all the Covid guidelines. But it was all worth it. Yes, that was a great moment. Then of course the Red Carpet. Our 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' was the last film to be shown in the Gala section, so the red-carpet event was quite something. The theatre where our premiere was held was the most spectacular theatre I had ever seen. There were 8,000 seats but we were allowed only 800 seats due to Covid restrictions. It was the most spectacular theatre I’ve ever seen. The screen was bigger than any I’ve seen in my life.” Laughingly he says he couldn’t resist watching 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' with the Berlin audience. “When the film started I thought I’d stay for a while and then sneak away since I had already seen it 300 times. But I just couldn’t take my eyes off. I am sorry but I was in awe of my own film. The most wonderful thing was that just one hour after they opened the box office all 800 tickets were sold out. It was a spectacular evening for me. The whole chain of events—the full moon night, the rain, the sold-out tickets, ours being the last film of the Gala—all seemed providential. I then came to know that there was an audience waiting to see 'Gangubai Kathiawadi'.” The Berlin experience has given Bhansali confidence for its Indian release. “Birju Maharaj’s, Lataji’s and my mother’s blessings are with me and my hard work. The audience in Berlin clapped at my song Dholida. They enjoyed the music songs and humour and anger of my film. They clapped for 8 minutes after the film was over. I introduced my film to the audience which I was reluctant to do. Gangubai is a film that resonates in your mind. It is an experience that doesn’t need any explanation or analysis. You watch it. You like it. Or you don’t like it. Period. When I heard that standing ovation in Berlin I got my answer. They actually clapped for 6-7 minutes nonstop. That isn’t a small thing. It made all the pain and effort worth the while: the two lockdowns, the pandemic, the recession."

Sanjay Bhansali on taking 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' to Berlinale: It was memorable in every way possible

<p>Indian filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali was able to draw on his own childhood memories to make 'Gangubai Kathiawadi', a blockbuster adaptation from the book 'Mafia Queens of Mumbai', about Gangubai, a sex worker turned women's rights champion.</p>

<p>The acclaimed director's first collaboration with celebrated actress Alia Bhatt, which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival on Wednesday, chronicles Gangubai's rise from vulnerable sex worker to a powerful figure in the city's red light district.</p>

<p>"I was born and brought up just two lanes away from where she lived, the brothel where she lived, and I spent a lot of time of my childhood passing through those areas," he said. "When I read the book, I was very moved," Bhansali said.</p>

<p><img alt="a" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c6b8375f-27d0-4767-ba21-515f766ee095" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202022-02-17T093040.712.jpg" /></p>

<p>Based on a chapter from S Hussain Zaidi's book, the film was beset with difficulties almost from the start.</p>

<p>"We were hit with the pandemic right in the middle of the shoot," she said. "They had to create like an industrial shed around the set so that it would not get rained out ... the set went through two cyclones."</p>

<p>Bhatt, making her third Berlinale appearance, said her performance was born out of long conversations with Bhansali - who had a very specific vision for which the star had to deepen her voice.</p>

<p>"He wanted me to ... get a base in my voice because I have a bit of a high-pitched tone, especially when I speak with energy and it sounds a bit childish," Bhatt said. "He wanted weight. He wanted intensity."</p>

<p>Bhansali is known for his song and dance sequences but in 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' the filmmaker wanted authenticity and performances that would bring the story forward, said Bhatt adding it made the film stand out from his earlier work.<br />
'Gangubai Kathiawadi' will be released in theatres on February 25.</p>


Indian filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali was able to draw on his own childhood memories to make 'Gangubai Kathiawadi', a blockbuster adaptation from the book 'Mafia Queens of Mumbai', about Gangubai, a sex worker turned women's rights champion.

Indian filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali was able to draw on his own childhood memories to make 'Gangubai Kathiawadi', a blockbuster adaptation from the book 'Mafia Queens of Mumbai', about Gangubai, a sex worker turned women's rights champion. The acclaimed director's first collaboration with celebrated actress Alia Bhatt, which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival on Wednesday, chronicles Gangubai's rise from vulnerable sex worker to a powerful figure in the city's red light district. "I was born and brought up just two lanes away from where she lived, the brothel where she lived, and I spent a lot of time of my childhood passing through those areas," he said. "When I read the book, I was very moved," Bhansali said. Based on a chapter from S Hussain Zaidi's book, the film was beset with difficulties almost from the start. "We were hit with the pandemic right in the middle of the shoot," she said. "They had to create like an industrial shed around the set so that it would not get rained out ... the set went through two cyclones." Bhatt, making her third Berlinale appearance, said her performance was born out of long conversations with Bhansali - who had a very specific vision for which the star had to deepen her voice. "He wanted me to ... get a base in my voice because I have a bit of a high-pitched tone, especially when I speak with energy and it sounds a bit childish," Bhatt said. "He wanted weight. He wanted intensity." Bhansali is known for his song and dance sequences but in 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' the filmmaker wanted authenticity and performances that would bring the story forward, said Bhatt adding it made the film stand out from his earlier work. 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' will be released in theatres on February 25.

Mumbai red light area drama 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' shows rise of rights defender in Berlinale premiere

<p>As Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s latest ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ premieres at Berlin Film Festival, the maker sat down to talk about Alia Bhatt’s reaction when she heard the film’s narration for the first time. Alia Bhatt plays Gangubai who rose to power after having started from a humble background.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said Alia Bhatt ‘ran out of” office after she heard the narration. He told Bhansali Productions CEO Prerna Singh, at the time, that they will have to look for another actor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gangubai Kathiawadi is the story of one of the most powerful, loved and respected madams of Mumbai’s red-light area Kamathipura during the 1960s.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZdwUI3sHvT/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZdwUI3sHvT/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZdwUI3sHvT/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZdwUI3sHvT/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Gangubai 🤍🙏 (@aliaabhatt)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>To Zoom, Sanjay Leela Bhansali said, "The first time she heard the narration, she took her bag and ran out of my office. She was wondering what on earth hit her and what kind of role I have offered to her. She just run away. I told my CEO Prerna, listen, I think we have to look out for another actor. Because this... Well, I wanted her to play it," he said.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CZi5gShglZ-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CZi5gShglZ-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CZi5gShglZ-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CZi5gShglZ-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Gangubai 🤍🙏 (@aliaabhatt)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The filmmaker said that the next morning, Alia called him up and said she wanted to meet him. "I said you don't have to come and meet me personally to say no to me." This left Alia in splits, who said that she would just do what he asked her to do:"I said jump into the unknown, even I don't know what I will do," he added.</p>

<p>‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ is a biographical crime-drama, adapted from one of the chapters of noted author Hussain Zaidi's book ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai’. The film also stars Ajay Devgn and is scheduled to release in theatres on February 25.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/alia-bhatt-makes-it-to-berlin-film-festival-for-the-third-time-as-gangubai-kathiawadi-premieres-453916" hreflang="en">Alia Bhatt makes it to Berlin Film Festival for the third time as 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' premieres</a></p>


As Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s latest ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ premieres at Berlin Film Festival, the maker sat down to talk about Alia Bhatt’s reaction when she heard the film’s narration for the first time.

As Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s latest ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ premieres at Berlin Film Festival, the maker sat down to talk about Alia Bhatt’s reaction when she heard the film’s narration for the first time. Alia Bhatt plays Gangubai who rose to power after having started from a humble background. He said Alia Bhatt ‘ran out of” office after she heard the narration. He told Bhansali Productions CEO Prerna Singh, at the time, that they will have to look for another actor. Gangubai Kathiawadi is the story of one of the most powerful, loved and respected madams of Mumbai’s red-light area Kamathipura during the 1960s. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gangubai 🤍🙏 (@aliaabhatt) × To Zoom, Sanjay Leela Bhansali said, "The first time she heard the narration, she took her bag and ran out of my office. She was wondering what on earth hit her and what kind of role I have offered to her. She just run away. I told my CEO Prerna, listen, I think we have to look out for another actor. Because this... Well, I wanted her to play it," he said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gangubai 🤍🙏 (@aliaabhatt) × The filmmaker said that the next morning, Alia called him up and said she wanted to meet him. "I said you don't have to come and meet me personally to say no to me." This left Alia in splits, who said that she would just do what he asked her to do:"I said jump into the unknown, even I don't know what I will do," he added. ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ is a biographical crime-drama, adapted from one of the chapters of noted author Hussain Zaidi's book ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai’. The film also stars Ajay Devgn and is scheduled to release in theatres on February 25. Also read: Alia Bhatt makes it to Berlin Film Festival for the third time as 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' premieres

Bhansali reveals Alia Bhatt 'ran out of office' after hearing Gangubai Kathiawadi script for the first time

<p>In a hark back to the glorious day when Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Aishwarya Rai were at the Cannes Film Festival for the screening of 'Devdas' in &nbsp;2002, the epic director is now at the Berlin Film Festival with his new film 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' and his heroine &nbsp;Alia Bhatt.</p>

<p>The film will be shown in the prestigious &nbsp;Berlinale Special Galas section today &nbsp;February 16. It will then be released worldwide on February 25.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CaAqVsVsvE5/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CaAqVsVsvE5/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CaAqVsVsvE5/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CaAqVsVsvE5/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Gangubai 🤍🙏 (@aliaabhatt)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Bhansali is hopeful that the pandemic would now subside and allow the movie business to get back to normal. “We are very hopeful. The losses faced by this industry, and why only this industry, but humanity at large, is immeasurable. We need to get back on our feet. I am hoping that my film will contribute to the revival of the movie business. Gangubai &nbsp;Kathiawadi is designed for the big screen.”</p>

<p>About the prized trip to Berlin Sanjay says, “The Berlin Film Festival is very prestigious. That our Gangubai is invited to Berlin &nbsp;is &nbsp;a &nbsp;matter of &nbsp;great &nbsp;joy and pride for us.”</p>


In a hark back to the glorious day when Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Aishwarya Rai were at the Cannes Film Festival for the screening of 'Devdas' in 2002, the epic director is now at the Berlin Film Festival with his new film 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' and his heroine Alia Bhatt.

In a hark back to the glorious day when Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Aishwarya Rai were at the Cannes Film Festival for the screening of 'Devdas' in 2002, the epic director is now at the Berlin Film Festival with his new film 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' and his heroine Alia Bhatt. The film will be shown in the prestigious Berlinale Special Galas section today February 16. It will then be released worldwide on February 25. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gangubai 🤍🙏 (@aliaabhatt) × Bhansali is hopeful that the pandemic would now subside and allow the movie business to get back to normal. “We are very hopeful. The losses faced by this industry, and why only this industry, but humanity at large, is immeasurable. We need to get back on our feet. I am hoping that my film will contribute to the revival of the movie business. Gangubai Kathiawadi is designed for the big screen.” About the prized trip to Berlin Sanjay says, “The Berlin Film Festival is very prestigious. That our Gangubai is invited to Berlin is a matter of great joy and pride for us.”

Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Alia Bhatt in Berlin for the premiere of 'Gangubai Kathiawadi'

<p>Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali spoke about his lead heroine Alia Bhatt as he gears for the release of ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Praising her work in the film and dedication towards the role, Sanjay said, "She comes from very high society, urban, upper-class lifestyle that she lives in — for her to go to this world, to the other side of it completely, we started working on her voice level to bring the note down, because she speaks slightly on a higher note, and the power in the eyes to find the attitude in speaking and talking. And I realised that she has so much in her that she picked up everything so fast. And very soon she became that woman, she became Gangubai very soon."</p>

<p>'Gangubai Kathiawadi' is directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and features Alia Bhatt in the leading role. The film also stars Ajay Devgn in a pivotal role. The period drama has been adapted from one of the chapters of author Hussain Zaidi's book, ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai’. Gangubai was one of the most powerful madam of a brothel in Kamathipura in the 1960s.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/interview-deepika-padukone-on-gehraiyaan-intimacy-in-the-film-is-not-to-titillate-the-audience-453425" hreflang="en">Deepika Padukone interview: Intimacy in 'Gehraiyaan' is not to titillate the audience</a></p>

<p>On Gangubai, Sanjay Leela Bhansali said, "The women who are weak, who are lost in this big bad world--this is a woman who’s fought for them. It’s about empowering all these women and saying whatever you are, accept what you are. And I like that thought a lot where she says: ‘If you’re a teacher or you’re a professor or you’re a doctor or engineer, then I’m a prostitute. And accept me the way I am, accept my profession, because this profession is not going anywhere. We are the fringe of society but we want to be accepted in society, because society will not be able to function without prostitution, it will always be there'. That belief in herself and that fight for dignity is what fascinated me.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-hrithik-roshans-rumoured-girlfriend-saba-azad-gets-a-shout-out-from-his-ex-wife-sussanne-khan-453390" hreflang="en">'Thanks my Suzie': Hrithik Roshan's rumoured girlfriend Saba Azad reacts to ex wife Sussanne Khan's post</a></p>


Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali spoke about his lead heroine Alia Bhatt as he gears for the release of ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’. Praising her work in the film and dedication towards the role, Sanjay said, "She comes from very high society, urban, upper-class lifestyle that she lives in — for her to go to this world, to the other side of it completely, we started working on her voice level to bring the note down, because she speaks slightly on a higher note, and the power in the eyes to find the attitude in speaking and talking.

Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali spoke about his lead heroine Alia Bhatt as he gears for the release of ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’. Praising her work in the film and dedication towards the role, Sanjay said, "She comes from very high society, urban, upper-class lifestyle that she lives in — for her to go to this world, to the other side of it completely, we started working on her voice level to bring the note down, because she speaks slightly on a higher note, and the power in the eyes to find the attitude in speaking and talking. And I realised that she has so much in her that she picked up everything so fast. And very soon she became that woman, she became Gangubai very soon." 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' is directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and features Alia Bhatt in the leading role. The film also stars Ajay Devgn in a pivotal role. The period drama has been adapted from one of the chapters of author Hussain Zaidi's book, ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai’. Gangubai was one of the most powerful madam of a brothel in Kamathipura in the 1960s. Deepika Padukone interview: Intimacy in 'Gehraiyaan' is not to titillate the audience On Gangubai, Sanjay Leela Bhansali said, "The women who are weak, who are lost in this big bad world--this is a woman who’s fought for them. It’s about empowering all these women and saying whatever you are, accept what you are. And I like that thought a lot where she says: ‘If you’re a teacher or you’re a professor or you’re a doctor or engineer, then I’m a prostitute. And accept me the way I am, accept my profession, because this profession is not going anywhere. We are the fringe of society but we want to be accepted in society, because society will not be able to function without prostitution, it will always be there'. That belief in herself and that fight for dignity is what fascinated me.” 'Thanks my Suzie': Hrithik Roshan's rumoured girlfriend Saba Azad reacts to ex wife Sussanne Khan's post

Sanjay Leela Bhansali praises Alia Bhatt for Gangubai: She comes from very high society

<p>The first trailer of Alia Bhatt starrer 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' is finally here!<br />
<br />
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's period drama stars Alia as Gangubai, the feisty and free-spirited queen of the brothel who bows down to no one.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/gangubai-kathiawadi-to-gehraiyaan-movies-and-shows-to-look-out-for-in-february-2022-449242" hreflang="en">'Gangubai Kathiawadi' to 'Gehraiyaan': Movies and shows to look out for in February 2022</a><br />
<br />
The three-minute trailer is all about Gangu's rise to power - from a teen girl of Bombay's Kamathipura to the Queen.&nbsp;The clip shows Gangubhai, who's trying to venture into politics with a motive to uplift the life of Kamathipura's women and children.&nbsp;The trailer also gives a glimpse of her past life and also give the first glimpse of Vijay Raaz and Jim Sarbh characters, who are playing a key role in the movie. The trailer also shows Ajay Devgn as Karim&nbsp;Lala.<br />
<br />
From her breathtaking looks to her powerful stance, Bhatt is impressive as a mafia queen&nbsp;in the intriguing trailer.<br />
<br />
Take a look:</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N1ZwRv3vJJY" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>The film&nbsp;is based on Hussain Zaidi’s book and will see Alia Bhatt don a new look as she plays a mafia queen and owner of a brothel.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
'Gangubai Kathiawadi' is produced by Bhansali and Jayantilal Gada (Pen Studios). The movie also stars Vijay Raaz, Seema Pahwa, and Indira Tiwari. Ajay Devgn and Emraan Hashmi feature in extended cameo appearances.</p>

<p>The movie will release on February 25.&nbsp;</p>


The first trailer of Alia Bhatt starrer 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' is finally here! Sanjay Leela Bhansali's period drama stars Alia as Gangubai, the feisty and free-spirited queen of the brothel who bows down to no one.

The first trailer of Alia Bhatt starrer 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' is finally here! Sanjay Leela Bhansali's period drama stars Alia as Gangubai, the feisty and free-spirited queen of the brothel who bows down to no one. 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' to 'Gehraiyaan': Movies and shows to look out for in February 2022 The three-minute trailer is all about Gangu's rise to power - from a teen girl of Bombay's Kamathipura to the Queen. The clip shows Gangubhai, who's trying to venture into politics with a motive to uplift the life of Kamathipura's women and children. The trailer also gives a glimpse of her past life and also give the first glimpse of Vijay Raaz and Jim Sarbh characters, who are playing a key role in the movie. The trailer also shows Ajay Devgn as Karim Lala. From her breathtaking looks to her powerful stance, Bhatt is impressive as a mafia queen in the intriguing trailer. Take a look: The film is based on Hussain Zaidi’s book and will see Alia Bhatt don a new look as she plays a mafia queen and owner of a brothel. 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' is produced by Bhansali and Jayantilal Gada (Pen Studios). The movie also stars Vijay Raaz, Seema Pahwa, and Indira Tiwari. Ajay Devgn and Emraan Hashmi feature in extended cameo appearances. The movie will release on February 25.

Gangubai Kathiawadi trailer: Alia Bhatt is fierce in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's next

<p>Sanjay Leela &nbsp;Bhansali’s 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' is all set for a February 25 release with the biggest theatrical release since the pandemic set in two years ago. As many as 2,000 prints of the film will be screened in multiplexes and single screens across the country. This is not only the biggest release for Alia Bhatt but also one of the biggest releases ever for a film starring a female hero.</p>

<p>An inside source reveals,“'Gangubai Kathiawadi' is a Sanjay Leela Bhansali creation. He is India’s most venerated director. A film by Bhansali is an event. It happens once in &nbsp;2-3 years. The co-producer Pen India Ltd &nbsp;feels this film has the potential to do for Hindi cinema what 'Pushpa' has done: break &nbsp;the &nbsp;jinx on &nbsp;theatre releases, bring back &nbsp;audiences in &nbsp;optimum &nbsp;numbers after &nbsp;the pandemic.”</p>

<p>By the director’s own admission, 'Gangubai Kathiawadi', which is his tenth directorial, is his best film to date.</p>

<p>“Bhansali has stepped out of his comfort zone to make a film on crime and punishment which will shock those who expect another costume drama from him and surprise those who think the director is too romantic to visit the rugged hinterland,” says a source from the film’s core team.</p>

<p>The few lucky souls who have seen some rushes of 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' feel Bhansali’s new violent dialect puts him right up there with the celluloid masters of gangsterism. In its seamless verger of crime and drama, 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' is comparable with Nitin Bose’s &nbsp;'Ganga Jumna' and Yash Chopra’s 'Deewaar'.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' is all set for a February 25 release with the biggest theatrical release since the pandemic set in two years ago. As many as 2,000 prints of the film will be screened in multiplexes and single screens across the country.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' is all set for a February 25 release with the biggest theatrical release since the pandemic set in two years ago. As many as 2,000 prints of the film will be screened in multiplexes and single screens across the country. This is not only the biggest release for Alia Bhatt but also one of the biggest releases ever for a film starring a female hero. An inside source reveals,“'Gangubai Kathiawadi' is a Sanjay Leela Bhansali creation. He is India’s most venerated director. A film by Bhansali is an event. It happens once in 2-3 years. The co-producer Pen India Ltd feels this film has the potential to do for Hindi cinema what 'Pushpa' has done: break the jinx on theatre releases, bring back audiences in optimum numbers after the pandemic.” By the director’s own admission, 'Gangubai Kathiawadi', which is his tenth directorial, is his best film to date. “Bhansali has stepped out of his comfort zone to make a film on crime and punishment which will shock those who expect another costume drama from him and surprise those who think the director is too romantic to visit the rugged hinterland,” says a source from the film’s core team. The few lucky souls who have seen some rushes of 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' feel Bhansali’s new violent dialect puts him right up there with the celluloid masters of gangsterism. In its seamless verger of crime and drama, 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' is comparable with Nitin Bose’s 'Ganga Jumna' and Yash Chopra’s 'Deewaar'.

'Gangubai Kathiawadi' to get the biggest release since the pandemic

<p>As Kathak maestro Pt Birju Maharaj breathed his last on Sunday night, he left behind a legacy that will be emulated and imbibed for generations to come. Considered one of the most prominent classical dancers of India, Pt Birju Maharaj was one of the rare artists who was able to create a link between classical dance form and Bollywood.&nbsp;<br />
Guruji, as he was fondly called by his disciples, not only took Kathak outside of India but also created some beautiful songs in Hindi cinema- some of which are still remembered for their uniqueness and authenticity.<br />
<br />
Honoured with one of the highest Indian civilian honour, the Padma Vibudhan, Pandit Birju Maharaj was also awarded National Film Award for his choreography in the film 'Vishwaroopam'.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The maestro was 83 when he suffered a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kathak-maestro-pandit-birju-maharaj-passes-away-at-age-of-83-says-relative-445281">massive heart attack </a>on Sunday, reportedly while doing what he knew the best- dance.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Here's a look at Pandit Birju Maharaj's choreography in Indian films.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Shatranj Ke Khiladi:</strong> Film maestro Satyajit Ray's only Hindi film 'Shatranj Ke Khiladi' was a period dramedy about two wealthy noblemen who while away their time playing chess instead of taking care of their area of rule. The film had Sanjeev Kumar and Saeed Jeffrey in the lead role. It also featured Amjad Khan as Nawab Wajid Ali Shah who was known as a connoisseur of arts. A portion had the Nawab enjoying a dance recital in his court. The sequence was choreographed by Pandit Birju Maharaj and featured his student Swati Sen who to date continues to be an integral part of his inner circle. Sen has over the years performed alongside Panditji in numerous shows across the world and even handles his dance schools across the world. Back when the film was shot, she was all of 20 and a relatively new disciple of Panditji but Ray apparently had seen her perform live and was adamant to bring her on board for this sequence. The song 'Kanha Main Tose Hari' was composed, sung and choreographed by Pandit Birju Maharaj.&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_kks1kJxzhU?start=33" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p><strong>Dil To Pagal Hai: </strong>Pandit Birju Maharaj and Madhuri Dixit had a long association in cinema together. Of the limited work that he took up in Indian cinema, most featured the actress who is known to be a gifted dancer. The duo first screen outing together was in Yash Chopra's 'Dil To Pagal Hai', which had a sequence of Madhuri, who played a dancer in the film, dancing to an instrumental piece- particularly the drums. The film featured the lead hero Shah Rukh Khan playing the drums while Madhuri Dixit danced to the beats. A beautiful fusion set, the sequence remains well-etched in everyone's mind.&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B1LZpXFdrvI" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p><strong>Gadar: Ek Prem Katha: </strong>Birju Maharaj composed a sequence that featured in the second half of the film. The song 'Aan Milo Sajna' featured dancers from his dance school and did not have the film's leading heroine &nbsp;Amisha Patel dancing. Instead, it was a part of a backdrop featuring Amisha Patel struggling to break free from her family and escape to her husband Sunny Deol and her son.&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DzgcUUr1nP0" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p><strong>Devdas:</strong> Pandit Birju Maharaj and Madhuri Dixit again teamed up for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Devdas'. A musical love story set in per-independent India, it had Madhuri playing a prostitute/courtesan Chadramukhi. Several elaborate dance sequences were part of this Bollywood blockbuster. Birju Maharaj choreographed composed music and was the male lead singer for the song 'Kahe Chhed Mohe'. The song was picturised on Dixit who emoted mostly through her eyes and facial expressions - a style in Kathak.&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QfAFHZ2usIo" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p><strong>Vishwaroop: </strong>Pandit Birju Maharaj choreographed a song called 'Main Radha Tu Shaam' which features Kamal Haasan performing intricate steps of Kathak. The sequence has Haasan, playing a dance teacher and teaching his students. It's not a long sequence and Haasan particular struggles in some areas to copy the same style of Panditji but it's still a rare sequence that features an Indian leading hero attempting to perform a classical dance form. The sequence fetched Pandit Birju Maharaj a National Film Award in 2013.&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QBdZbDM-Mb4" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p><strong>Dedh Ishqiya:</strong> Pandit Birju Maharaj and Madhuri Dixit's final collaboration on-screen was a beautiful <em>thumri </em>(style of singing) called 'Jagaave Saari Raina' where Dixit reminiscing of her younger days, breaks into a dance. The song also has a portion recited by the maestro himself. Beautiful song with equally stunning choreography, it remains one of the highlights of this film.&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E-VxmcdaGPE" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p><strong>Bajirao Mastani</strong>: Sanjay Leela Bhansali once again roped in Pandit Birju Maharaj for his film 'Bajirao Mastani'. The maestro choreographed 'Mohe Rang Do Laal' which featured the gorgeous Deepika Padukone dancing and serenading Ranveer Singh who played Bajirao. The song was a slow number and heavily depended on expressions and hand moves which Padukone performed beautifully. The song won him the best choreography Filmfare award.&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XU3eFkY1BTI" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>He also choreographed two songs in Muzaffar Ali's 'Jaanisar' which featured Pernia Quereshi. The songs though did not get as much attention as Panditji's other songs. Panditji choreographed and featured in 'Khayal Gatha' which was released in 1988. He was also the choreographer of a film called 'Pranalip- The Tradition'.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-pandit-birju-maharaj-1938---2022-pm-narendra-modi-kamal-haasan--others-pay-tribute-to-the-icon-445310" hreflang="en">Pandit Birju Maharaj (1938 - 2022): PM Narendra Modi, Kamal Haasan &amp; others pay tribute to the icon</a></strong></p>


As Kathak maestro Pt Birju Maharaj breathed his last on Sunday night, he left behind a legacy that will be emulated and imbibed for generations to come. Considered one of the most prominent classical dancers of India, Pt Birju Maharaj was one of the rare artists who was able to create a link between classical dance form and Bollywood.

As Kathak maestro Pt Birju Maharaj breathed his last on Sunday night, he left behind a legacy that will be emulated and imbibed for generations to come. Considered one of the most prominent classical dancers of India, Pt Birju Maharaj was one of the rare artists who was able to create a link between classical dance form and Bollywood. Guruji, as he was fondly called by his disciples, not only took Kathak outside of India but also created some beautiful songs in Hindi cinema- some of which are still remembered for their uniqueness and authenticity. Honoured with one of the highest Indian civilian honour, the Padma Vibudhan, Pandit Birju Maharaj was also awarded National Film Award for his choreography in the film 'Vishwaroopam'. The maestro was 83 when he suffered a massive heart attack on Sunday, reportedly while doing what he knew the best- dance. Here's a look at Pandit Birju Maharaj's choreography in Indian films. Shatranj Ke Khiladi: Film maestro Satyajit Ray's only Hindi film 'Shatranj Ke Khiladi' was a period dramedy about two wealthy noblemen who while away their time playing chess instead of taking care of their area of rule. The film had Sanjeev Kumar and Saeed Jeffrey in the lead role. It also featured Amjad Khan as Nawab Wajid Ali Shah who was known as a connoisseur of arts. A portion had the Nawab enjoying a dance recital in his court. The sequence was choreographed by Pandit Birju Maharaj and featured his student Swati Sen who to date continues to be an integral part of his inner circle. Sen has over the years performed alongside Panditji in numerous shows across the world and even handles his dance schools across the world. Back when the film was shot, she was all of 20 and a relatively new disciple of Panditji but Ray apparently had seen her perform live and was adamant to bring her on board for this sequence. The song 'Kanha Main Tose Hari' was composed, sung and choreographed by Pandit Birju Maharaj. Dil To Pagal Hai: Pandit Birju Maharaj and Madhuri Dixit had a long association in cinema together. Of the limited work that he took up in Indian cinema, most featured the actress who is known to be a gifted dancer. The duo first screen outing together was in Yash Chopra's 'Dil To Pagal Hai', which had a sequence of Madhuri, who played a dancer in the film, dancing to an instrumental piece- particularly the drums. The film featured the lead hero Shah Rukh Khan playing the drums while Madhuri Dixit danced to the beats. A beautiful fusion set, the sequence remains well-etched in everyone's mind. Gadar: Ek Prem Katha: Birju Maharaj composed a sequence that featured in the second half of the film. The song 'Aan Milo Sajna' featured dancers from his dance school and did not have the film's leading heroine Amisha Patel dancing. Instead, it was a part of a backdrop featuring Amisha Patel struggling to break free from her family and escape to her husband Sunny Deol and her son. Devdas: Pandit Birju Maharaj and Madhuri Dixit again teamed up for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Devdas'. A musical love story set in per-independent India, it had Madhuri playing a prostitute/courtesan Chadramukhi. Several elaborate dance sequences were part of this Bollywood blockbuster. Birju Maharaj choreographed composed music and was the male lead singer for the song 'Kahe Chhed Mohe'. The song was picturised on Dixit who emoted mostly through her eyes and facial expressions - a style in Kathak. Vishwaroop: Pandit Birju Maharaj choreographed a song called 'Main Radha Tu Shaam' which features Kamal Haasan performing intricate steps of Kathak. The sequence has Haasan, playing a dance teacher and teaching his students. It's not a long sequence and Haasan particular struggles in some areas to copy the same style of Panditji but it's still a rare sequence that features an Indian leading hero attempting to perform a classical dance form. The sequence fetched Pandit Birju Maharaj a National Film Award in 2013. Dedh Ishqiya: Pandit Birju Maharaj and Madhuri Dixit's final collaboration on-screen was a beautiful thumri (style of singing) called 'Jagaave Saari Raina' where Dixit reminiscing of her younger days, breaks into a dance. The song also has a portion recited by the maestro himself. Beautiful song with equally stunning choreography, it remains one of the highlights of this film. Bajirao Mastani: Sanjay Leela Bhansali once again roped in Pandit Birju Maharaj for his film 'Bajirao Mastani'. The maestro choreographed 'Mohe Rang Do Laal' which featured the gorgeous Deepika Padukone dancing and serenading Ranveer Singh who played Bajirao. The song was a slow number and heavily depended on expressions and hand moves which Padukone performed beautifully. The song won him the best choreography Filmfare award. He also choreographed two songs in Muzaffar Ali's 'Jaanisar' which featured Pernia Quereshi. The songs though did not get as much attention as Panditji's other songs. Panditji choreographed and featured in 'Khayal Gatha' which was released in 1988. He was also the choreographer of a film called 'Pranalip- The Tradition'. Pandit Birju Maharaj (1938 - 2022): PM Narendra Modi, Kamal Haasan & others pay tribute to the icon

'Shatranj Ke Khiladi' to 'Bajirao Mastani': Pandit Birju Maharaj's illustrious association with Hindi films

<p>Sanjay Leela Bhansali's epic saga &nbsp;of &nbsp;a true-life female gangster 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' is going to the Berlin Film Festival in February 2022</p>

<p>Barely able to contain his excitement Sanjay Bhansali in an exclusive chat with this writer said, “Not since the time when my Devdas went to Cannes have I felt this level of enthusiasm for my cinema being honoured internationally. The Berlin Film Festival is one of the best platforms for international cinema. Our film will be screened in the very prestigious &nbsp;Berlinale Special Gala section. I don't know how many Indian films prior to this, have been screened in this section. But I’m am glad &nbsp;a mainstream &nbsp;Indian film will make its way to this posh platform.”</p>

<p>Berlin International Film Festival's Artistic Director Carlo Chatrian said in a statement: "We are happy to premiere Gangubai Kathiawadi and continue the tradition of the Berlin Film Festival being a special setting for Indian movies. This time with a film that joins the usual craft in shaping camera movement and the choreography of bodies with a subject that is socially relevant, not only in India. From the very beginning, we were taken by the story of Gangubai, an exceptional woman dragged into exceptional circumstances."</p>

<p>Says Bhansali, “Coming from a cinephile of Carlo &nbsp;Chatrian’s standard this is very high praise.I don’t know why our mainstream films are not sent to international film festivals. Normally it is those esoteric arthouse films that are sent to an international festival. 'Gangubai &nbsp;Kathiawadi' is a celebration of mainstream cinema. It is dark yet flamboyant. It is &nbsp;my most restrained work &nbsp;to date.”</p>

<p>Sanjay Leela Bhansali feels it is time more of our films ensure a wider viewership the world over. &nbsp;“Any Indian film representing our country abroad which creates an impact makes a difference to the way our cinema is perceived internationally Today when we look at 'Lagaan' we feel it created a space abroad for Indian cinema. &nbsp;We now &nbsp;feel our content style and mood of moviemaking are being given a fair chance abroad.”</p>

<p>&nbsp; Bhansali feels it is the masters of Indian cinema who paved the way for a filmmaker like him.“Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen and Shahji Karun did get our cinema recognition. &nbsp;At the same, if &nbsp;a new &nbsp;film is &nbsp;selected for an &nbsp;international festival &nbsp;it &nbsp;isn’t necessarily because of those other films and filmmakers who gained international recognition earlier on.”</p>

<p>So what according to Bhansali is the key to acceptance of Indian films abroad? “I think our cinema is being appreciated for its melodramatic warmth. Even in the West people are now eager to express themselves more openly. They aren’t abashed by open expressions of emotions. Indian films exude a lot of warmth. At a &nbsp;time when the world is clogged with bitterness, it’s reassuring to experience a cinema where the smallest of emotions matter. Also, Indian cinema is celebratory in the mood. There’s a song for every occasion. That’s again a novel experience for Western viewers. Filmmakers like Steven Spielberg are now attempting the musical style that we have embraced from time immemorial. &nbsp;Indian films have their own distinctive stamp and audiences out there find them great fun to watch. That is why they good-humoredly call us Bollywood. You and I may hate the term. But that’s how Indian cinema is going to be known for a long time. When I showed Hum…. Dil De Chuke Sanam in Berlin called it a ‘dancycle’. They were &nbsp;thrilled to see the musical celebration &nbsp;of universal emotions.”</p>


Sanjay Leela Bhansali's epic saga of a true-life female gangster 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' is going to the Berlin Film Festival in February 2022 Barely able to contain his excitement Sanjay Bhansali in an exclusive chat with this writer said, “Not since the time when my Devdas went to Cannes have I felt this level of enthusiasm for my cinema being honoured internationally.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's epic saga of a true-life female gangster 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' is going to the Berlin Film Festival in February 2022 Barely able to contain his excitement Sanjay Bhansali in an exclusive chat with this writer said, “Not since the time when my Devdas went to Cannes have I felt this level of enthusiasm for my cinema being honoured internationally. The Berlin Film Festival is one of the best platforms for international cinema. Our film will be screened in the very prestigious Berlinale Special Gala section. I don't know how many Indian films prior to this, have been screened in this section. But I’m am glad a mainstream Indian film will make its way to this posh platform.” Berlin International Film Festival's Artistic Director Carlo Chatrian said in a statement: "We are happy to premiere Gangubai Kathiawadi and continue the tradition of the Berlin Film Festival being a special setting for Indian movies. This time with a film that joins the usual craft in shaping camera movement and the choreography of bodies with a subject that is socially relevant, not only in India. From the very beginning, we were taken by the story of Gangubai, an exceptional woman dragged into exceptional circumstances." Says Bhansali, “Coming from a cinephile of Carlo Chatrian’s standard this is very high praise.I don’t know why our mainstream films are not sent to international film festivals. Normally it is those esoteric arthouse films that are sent to an international festival. 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' is a celebration of mainstream cinema. It is dark yet flamboyant. It is my most restrained work to date.” Sanjay Leela Bhansali feels it is time more of our films ensure a wider viewership the world over. “Any Indian film representing our country abroad which creates an impact makes a difference to the way our cinema is perceived internationally Today when we look at 'Lagaan' we feel it created a space abroad for Indian cinema. We now feel our content style and mood of moviemaking are being given a fair chance abroad.” Bhansali feels it is the masters of Indian cinema who paved the way for a filmmaker like him.“Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen and Shahji Karun did get our cinema recognition. At the same, if a new film is selected for an international festival it isn’t necessarily because of those other films and filmmakers who gained international recognition earlier on.” So what according to Bhansali is the key to acceptance of Indian films abroad? “I think our cinema is being appreciated for its melodramatic warmth. Even in the West people are now eager to express themselves more openly. They aren’t abashed by open expressions of emotions. Indian films exude a lot of warmth. At a time when the world is clogged with bitterness, it’s reassuring to experience a cinema where the smallest of emotions matter. Also, Indian cinema is celebratory in the mood. There’s a song for every occasion. That’s again a novel experience for Western viewers. Filmmakers like Steven Spielberg are now attempting the musical style that we have embraced from time immemorial. Indian films have their own distinctive stamp and audiences out there find them great fun to watch. That is why they good-humoredly call us Bollywood. You and I may hate the term. But that’s how Indian cinema is going to be known for a long time. When I showed Hum…. Dil De Chuke Sanam in Berlin called it a ‘dancycle’. They were thrilled to see the musical celebration of universal emotions.”

Sanjay Leela Bhansali on 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' going to Berlin Film Festival 2022

<p>Sanjay Leela Bhansali and SS Rajamouli’s films will no longer clash at the box office. Their film, Gangubai Kathiawadi and RRR were earlier scheduled to hit the theatres on January 6 and January 7, 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In order to avoid a box office clash, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has shifted the date of his film ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ to February 18, 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apparently, there was news that Ajay Devgn asked the makers and team to reconsider a new date for the two films so that both films could enjoy their time in the theatres.&nbsp;</p>

<p><b><a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/topics/alia-bhatt" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/topics/alia-bhatt&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwje-aed-5n0AhWKwjgGHTthCs8QFnoECAEQAQ&amp;usg=AOvVaw2zw4YWDewDtbqJhPW_cC_t" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/alia-bhatt" target="_blank">Alia Bhatt</a>,</b> who plays the lead role in Gangubai Kathiawadi, took to social media to share the news: "We are glad to announce that Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Gangubai Kathiawadi has a new release date. The film will release on 18th February, 2022".&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/have-you-met-alia-bhatts-doppelganger-that-the-internet-is-obsessing-over-426655" hreflang="en">Have you met Alia Bhatt's doppelganger that the internet is obsessing over?</a></p>

<p>Gangubai Kathiawadi is produced by Bhansali and Jayantilal Gada (Pen Studios). The movie also stars Vijay Raaz, Seema Pahwa, and Indira Tiwari. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood-news-ajay-devgn-has-reportedlly-not-taken-a-fee-for-rajamoulis-rrr-for-this-reason-279074">Ajay Devgn</a> and Emraan Hashmi feature in extended cameo appearances.</p>

<p>RRR has Jr NTR and Ram Charan in leading roles with Bollywood star Ajay Devgn and Alia Bhatt. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/rrr-mass-anthem-nacho-nacho-featuring-jr-ntr-ram-charan-out-428370">Watch&nbsp;'RRR' mass anthem 'Nacho Nacho'</a></p>


Sanjay Leela Bhansali and SS Rajamouli’s films will no longer clash at the box office. Their film, Gangubai Kathiawadi and RRR were earlier scheduled to hit the theatres on January 6 and January 7, 2022.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali and SS Rajamouli’s films will no longer clash at the box office. Their film, Gangubai Kathiawadi and RRR were earlier scheduled to hit the theatres on January 6 and January 7, 2022. In order to avoid a box office clash, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has shifted the date of his film ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ to February 18, 2022. Apparently, there was news that Ajay Devgn asked the makers and team to reconsider a new date for the two films so that both films could enjoy their time in the theatres. Alia Bhatt, who plays the lead role in Gangubai Kathiawadi, took to social media to share the news: "We are glad to announce that Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Gangubai Kathiawadi has a new release date. The film will release on 18th February, 2022". Have you met Alia Bhatt's doppelganger that the internet is obsessing over? Gangubai Kathiawadi is produced by Bhansali and Jayantilal Gada (Pen Studios). The movie also stars Vijay Raaz, Seema Pahwa, and Indira Tiwari. Ajay Devgn and Emraan Hashmi feature in extended cameo appearances. RRR has Jr NTR and Ram Charan in leading roles with Bollywood star Ajay Devgn and Alia Bhatt. Watch 'RRR' mass anthem 'Nacho Nacho'

'RRR' and 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' won't clash as Sanjay Leela Bhansali pushes his film

<p>The film trade is agog and aghast at the impending clash between two of the biggest films in recent times.<br />
<br />
While Sanjay Leela Bhansali's &nbsp;'Gangubai Kathiawadi' &nbsp;is scheduled for release on January 6, 2022, SS Rajamouli's 'RRR' &nbsp;in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu opens a day later, on January 7.<br />
<br />
Bhansali and Rajamouli have always been compared for their epic vision. In fact, Rajamouli confesses to being a Bhansali fan.<br />
<br />
Such a clash at a time when the movie-theatre business is gasping for survival seems suicidal. Compounding the problem is the fact that Alia Bhatt and &nbsp;Ajay Devgan feature in the cast of both films.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/glimpse-of-rrr-ss-rajamoulis-new-film-looks-grand-introduces-key-characters-425759" hreflang="en">Glimpse of 'RRR': SS Rajamouli's new film looks grand, introduces key characters</a></p>

<p>Responding to the impending clash director Sanjay Leela Bhansali said &nbsp;to &nbsp;me, “We &nbsp;announced &nbsp;our date long before the other film."<br />
<br />
Rajamouli feels there is room for two films during the same week. “The clash won’t hamper the business. Even if four films come together, if they are good, people are going to come to watch all of them. There have been multiple instances in the past when this has happened.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/rrr-everything-you-need-to-know-about-ss-rajamoulis-magnum-opus-398452" hreflang="en">RRR: Everything you need to know about SS Rajamouli's magnum opus</a><br />
<br />
He blames the pandemic for the bottleneck of releases. “This is the time for all of us to come together and say, think and feel that all films should make money."<br />
<br />
There is a reason why 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' is being released all over the world on January 6.The number 6 &nbsp;is considered very lucky by filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali and his leading lady Alia Bhatt.<br />
<br />
Says a source very close to the filmmaker, "Sanjay’s birth date is 24 February, that is number 4 and 2 adding up to &nbsp;6. Alia's birth date &nbsp;15 March also adds up to number 6.”</p>


The film trade is agog and aghast at the impending clash between two of the biggest films in recent times. While Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' is scheduled for release on January 6, 2022, SS Rajamouli's 'RRR' in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu opens a day later, on January 7.

The film trade is agog and aghast at the impending clash between two of the biggest films in recent times. While Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' is scheduled for release on January 6, 2022, SS Rajamouli's 'RRR' in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu opens a day later, on January 7. Bhansali and Rajamouli have always been compared for their epic vision. In fact, Rajamouli confesses to being a Bhansali fan. Such a clash at a time when the movie-theatre business is gasping for survival seems suicidal. Compounding the problem is the fact that Alia Bhatt and Ajay Devgan feature in the cast of both films. Glimpse of 'RRR': SS Rajamouli's new film looks grand, introduces key characters Responding to the impending clash director Sanjay Leela Bhansali said to me, “We announced our date long before the other film." Rajamouli feels there is room for two films during the same week. “The clash won’t hamper the business. Even if four films come together, if they are good, people are going to come to watch all of them. There have been multiple instances in the past when this has happened.” RRR: Everything you need to know about SS Rajamouli's magnum opus He blames the pandemic for the bottleneck of releases. “This is the time for all of us to come together and say, think and feel that all films should make money." There is a reason why 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' is being released all over the world on January 6.The number 6 is considered very lucky by filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali and his leading lady Alia Bhatt. Says a source very close to the filmmaker, "Sanjay’s birth date is 24 February, that is number 4 and 2 adding up to 6. Alia's birth date 15 March also adds up to number 6.”

'Gangubai Kathiawadi' vs 'RRR': Will the clash between Sanjay Leela Bhansali and SS Rajamouli be averted?

<p>As Maharashtra gears up to open theatres across the state from October, filmmakers have been blocking dates to release their films. The release date of several big-budget films has been announced in the recent past. Now, Alia Bhatt starrer 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' has also got a release date.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the film is scheduled to hit theatres on January 6, 2022.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The film will have Alia playing a madam of a brothel in Mumbai. It is based on Hussain Zaidi’s book and will see Alia Bhatt don a new look as she plays a mafia queen and owner of a brothel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&lt;<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xK2_6yX7aF8" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-its-a-wrap-for-sanjay-leela-bhansalis-gangubai-kathiawadi-starring-alia-bhatt-394252">It's a wrap for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' starring Alia Bhatt</a><br />
<br />
The film also features Ajay Devgn in a cameo role.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Bhansali directorial was the first film to resume production in June after the second coronavirus wave and is now scheduled to release in theatres in Jan 2022. The filmmaker and the lead actress both tested positive for coronavirus and filming had to halt in the middle.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The film took two years to complete and Alia Bhatt had shared an emotional post earlier this year when the film's shoot wrapped up.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-alia-bhatt-ranbir-kapoor-spark-wedding-rumours-after-being-spotted-leaving-for-jodhpur-416314">Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor spark wedding rumours after being spotted leaving for Jodhpur</a></p>


As Maharashtra gears up to open theatres across the state from October, filmmakers have been blocking dates to release their films. The release date of several big-budget films has been announced in the recent past.

As Maharashtra gears up to open theatres across the state from October, filmmakers have been blocking dates to release their films. The release date of several big-budget films has been announced in the recent past. Now, Alia Bhatt starrer 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' has also got a release date. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the film is scheduled to hit theatres on January 6, 2022. The film will have Alia playing a madam of a brothel in Mumbai. It is based on Hussain Zaidi’s book and will see Alia Bhatt don a new look as she plays a mafia queen and owner of a brothel. < It's a wrap for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' starring Alia Bhatt The film also features Ajay Devgn in a cameo role. Bhansali directorial was the first film to resume production in June after the second coronavirus wave and is now scheduled to release in theatres in Jan 2022. The filmmaker and the lead actress both tested positive for coronavirus and filming had to halt in the middle. The film took two years to complete and Alia Bhatt had shared an emotional post earlier this year when the film's shoot wrapped up. Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor spark wedding rumours after being spotted leaving for Jodhpur

Alia Bhatt's 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' to release in India on this date

<p>Movie buffs, the wait to hop back to theatres to watch your favourite stars on big screens while enjoying popcorns is finally over!Jayantilal Gada`s Pen India Limited, the banner which has produced the upcoming magnum opus films `Gangubai Kathiawadi`, `RRR` and `Attack`, has on Wednesday confirmed the theatrical release of these movies.<br />
<br />
This news has also clarified the social media rumours that suggested the movies could have an OTT release.<br />
<br />
The official Twitter handle of Pen India Limited posted a statement that read, "We would like to clarify that `Gangubai Kathiawadi`, `RRR`&amp; `Attack` will release in Cinemas. There have been several rumors doing rounds about these films releasing on OTT platforms before cinemas which are untrue. These magnum opus films are made for the big screen experience and would be releasing in theatres- Dr. Jayantilal Gada Chairman and MD Pen Studios."<br />
<br />
Cinephiles have been excited about the magnum opus films ever since their captivating teasers have dropped.<br />
Starring Alia Bhatt in the lead role, acclaimed director Sanjay Leela Bhansali`s directorial `Gangubai Kathiawadi` is on the list of one of the most awaited films made this year.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The film features Alia portraying an eponymous character in the flick.The film that marks Bhansali`s first collaboration with Alia is based on the book `Mafia Queens of Mumbai` written by S Hussain Zaidi.<br />
<br />
This project will also see Bhansali Productions collaborating with Jayantilal Gada`s Pen India Limited and the reunion between superstar Ajay Devgn and Bhansali after the 1999 iconic film `Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam`.Speaking about SS Rajamouli`s magnum opus `RRR`, the film features megastars Jr NTR, Ram Charan, Ajay Devgn, Alia Bhatt, Olivia Morris, Ray Stevenson, and Alison Doody. Produced by DVV Danayya under the DVV Entertainments banner, the much-awaited Pan-India film is a fictional tale of the younger days of freedom fighters Komaram Bheem and Alluri Seetharamaraju and will release on October 13 this year.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
PEN Studios bagged the theatrical distribution rights of the film across North India and also bought its worldwide electronic rights for all languages. Pen Marudhar will be distributing the film in the North Territory.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, `Attack` is an action-thriller film starring John Abraham, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Rakul Preet Singh in lead roles. The film is the Hindi remake of the Malayalam action thriller `Ayyappanum Koshiyum` that originally featured actors Prithviraj Sukumaran and Biju Menon in lead roles.&nbsp;</p>


Movie buffs, the wait to hop back to theatres to watch your favourite stars on big screens while enjoying popcorns is finally over!Jayantilal Gada`s Pen India Limited, the banner which has produced the upcoming magnum opus films `Gangubai Kathiawadi`, `RRR` and `Attack`, has on Wednesday confirmed the theatrical release of these movies.

Movie buffs, the wait to hop back to theatres to watch your favourite stars on big screens while enjoying popcorns is finally over!Jayantilal Gada`s Pen India Limited, the banner which has produced the upcoming magnum opus films `Gangubai Kathiawadi`, `RRR` and `Attack`, has on Wednesday confirmed the theatrical release of these movies. This news has also clarified the social media rumours that suggested the movies could have an OTT release. The official Twitter handle of Pen India Limited posted a statement that read, "We would like to clarify that `Gangubai Kathiawadi`, `RRR`& `Attack` will release in Cinemas. There have been several rumors doing rounds about these films releasing on OTT platforms before cinemas which are untrue. These magnum opus films are made for the big screen experience and would be releasing in theatres- Dr. Jayantilal Gada Chairman and MD Pen Studios." Cinephiles have been excited about the magnum opus films ever since their captivating teasers have dropped. Starring Alia Bhatt in the lead role, acclaimed director Sanjay Leela Bhansali`s directorial `Gangubai Kathiawadi` is on the list of one of the most awaited films made this year. The film features Alia portraying an eponymous character in the flick.The film that marks Bhansali`s first collaboration with Alia is based on the book `Mafia Queens of Mumbai` written by S Hussain Zaidi. This project will also see Bhansali Productions collaborating with Jayantilal Gada`s Pen India Limited and the reunion between superstar Ajay Devgn and Bhansali after the 1999 iconic film `Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam`.Speaking about SS Rajamouli`s magnum opus `RRR`, the film features megastars Jr NTR, Ram Charan, Ajay Devgn, Alia Bhatt, Olivia Morris, Ray Stevenson, and Alison Doody. Produced by DVV Danayya under the DVV Entertainments banner, the much-awaited Pan-India film is a fictional tale of the younger days of freedom fighters Komaram Bheem and Alluri Seetharamaraju and will release on October 13 this year. PEN Studios bagged the theatrical distribution rights of the film across North India and also bought its worldwide electronic rights for all languages. Pen Marudhar will be distributing the film in the North Territory. On the other hand, `Attack` is an action-thriller film starring John Abraham, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Rakul Preet Singh in lead roles. The film is the Hindi remake of the Malayalam action thriller `Ayyappanum Koshiyum` that originally featured actors Prithviraj Sukumaran and Biju Menon in lead roles.

Makers confirm theatrical release of 'Gangubai Kathiawadi', 'RRR', 'Attack'

<p>The Bombay High Court has granted an interim stay on proceedings initiated by a local court against actor Alia Bhatt and filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali in a criminal defamation complaint filed in connection with the movie 'Gangubai Kathiawadi'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The HC granted the interim stay till the next date of hearing --&nbsp;September 7.</p>

<p>The case was filed after one Babuji Shah, who claimed to be the adopted son of Gangubai Kathiawadi, said the film would defame his mother.</p>

<p>Based on the life of Gangubai Kathiawadi starring Alia Bhatt in the leading role, it is on one of the most powerful, loved and respected madams from Kamathipura, Mumbai's red-light area, during the 1960s.</p>

<p>Shah claimed the movie was inspired by 'The Mafia Queens of Mumbai' novel. According to Shah, some portions of the novel were defamatory, tarnished Gangubai Kathiawadi's reputation and infringed upon her right to privacy.</p>

<p>In a related development, another HC bench refused to grant a stay on the release of the movie as&nbsp;Shah had moved the HC, seeking a stay on release of the movie, and an order restraining the writers/publishers of the novel from creating any third-party rights or writing any other story on the life of Gangubai Kathiawadi.</p>


The Bombay High Court has granted an interim stay on proceedings initiated by a local court against actor Alia Bhatt and filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali in a criminal defamation complaint filed in connection with the movie 'Gangubai Kathiawadi'.

The Bombay High Court has granted an interim stay on proceedings initiated by a local court against actor Alia Bhatt and filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali in a criminal defamation complaint filed in connection with the movie 'Gangubai Kathiawadi'. The HC granted the interim stay till the next date of hearing -- September 7. The case was filed after one Babuji Shah, who claimed to be the adopted son of Gangubai Kathiawadi, said the film would defame his mother. Based on the life of Gangubai Kathiawadi starring Alia Bhatt in the leading role, it is on one of the most powerful, loved and respected madams from Kamathipura, Mumbai's red-light area, during the 1960s. Shah claimed the movie was inspired by 'The Mafia Queens of Mumbai' novel. According to Shah, some portions of the novel were defamatory, tarnished Gangubai Kathiawadi's reputation and infringed upon her right to privacy. In a related development, another HC bench refused to grant a stay on the release of the movie as Shah had moved the HC, seeking a stay on release of the movie, and an order restraining the writers/publishers of the novel from creating any third-party rights or writing any other story on the life of Gangubai Kathiawadi.

Gangubai Kathiawadi: Bombay HC grants interim stay in defamation case against Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Alia Bhatt

<p>Sanjay Leela Bhansali is making his foray into digital space as he completes 25 years in Indian cinema. A day after he completed his milestone year in Bollywood, he announced he will be making his digital debut with a Netflix series, titled 'Heeramandi'.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
As per a statement, the upcoming show will explore stories of courtesans and the hidden cultural reality of Heeramandi, a dazzling district, during pre-independent India. It is a series about love, betrayal, succession, and politics in the kothas which promises SLB's trademark larger-than-life sets, multi-faceted characters and soulful compositions.<br />
<br />
'Heeramandi' is an important milestone in my journey as a filmmaker. This is an epic, first of its kind series based on the courtesans of Lahore.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
It is an ambitious, grand and all-encompassing series; therefore I am nervous yet excited about making it. I am looking forward to my partnership with Netflix and bringing Heeramandi to audiences all over the world," Bhansali said.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The filmmaker is credited for making iconic blockbuster films like Devdas`, `Black`, `Bajirao Mastani`, `Guzaarish` and `Ram Leela` among others.<br />
<br />
Monika Shergill, VP, Content, Netflix India also expressed her happiness on collaborating with Bhansali."Sanjay Leela Bhansali has created a stunning brand of cinema which is uniquely his own, with emotionally charged storytelling, magnificent sets and unforgettable characters. We congratulate him on completing 25 phenomenal years and giving masterpieces for generations to cherish. We are beyond excited to bring his extraordinary creative vision to storytelling on Netflix. `Heeramandi` will be a story that will intrigue audiences and transport them into a world of incredible grandeur, beauty and harshness at the same time," she stated.<br />
<br />
The cast of the OTT project has not been revealed yet.</p>


Sanjay Leela Bhansali is making his foray into digital space as he completes 25 years in Indian cinema. A day after he completed his milestone year in Bollywood, he announced he will be making his digital debut with a Netflix series, titled 'Heeramandi'.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is making his foray into digital space as he completes 25 years in Indian cinema. A day after he completed his milestone year in Bollywood, he announced he will be making his digital debut with a Netflix series, titled 'Heeramandi'. As per a statement, the upcoming show will explore stories of courtesans and the hidden cultural reality of Heeramandi, a dazzling district, during pre-independent India. It is a series about love, betrayal, succession, and politics in the kothas which promises SLB's trademark larger-than-life sets, multi-faceted characters and soulful compositions. 'Heeramandi' is an important milestone in my journey as a filmmaker. This is an epic, first of its kind series based on the courtesans of Lahore. It is an ambitious, grand and all-encompassing series; therefore I am nervous yet excited about making it. I am looking forward to my partnership with Netflix and bringing Heeramandi to audiences all over the world," Bhansali said. The filmmaker is credited for making iconic blockbuster films like Devdas`, `Black`, `Bajirao Mastani`, `Guzaarish` and `Ram Leela` among others. Monika Shergill, VP, Content, Netflix India also expressed her happiness on collaborating with Bhansali."Sanjay Leela Bhansali has created a stunning brand of cinema which is uniquely his own, with emotionally charged storytelling, magnificent sets and unforgettable characters. We congratulate him on completing 25 phenomenal years and giving masterpieces for generations to cherish. We are beyond excited to bring his extraordinary creative vision to storytelling on Netflix. `Heeramandi` will be a story that will intrigue audiences and transport them into a world of incredible grandeur, beauty and harshness at the same time," she stated. The cast of the OTT project has not been revealed yet.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali makes his digital debut with 'Heeramandi' series on Netflix

<p>Years before Deepika Padukone and Sanjay Leela Bhansali collaborated for blockbuster films, Deepika had thought she would never be "good enough" to be the auteur's muse.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Deepika opened up about her experience of working with filmmaker on Instagram to mark Bhansali's 25 years in cinema.&nbsp;Deepika took to Instagram to write a warm note for the filmmaker.<br />
<br />
The actor revealed an unheard anecdote and shared that even after her blockbuster debut film `Om Shanti Om`, she was unsure of getting a chance to work with the iconic director ever.</p>

<p>"9th November 2007 My debut film Om Silent` Om was pitted against Sanjay Leela Bhansali`s Saawariya And as grateful as l was (And I still am I cannot think of another female actor who has been launched in the same manner as I was), also remember thinking to myself at the time, that I would never be good enough to be a Sanjay Leela Bhansali muse," Deepika admited in the post.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
She further recalled the day; she got a call from her management saying "Sanjay Leela Bhansali wants to meet you."</p>

<p><img alt="s" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="44c44977-3efa-46be-9df9-c7d9aba8a85a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-08-09T195315.521.jpg" /></p>

<p>"Fast forward to 2012, I was extremely unwell and laid up in bed I received a call from my management saying -Sanjay Leela Bhansali wants to meet you I said, -What,`" They said, -Yes He is doing a film and would really like to meet you I would do cartwheels to go and see him right away, but I can`t get out of bed right now,- I said The next thing I know, he was on his way to see me!"&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Deepika recalled the time after which she collaborated with the director for their record-breaking movie `Goliyo Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela`.Referring to the duo`s iconic partnership, the superstar, who had worked with Bhansali for the movies `Ram-Leela`, `Bajirao Mastani`, and `Padmaavat`, wrote, "What ensued in the years that followed was nothing short of an `iconic partnership` I believe And together we`ve created `iconic characters`. Characters that have been etched in the minds and hearts of people forever."<br />
<br />
The 35-year-old actor further credited her stardom to Bhansali saying that it was due to the influence of their collaboration that she could become the person she is at present.<br />
<br />
"As he embarks on the next phase of this most incredible journey. I look forward to creating many more memorable and iconic characters together, but more importantly. I wish him good health. peace of mind, and happiness always," Deepika concluded the note.<br />
Bhansali, made his debut as a filmmaker with the Manisha Koirala, Nana Patekar and Salman Khan film 'Khamoshi: The Musical' which released in 1996.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
On Monday, apart from Deepika - a bevvy of Bollywood stars Ajay Devgn, Ranveer Singh, and Alia Bhatt also congratulated the filmmaker on completing 25 glorious years in Bollywood.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Bhansali eventually went on to make some of the most iconic Bollywood films like `Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam` (1999), `Devdas` (2002), and the recent productions -- `Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela ` (2013), `Bajirao Mastani` (2015) and `Padmaavat` (2018).<br />
<br />
The dynamic filmmaker`s movies are lauded not just for their powerful storytelling and performances but also for their transcendental music, impeccable costumes, grand set designs, signature dance moves, and powerful dialogues.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Bhansali has skillfully employed Indian culture and tradition in his movies, capturing cinematic experience in a way never seen before.<br />
&nbsp;Sanjay Leela Bhansali will come up with his much-awaited film `Gangubai Kathiawadi` starring Alia Bhatt in the lead role. The film that marks Bhansali`s first collaboration with Alia is based on the book `Mafia Queens of Mumbai` written by S Hussain Zaidi.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Years before Deepika Padukone and Sanjay Leela Bhansali collaborated for blockbuster films, Deepika had thought she would never be "good enough" to be the auteur's muse.

Years before Deepika Padukone and Sanjay Leela Bhansali collaborated for blockbuster films, Deepika had thought she would never be "good enough" to be the auteur's muse. Deepika opened up about her experience of working with filmmaker on Instagram to mark Bhansali's 25 years in cinema. Deepika took to Instagram to write a warm note for the filmmaker. The actor revealed an unheard anecdote and shared that even after her blockbuster debut film `Om Shanti Om`, she was unsure of getting a chance to work with the iconic director ever. "9th November 2007 My debut film Om Silent` Om was pitted against Sanjay Leela Bhansali`s Saawariya And as grateful as l was (And I still am I cannot think of another female actor who has been launched in the same manner as I was), also remember thinking to myself at the time, that I would never be good enough to be a Sanjay Leela Bhansali muse," Deepika admited in the post. She further recalled the day; she got a call from her management saying "Sanjay Leela Bhansali wants to meet you." "Fast forward to 2012, I was extremely unwell and laid up in bed I received a call from my management saying -Sanjay Leela Bhansali wants to meet you I said, -What,`" They said, -Yes He is doing a film and would really like to meet you I would do cartwheels to go and see him right away, but I can`t get out of bed right now,- I said The next thing I know, he was on his way to see me!" Deepika recalled the time after which she collaborated with the director for their record-breaking movie `Goliyo Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela`.Referring to the duo`s iconic partnership, the superstar, who had worked with Bhansali for the movies `Ram-Leela`, `Bajirao Mastani`, and `Padmaavat`, wrote, "What ensued in the years that followed was nothing short of an `iconic partnership` I believe And together we`ve created `iconic characters`. Characters that have been etched in the minds and hearts of people forever." The 35-year-old actor further credited her stardom to Bhansali saying that it was due to the influence of their collaboration that she could become the person she is at present. "As he embarks on the next phase of this most incredible journey. I look forward to creating many more memorable and iconic characters together, but more importantly. I wish him good health. peace of mind, and happiness always," Deepika concluded the note. Bhansali, made his debut as a filmmaker with the Manisha Koirala, Nana Patekar and Salman Khan film 'Khamoshi: The Musical' which released in 1996. On Monday, apart from Deepika - a bevvy of Bollywood stars Ajay Devgn, Ranveer Singh, and Alia Bhatt also congratulated the filmmaker on completing 25 glorious years in Bollywood. Bhansali eventually went on to make some of the most iconic Bollywood films like `Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam` (1999), `Devdas` (2002), and the recent productions -- `Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela ` (2013), `Bajirao Mastani` (2015) and `Padmaavat` (2018). The dynamic filmmaker`s movies are lauded not just for their powerful storytelling and performances but also for their transcendental music, impeccable costumes, grand set designs, signature dance moves, and powerful dialogues. Bhansali has skillfully employed Indian culture and tradition in his movies, capturing cinematic experience in a way never seen before. Sanjay Leela Bhansali will come up with his much-awaited film `Gangubai Kathiawadi` starring Alia Bhatt in the lead role. The film that marks Bhansali`s first collaboration with Alia is based on the book `Mafia Queens of Mumbai` written by S Hussain Zaidi.

Deepika Padukone calls her collaborations with Sanjay Leela Bhansali 'iconic' as the filmmaker completes 25 years in Bollywood

<p>Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh has been roped in for ace film director Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s next ‘Baiju Bawra’, reports an entertainment portal.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
“It is Ranveer Singh who has been finalised. An official announcement is in the offing, but yes, a few modalities yet remain to be worked out. Probably post all that, Bhansali will declare. But as things stand today, it is Ranveer,” a source reportedly told the website.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
In the past, there were rumours that Ranbir Kapoor was the first choice for the film and that he was taking it on. However, those reports were refuted when Ranbir reportedly said ‘no’ this upcoming project.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
Interestingly, Kartik Aaryan’s name had also cropped up in discussions pertaining to the film, especially after he was spotted at Bhansali’s office.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
'Baiju Bawra' has been making headlines since names of Bollywood heavyweights like Ajay Devgn, Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt among others started to come up in casting stories.&nbsp;</p>


Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh has been roped in for ace film director Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s next ‘Baiju Bawra’, reports an entertainment portal. “It is Ranveer Singh who has been finalised.

Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh has been roped in for ace film director Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s next ‘Baiju Bawra’, reports an entertainment portal. “It is Ranveer Singh who has been finalised. An official announcement is in the offing, but yes, a few modalities yet remain to be worked out. Probably post all that, Bhansali will declare. But as things stand today, it is Ranveer,” a source reportedly told the website. In the past, there were rumours that Ranbir Kapoor was the first choice for the film and that he was taking it on. However, those reports were refuted when Ranbir reportedly said ‘no’ this upcoming project. Interestingly, Kartik Aaryan’s name had also cropped up in discussions pertaining to the film, especially after he was spotted at Bhansali’s office. 'Baiju Bawra' has been making headlines since names of Bollywood heavyweights like Ajay Devgn, Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt among others started to come up in casting stories.

Ranveer Singh finalised for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Baiju Bawra': report

One of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's early hits 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' completed 22 years on Friday. The film's lead actors- Ajay Devgn, Aishwarya Rai and Salman Khan- walked down the memory lane and shared BTS photos reminiscing the time they spent working on the film.

One of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's early hits 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' completed 22 years on Friday. The film's lead actors- Ajay Devgn, Aishwarya Rai and Salman Khan- walked down the memory lane and shared BTS photos reminiscing the time they spent working on the film. 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' released in 1999 and was that year's biggest hit. Recalling the film`s release all those year`s ago, Ajay posted photos and admitted that he never imagined film would create history. "22 years of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam; Salman, Sanjay, Ash & I knew we were making a super-sensitive film. Didn`t think though that it would create history. Humbled. #22YearsOfHumDilDeChukeSanam @aishwaryaraibachchan_arb@beingsalmankhan #SanjayLeelaBhansali @bhansaliproductions," wrote Ajay, along with a string of pictures from the set of the film. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) × Ajay collaborates with Bhansali again in the filmmaker`s upcoming release, 'Gangubai Kathiawadi', starring Alia Bhatt in the title role. Meanhwhile, Salman treated his fans with a BTS picture of him with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali from the sets of the film."Baees saal ho gaye `Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam Ko`," Salman wrote on Instagram.In the image, Salman can be seen giving a candid smile while looking at Bhansali. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Salman Khan (@beingsalmankhan) × The film's leading lady Aishwarya Rai too shared a series of photos with Bhansali and wrote, "22 years of “HUM DIL DE CHUKE SANAM”I am reminded, by such an outpouring of love… but my dearest Sanjay… This one is evergreen… Forever… THANK YOU… and to ALL our audience world over… and my everLOVING family of well-wishers… THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR LOVE…ALWAYS. Much LOVE too" View this post on Instagram A post shared by AishwaryaRaiBachchan (@aishwaryaraibachchan_arb) × The film was a love story of Sameer (played by Salman) and Nandini (played by Aishwarya). Ajay essayed the role of Vanraj, Aishwarya`s husband, who helped his wife to reunite with her lover Sameer (Salman) in Italy. However, the story took a turn when Nandini (Aishwarya) had a change of heart and decided to stay with Vanraj (Ajay) instead of running away with Sameer (Salman). The film also won several awards including National Award for music, choreography, cinematography and production design the following year.

'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' turns 22: Ajay Devgn, Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai share BTS photos of the film

<p>Bollywood star Alia Bhatt on Friday revealed that she has tested positive for COVID-19 and is under home quarantine.</p>

<p>The 28-year-old actor took to Instagram and posted a note, informing her fans that she is currently following all the safety protocols listed by her doctors.</p>

<p>"I have tested positive for COVID-19. I have immediately isolated myself and will be under home quarantine.&nbsp;I am following all safety protocols under the advice of my doctors. Grateful for all your love and support. Please stay safe and take care," Bhatt wrote.</p>

<p>The news comes weeks after her beau Ranbir Kapoor tested positive for the virus. At that time, Bhatt had tested negative for COVID-19. Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who was shooting 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' with Bhatt , too had tested positive around the same time as Kapoor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kapoor last week tested negative for COVID-19 while reports suggest that Bhansali has also recovered from the virus.</p>

<p>Several Bollywood actors have been affected by the virus in the past few weeks including Aamir Khan, R Madhavan, Kartik Aaryan, Rohit Saraf, Vikrant Massey and Bappi Lahiri.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Thursday, Mumbai reported 8,646 new coronavirus cases, its highest one-day rise since the outbreak of the pandemic. The city's overall caseload tally stands at 4,23,360.</p>


Bollywood star Alia Bhatt on Friday revealed that she has tested positive for COVID-19 and is under home quarantine. The 28-year-old actor took to Instagram and posted a note, informing her fans that she is currently following all the safety protocols listed by her doctors.

Bollywood star Alia Bhatt on Friday revealed that she has tested positive for COVID-19 and is under home quarantine. The 28-year-old actor took to Instagram and posted a note, informing her fans that she is currently following all the safety protocols listed by her doctors. "I have tested positive for COVID-19. I have immediately isolated myself and will be under home quarantine. I am following all safety protocols under the advice of my doctors. Grateful for all your love and support. Please stay safe and take care," Bhatt wrote. The news comes weeks after her beau Ranbir Kapoor tested positive for the virus. At that time, Bhatt had tested negative for COVID-19. Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who was shooting 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' with Bhatt , too had tested positive around the same time as Kapoor. Kapoor last week tested negative for COVID-19 while reports suggest that Bhansali has also recovered from the virus. Several Bollywood actors have been affected by the virus in the past few weeks including Aamir Khan, R Madhavan, Kartik Aaryan, Rohit Saraf, Vikrant Massey and Bappi Lahiri. On Thursday, Mumbai reported 8,646 new coronavirus cases, its highest one-day rise since the outbreak of the pandemic. The city's overall caseload tally stands at 4,23,360.

Alia Bhatt tests positive for coronavirus, isolates herself at home

<p>Alia Bhatt has come a long way from being the cute, frivolous, pretty young thing. The new sing-dance-romance Student of the Year to accept – and shine – in complex roles like Highway, Udta Punjab, &nbsp;Raazi &amp; Gully Boy. Once a solid competitor and rival of the [more?] gifted Parineeti Chopra, her smarter choices of directors, films &amp; roles allowed her to zoom past the Chopra kudi who goofed big in that area. &nbsp;</p>

<p>While all sane people will agree that the final frontier in the success game is definitely luck, the run-up has to be intelligence, talent and hard work.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Parineeti’s situation continues to be unique: flawless performances in forgettable, mediocre films. &nbsp;</p>

<p>It’s like making a century for the losing side. Doesn’t count, dude! &nbsp;The Bhatt lass on the other hand has voluntarily chosen to enter a mined zone with no safety net &amp; challenge herself with projects &amp; roles that demand deep exploration of the linear truth, warts &amp; all and emerged triumphant!&nbsp;</p>

<p>This has filled her ever-widening constituency with new doses of surprise &amp; delight and even prompted the one person severely allergic to Bollywood, Naseeruddin Shah to admit that Alia Bhatt “is a natural”. &nbsp;</p>

<p>High praise from a powerhouse performer who looks at Tinsel Town as nautanki &amp; circus!</p>

<p>Presently, with her latest &amp; most ambitious starrer, Gangubai Kathiawadi’s promos out, has her biggest histrionic challenge arrived? &nbsp;</p>

<p>Way more demanding and complex than the other four, can she pull this off with the required intensity? Will GK be her make-or-break role towards anointing her as the finest of her generation and elevate her to the gallery of the biggies?</p>

<p>Unfortunately, since Sanjay Leela Bhansali, director of GK is controversies, darling [remember Ram Leela &amp; Padmavat?] the promos reportedly triggered mass chaos! &nbsp;The family of Gangubai threatened court action and the residents of Kamathipura took to the streets to protest strongly about Alia &amp; Bhansali’s misrepresentation of the character &amp; defamatory, shameless, uninformed &amp; insensitive depiction of the area.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This, they insist, is likely to damage the image of this place and spell ruin to the life &amp; times of the resident’s present &amp; future. Once again, before the film’s release, Bhansali will have to get pro-active as a defender of these allegations. He will have to assure the protesters that he neither attempted to portray faked realism nor masala-fied the environment and characters to spice up the creative license for commercial purposes.</p>

<p>Cut back to the main story. The first teasers elicited appreciation galore from Industry-wallahs and fans. Hailing her interpretation of the fiery, feisty &amp; fearless Queen of Kathiawadi, who could be brazen, authoritative and wily in one deadly sweep, it was felt that the young actress had indeed got into the bone &amp; marrow of the character. &nbsp;<br />
Others felt it was too early to comment but generally liked her take of GK. Still, others didn’t quite hit the same page. They found it superficial and openly admitted that it felt like a Flipkart TVC, where kids play grown-ups to grab eyeballs of viewers to ramp up the TRP!</p>

<p>The nay-sayers take first strike. Kolkata based Palash Sen, a gifted photographer, believes that while Alia’s credentials as a top-class actor is non-negotiable, this piece of casting may be the first miscasting of her life. For one, she looks way too young for the part. A hardcore, hardened brothel queen ruling her fiefdom with brazen bravura, demands a different presence. Remember Vidya Balan in Begum Jaan, Shabana Azmi in Godmother or Seema Goswami in Phoolan Devi? &nbsp;Despite her well-tutored and executed mannerisms, Alia appears to be acting – not living the role, like the other three. Sure, she’s played out of her oh-cho-chweet comfort zone earlier, but GK is another planet. She lacks the lived-in looks and her lines delivered appear to be like play-acting. &nbsp;The role needs a raw and rough edge, a gravitas to make it convincing &amp; credible”. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Bangalore based film buff Romsha Sharma dismisses this POV with the arrogance of a 20-year-old. &nbsp;</p>

<p>“Palash has spoken. We have heard, Luckily, opinions are not facts and the history of both these talented artistes – actor &amp; director – prove that they have always been tilting at windmills &amp; emerged with flying colours. &nbsp;Remember Rani and the Big B in Black? Ash, Salman and Ajay in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam? &nbsp;Hrithik and Ash in Guzarish? &nbsp;SRK, Madhuri and Ash in Devdas? Ranveer and Dipu in Bajirao, Ram Leela &amp; Padmavat? &nbsp;In every instance, the stars have been challenged and inspired to offer outstanding performances, punching way above their weight. Every single actor mentioned has never failed to acknowledge the amazing execution of Bhansali’s vision, blending larger-than-life opulence, aesthetics &amp; mesmerising story-telling. Sure, Alia has never played a mafia queen but had Rani ever played a deaf-mute before Black? A gorgeous, sexy, glam star ripped off of any semblance to beauty, Rani still can’t thank Sanjay enough for a role that blew everybody’s mind. Bhansali’s eyes &amp; instinct are usually on target and I am sure that the Alia-Bhansali combine will do wonders.”</p>

<p>At the end of the day, it’s a tough call. &nbsp;Both Alia &amp; Bhansali have fantastic track records and despite the odd glitch [Sawariya &amp; Guzarish; Kalank &amp; Sadak 2] they are respected, admired &amp; eminently bankable with a captive fan base. &nbsp;</p>

<p>It appears that the film-maker’s penchant for historicals never fail to catch fire, both with the protesters &amp; box office! &nbsp;Why should this biopic be any different for a guy who loves living dangerously, hitting the scary &amp; adventurous road less travelled and of course, taking panga with the hypersensitive types. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Funnily, once they sit across the table for discussions, a [discreet?] compromise is invariably reached, aal is well!</p>

<p>In conclusion, Alia Bhatt’s journey has been a fascinating one with promise and performance, perfectly matched. &nbsp;Functioning in an industry where quality is equated with star power, winning awards, being a BO champ, signing inflammatory contracts and possessing immense marketable charm, star-struck fans should hesitate to fling the word GREAT her way. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Why? Because the word is the most telling monosyllable in criticism, an accolade that is jealously guarded by a special few. It fuses mastery of mystique &amp; magic, technique, hard labour, passion, determination, good luck, magnetism and an ability to lose oneself when the gods descend. The mystery lies in the harmony of actor and character, illusion &amp; reality, con-trick &amp; sacrament, being &amp; seeming.</p>

<p>The day the young actress embraces these sublime traits, she will move into the pantheons of gods chosen few. Till then, Gangubai Kathiawadi haazir ho!!</p>

<p><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</strong></p>


Alia Bhatt has come a long way from being the cute, frivolous, pretty young thing. The new sing-dance-romance Student of the Year to accept – and shine – in complex roles like Highway, Udta Punjab, Raazi & Gully Boy.

Alia Bhatt has come a long way from being the cute, frivolous, pretty young thing. The new sing-dance-romance Student of the Year to accept – and shine – in complex roles like Highway, Udta Punjab, Raazi & Gully Boy. Once a solid competitor and rival of the [more?] gifted Parineeti Chopra, her smarter choices of directors, films & roles allowed her to zoom past the Chopra kudi who goofed big in that area. While all sane people will agree that the final frontier in the success game is definitely luck, the run-up has to be intelligence, talent and hard work. Parineeti’s situation continues to be unique: flawless performances in forgettable, mediocre films. It’s like making a century for the losing side. Doesn’t count, dude! The Bhatt lass on the other hand has voluntarily chosen to enter a mined zone with no safety net & challenge herself with projects & roles that demand deep exploration of the linear truth, warts & all and emerged triumphant! This has filled her ever-widening constituency with new doses of surprise & delight and even prompted the one person severely allergic to Bollywood, Naseeruddin Shah to admit that Alia Bhatt “is a natural”. High praise from a powerhouse performer who looks at Tinsel Town as nautanki & circus! Presently, with her latest & most ambitious starrer, Gangubai Kathiawadi’s promos out, has her biggest histrionic challenge arrived? Way more demanding and complex than the other four, can she pull this off with the required intensity? Will GK be her make-or-break role towards anointing her as the finest of her generation and elevate her to the gallery of the biggies? Unfortunately, since Sanjay Leela Bhansali, director of GK is controversies, darling [remember Ram Leela & Padmavat?] the promos reportedly triggered mass chaos! The family of Gangubai threatened court action and the residents of Kamathipura took to the streets to protest strongly about Alia & Bhansali’s misrepresentation of the character & defamatory, shameless, uninformed & insensitive depiction of the area. This, they insist, is likely to damage the image of this place and spell ruin to the life & times of the resident’s present & future. Once again, before the film’s release, Bhansali will have to get pro-active as a defender of these allegations. He will have to assure the protesters that he neither attempted to portray faked realism nor masala-fied the environment and characters to spice up the creative license for commercial purposes. Cut back to the main story. The first teasers elicited appreciation galore from Industry-wallahs and fans. Hailing her interpretation of the fiery, feisty & fearless Queen of Kathiawadi, who could be brazen, authoritative and wily in one deadly sweep, it was felt that the young actress had indeed got into the bone & marrow of the character. Others felt it was too early to comment but generally liked her take of GK. Still, others didn’t quite hit the same page. They found it superficial and openly admitted that it felt like a Flipkart TVC, where kids play grown-ups to grab eyeballs of viewers to ramp up the TRP! The nay-sayers take first strike. Kolkata based Palash Sen, a gifted photographer, believes that while Alia’s credentials as a top-class actor is non-negotiable, this piece of casting may be the first miscasting of her life. For one, she looks way too young for the part. A hardcore, hardened brothel queen ruling her fiefdom with brazen bravura, demands a different presence. Remember Vidya Balan in Begum Jaan, Shabana Azmi in Godmother or Seema Goswami in Phoolan Devi? Despite her well-tutored and executed mannerisms, Alia appears to be acting – not living the role, like the other three. Sure, she’s played out of her oh-cho-chweet comfort zone earlier, but GK is another planet. She lacks the lived-in looks and her lines delivered appear to be like play-acting. The role needs a raw and rough edge, a gravitas to make it convincing & credible”. Bangalore based film buff Romsha Sharma dismisses this POV with the arrogance of a 20-year-old. “Palash has spoken. We have heard, Luckily, opinions are not facts and the history of both these talented artistes – actor & director – prove that they have always been tilting at windmills & emerged with flying colours. Remember Rani and the Big B in Black? Ash, Salman and Ajay in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam? Hrithik and Ash in Guzarish? SRK, Madhuri and Ash in Devdas? Ranveer and Dipu in Bajirao, Ram Leela & Padmavat? In every instance, the stars have been challenged and inspired to offer outstanding performances, punching way above their weight. Every single actor mentioned has never failed to acknowledge the amazing execution of Bhansali’s vision, blending larger-than-life opulence, aesthetics & mesmerising story-telling. Sure, Alia has never played a mafia queen but had Rani ever played a deaf-mute before Black? A gorgeous, sexy, glam star ripped off of any semblance to beauty, Rani still can’t thank Sanjay enough for a role that blew everybody’s mind. Bhansali’s eyes & instinct are usually on target and I am sure that the Alia-Bhansali combine will do wonders.” At the end of the day, it’s a tough call. Both Alia & Bhansali have fantastic track records and despite the odd glitch [Sawariya & Guzarish; Kalank & Sadak 2] they are respected, admired & eminently bankable with a captive fan base. It appears that the film-maker’s penchant for historicals never fail to catch fire, both with the protesters & box office! Why should this biopic be any different for a guy who loves living dangerously, hitting the scary & adventurous road less travelled and of course, taking panga with the hypersensitive types. Funnily, once they sit across the table for discussions, a [discreet?] compromise is invariably reached, aal is well! In conclusion, Alia Bhatt’s journey has been a fascinating one with promise and performance, perfectly matched. Functioning in an industry where quality is equated with star power, winning awards, being a BO champ, signing inflammatory contracts and possessing immense marketable charm, star-struck fans should hesitate to fling the word GREAT her way. Why? Because the word is the most telling monosyllable in criticism, an accolade that is jealously guarded by a special few. It fuses mastery of mystique & magic, technique, hard labour, passion, determination, good luck, magnetism and an ability to lose oneself when the gods descend. The mystery lies in the harmony of actor and character, illusion & reality, con-trick & sacrament, being & seeming. The day the young actress embraces these sublime traits, she will move into the pantheons of gods chosen few. Till then, Gangubai Kathiawadi haazir ho!! (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion: Is Gangubai Kathiawdi make-or-break role for Alia Bhatt?

<p>Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali has tested positive for Covid-19. The filmmaker was reportedly shooting in Mumbai for his next 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' which stars Alia Bhatt in the lead.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Bhansali has self quarantined himself. Sources state that Alia too has isolated herself since Bhansali as well as her beau <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-ranbir-kapoor-tests-positive-for-covid-19-confirms-mother-neetu-kapoor-369071">Ranbir Kapoor have tested positive for the virus.&nbsp;</a><br />
<br />
As soon as he tested positive, Bhansali reportedly got his mother tested who has tested negative but has isolated herself.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
"After Sanjay tested positive, the first thing he did was to get his mother tested too, she has tested negative for the virus and is doing fine but she has also quarantined herself as a precautionary measure," a source told a daily.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Bhansali was shooting for 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' in Mumbai. Actor Ajay Devgn had recently joined the production to shoot for his cameo.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The cast and crew reportedly are undergoing covid tests although the status of the film's production is not known.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
An official statement from Bhansali is awaited.&nbsp;</p>

<h4>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-gangubai-kathiawadi-change-film-title-demands-maharashtra-politician-369056" hreflang="en">Gangubai Kathiawadi: 'Change film title', demands Maharashtra politician</a></h4>


Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali has tested positive for Covid-19. The filmmaker was reportedly shooting in Mumbai for his next 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' which stars Alia Bhatt in the lead.

Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali has tested positive for Covid-19. The filmmaker was reportedly shooting in Mumbai for his next 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' which stars Alia Bhatt in the lead. Bhansali has self quarantined himself. Sources state that Alia too has isolated herself since Bhansali as well as her beau Ranbir Kapoor have tested positive for the virus. As soon as he tested positive, Bhansali reportedly got his mother tested who has tested negative but has isolated herself. "After Sanjay tested positive, the first thing he did was to get his mother tested too, she has tested negative for the virus and is doing fine but she has also quarantined herself as a precautionary measure," a source told a daily. Bhansali was shooting for 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' in Mumbai. Actor Ajay Devgn had recently joined the production to shoot for his cameo. The cast and crew reportedly are undergoing covid tests although the status of the film's production is not known. An official statement from Bhansali is awaited. Also read: Gangubai Kathiawadi: 'Change film title', demands Maharashtra politician

Sanjay Leela Bhansali tests positive for Covid-19, was filming 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' in Mumbai

<p>The recent teaser launch of 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' has created a massive buzz on the internet. The film is being touted as the most anticipated film of the season. Sanjay Leela Bhansali has yet again given Indian cinema a powerful big-screen character of Gangubai, portrayed by Alia Bhatt, whose performance in the teaser has left everyone spellbound.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-gangubai-kathiawadi-teaser-alia-bhatt-transforms-into-mumbais-mafia-queen-in-sanjay-leela-bhansalis-next-365901">Watch the film's teaser here.&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>After much speculation, it is confirmed that Ajay Devgn will be seen playing a significant role in the biopic. According to sources, Devgn will begin shooting for his cameo on Saturday at the grand set which has been created in Mumbai.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-gangubai-kathiawadi-alia-bhatt-was-not-the-first-choice-for-the-film-366122" hreflang="en">Gangubai Kathiawadi: Alia Bhatt was not the first choice for the film</a></strong></p>

<p>Marking Ajay Devgn and Alia's first film together, 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' also celebrates the reunion of the superstar and Sanjay Leela Bhansali after 22 years. Their earlier outing was the iconic 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Dr Jayantilal Gada (Pen Studios), 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' is all set to hit the cinema halls on 30th July this year.</p>


The recent teaser launch of 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' has created a massive buzz on the internet. The film is being touted as the most anticipated film of the season.

The recent teaser launch of 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' has created a massive buzz on the internet. The film is being touted as the most anticipated film of the season. Sanjay Leela Bhansali has yet again given Indian cinema a powerful big-screen character of Gangubai, portrayed by Alia Bhatt, whose performance in the teaser has left everyone spellbound. Watch the film's teaser here. After much speculation, it is confirmed that Ajay Devgn will be seen playing a significant role in the biopic. According to sources, Devgn will begin shooting for his cameo on Saturday at the grand set which has been created in Mumbai. Gangubai Kathiawadi: Alia Bhatt was not the first choice for the film Marking Ajay Devgn and Alia's first film together, 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' also celebrates the reunion of the superstar and Sanjay Leela Bhansali after 22 years. Their earlier outing was the iconic 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam'. Produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Dr Jayantilal Gada (Pen Studios), 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' is all set to hit the cinema halls on 30th July this year.

'Gangubai Kathiawadi': Ajay Devgn will start filming from Saturday onwards

<p>The teaser of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's highly anticipated film 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' was unveiled on Wednesday and got a roaring response from Bollywood and fans alike. Featuring Alia Bhatt in the titular role, the film is based on a chapter from the book 'Mafia Queens of Mumbai' by author Hussain Zaidi.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Alia looks strikingly different in the teaser as she gears up to play one of the most dreaded madams of Mumbai who was known to have connections in the underworld. Bollywood actors and fans have all praised the teaser which leaves a lasting impact.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-gangubai-kathiawadi-teaser-alia-bhatt-transforms-into-mumbais-mafia-queen-in-sanjay-leela-bhansalis-next-365901">Watch the film's teaser here.&nbsp;</a><br />
<br />
This is Alia's first film with Bhansali who makes a comeback on the big screen after three long years. His last film 'Padmavat' got embroiled in controversy and was a blockbuster hit.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Reports state that Bhansali had been eager to make the film on Gangubai for a long time. Reports also suggest that Alia was not Bhansali's first choice and he in fact had earlier planned to make the film with Rani Mukerji or Priyanka Chopra.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
In 2019, rumours suggested that both Rani and Priyanka were in talks to play the matriarch.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Priyanka later clarified in an interview that she had not spoken to Bhansali about the film, When she was asked whether she and Alia were boith approached for the film, Priyanka said, "I have no idea. I haven’t signed a Hindi film yet because the two I’m doing in the US and the one I’m starting next year, are taking up my time.”<br />
<br />
Chopra, who had worked with Bhansali in 'Bajirao Mastani', added, "I’m a fan of Sanjay Leela Bhansali in whatever he makes, I’ll always be his fan."<br />
<br />
Several media reports suggest that Bhansali had initially planned to make the film with Rani Mukerji in the lead. The actress had worked with Bhansali in path breaking film 'Black' and also had a cameo in 'Sawariyaan'. It seems the film with Rani did not materialise and eventually, Bhansali approached Priyanka who was at that time busy trying to establish her career in Hollywood.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He had announced 'Inshallah' with Alia and Salman Khan in 2019- but the film got shelved eventually and Bhansali decided to block Alia for 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' and the rest is history.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The film is slated to release in theatres on July 30 and will trace the story of a young girl who is forced into prostitution and how she eventually becomes one of the most dreaded mafia queens of Mumbai.&nbsp;</p>


The teaser of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's highly anticipated film 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' was unveiled on Wednesday and got a roaring response from Bollywood and fans alike.

The teaser of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's highly anticipated film 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' was unveiled on Wednesday and got a roaring response from Bollywood and fans alike. Featuring Alia Bhatt in the titular role, the film is based on a chapter from the book 'Mafia Queens of Mumbai' by author Hussain Zaidi. Alia looks strikingly different in the teaser as she gears up to play one of the most dreaded madams of Mumbai who was known to have connections in the underworld. Bollywood actors and fans have all praised the teaser which leaves a lasting impact. Watch the film's teaser here. This is Alia's first film with Bhansali who makes a comeback on the big screen after three long years. His last film 'Padmavat' got embroiled in controversy and was a blockbuster hit. Reports state that Bhansali had been eager to make the film on Gangubai for a long time. Reports also suggest that Alia was not Bhansali's first choice and he in fact had earlier planned to make the film with Rani Mukerji or Priyanka Chopra. In 2019, rumours suggested that both Rani and Priyanka were in talks to play the matriarch. Priyanka later clarified in an interview that she had not spoken to Bhansali about the film, When she was asked whether she and Alia were boith approached for the film, Priyanka said, "I have no idea. I haven’t signed a Hindi film yet because the two I’m doing in the US and the one I’m starting next year, are taking up my time.” Chopra, who had worked with Bhansali in 'Bajirao Mastani', added, "I’m a fan of Sanjay Leela Bhansali in whatever he makes, I’ll always be his fan." Several media reports suggest that Bhansali had initially planned to make the film with Rani Mukerji in the lead. The actress had worked with Bhansali in path breaking film 'Black' and also had a cameo in 'Sawariyaan'. It seems the film with Rani did not materialise and eventually, Bhansali approached Priyanka who was at that time busy trying to establish her career in Hollywood. He had announced 'Inshallah' with Alia and Salman Khan in 2019- but the film got shelved eventually and Bhansali decided to block Alia for 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' and the rest is history. The film is slated to release in theatres on July 30 and will trace the story of a young girl who is forced into prostitution and how she eventually becomes one of the most dreaded mafia queens of Mumbai.

Gangubai Kathiawadi: Alia Bhatt was not the first choice for the film

<p>Sanjay Leela Bhansali is back with yet another opulent film. The teaser of his next 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' showcases the film's leading lady Alia Bhatt in a strikingly different avatar- as Mumbai's dreaded mafia queen who ruled the city in the 60s. Released on Bhansali's 58th birthday, the teaser shows Alia Bhatt playing an intense character- which is strikingly different from the characters she has played on the screen so far.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The film is based on S Hussain Zaidi's book 'Mafia Queens of Mumbai' and narrates the story of the rise of a simple girl from Kathiawad to one of the most dreaded mafia queens of Mumbai.</p>

<p>The narrative walks through the life of young Ganga who in no time marks her own territory and becomes Gangubai – the matriarch of Kamathipura.<br />
Ajay Devgn reportedly has a special appearance in the film.&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xK2_6yX7aF8" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
This will be Alia Bhatt's first theatrical release since 'Kalank' which released in 2019. She was also part of 'Sadak 2' which released on Disney+ Hotstar in 2020.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Produced and directed by Bhansali, 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' is slated to release on July 30th in cinemas.&nbsp;</p>


Sanjay Leela Bhansali is back with yet another opulent film. The teaser of his next 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' showcases the film's leading lady Alia Bhatt in a strikingly different avatar- as Mumbai's dreaded mafia queen who ruled the city in the 60s.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is back with yet another opulent film. The teaser of his next 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' showcases the film's leading lady Alia Bhatt in a strikingly different avatar- as Mumbai's dreaded mafia queen who ruled the city in the 60s. Released on Bhansali's 58th birthday, the teaser shows Alia Bhatt playing an intense character- which is strikingly different from the characters she has played on the screen so far. The film is based on S Hussain Zaidi's book 'Mafia Queens of Mumbai' and narrates the story of the rise of a simple girl from Kathiawad to one of the most dreaded mafia queens of Mumbai. The narrative walks through the life of young Ganga who in no time marks her own territory and becomes Gangubai – the matriarch of Kamathipura. Ajay Devgn reportedly has a special appearance in the film. This will be Alia Bhatt's first theatrical release since 'Kalank' which released in 2019. She was also part of 'Sadak 2' which released on Disney+ Hotstar in 2020. Produced and directed by Bhansali, 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' is slated to release on July 30th in cinemas.

'Gangubai Kathiawadi' teaser: Alia Bhatt transforms into Mumbai's mafia queen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's next

<p>‘Tuesdays and Fridays’ released in theatres on February 19 starring newcomers Anmol Thakeria Dhillon, Poonam Dhillon’s son and former Miss India, Jhataleka Malhotra. Helmed by debutant director Taranveer Singh, the film has opened to positive responses as it presents a ‘fresh take on new-age romance’.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Elated with the responses, Taranveer Singh got into a candid chat with WION discussing his first Bollywood film that is backed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali Productions and is a classic romantic comedy with “twists and turns”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On why he took up a romantic comedy as his debut film, Taranveer Singh said, “Anyone who knows me, they would be shocked if they heard I was making anything other than a romantic comedy because my friends call me walking talking rom com. I have been in love with the genre. It is my guilty genre I have grown up on films like ‘Love Actually’, ‘Notting Hill’."</p>

<p>“I wanted to explore the same genre that I felt I understood but wanted to present it with my take on it. Most of these films talk of young love/first love but I wanted something for the millennials, people in their early 30s and late 20s who have been through their first love, second love and come with a certain baggage. So the villain in their life is not societal pressure nor the family but they themselves. I wanted to make a film for those who have moved from being hopeless romantics to reluctant romantics. This is a story of two reluctant romantics,” he added</p>

<p><em>Watch the trailer:&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="720" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oHsF5mlUyW0" width="1280"></iframe></p>

<p>Taranveer is hopeful that the film will connect with an audience looking for a “sweet romantic film” that serves a “breath of fresh air” amid all the recent lot of thriller, drama releases. “I have been a fan of rom-coms all my life -- all Yash Chopra and Karan Johar films. This is my take on those films but with a little twist. A new voice with a new story set in a new world.”</p>

<p>But why did he not choose to use that voice with the support of seasoned actors? “Maybe having established names and stars might have made it easier to promote the film but this is my first film. I think I would have gotten intimated in the filmmaking process while working with the stars. So having two newcomers was a level playing field. We had the same goal of making the film look good and we went out of our way to make stuff happen,” said the first-time director.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taranveer Singh’s film is backed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and he still can’t believe that the Bhansali Productions have bet their money on this film. “I am still shocked that he’s produced the film. When I heard that he was even considering the film, I didn’t quite understand why he’d back a film like this which is so unlike his style. I am super thankful he decided to put his name on it. It's not his world and yet he gave a chance to a new filmmaker and two new actors. I just hope we have made him proud.”</p>


‘Tuesdays and Fridays’ released in theatres on February 19 starring newcomers Anmol Thakeria Dhillon, Poonam Dhillon’s son and former Miss India, Jhataleka Malhotra.

‘Tuesdays and Fridays’ released in theatres on February 19 starring newcomers Anmol Thakeria Dhillon, Poonam Dhillon’s son and former Miss India, Jhataleka Malhotra. Helmed by debutant director Taranveer Singh, the film has opened to positive responses as it presents a ‘fresh take on new-age romance’. Elated with the responses, Taranveer Singh got into a candid chat with WION discussing his first Bollywood film that is backed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali Productions and is a classic romantic comedy with “twists and turns”. On why he took up a romantic comedy as his debut film, Taranveer Singh said, “Anyone who knows me, they would be shocked if they heard I was making anything other than a romantic comedy because my friends call me walking talking rom com. I have been in love with the genre. It is my guilty genre I have grown up on films like ‘Love Actually’, ‘Notting Hill’." “I wanted to explore the same genre that I felt I understood but wanted to present it with my take on it. Most of these films talk of young love/first love but I wanted something for the millennials, people in their early 30s and late 20s who have been through their first love, second love and come with a certain baggage. So the villain in their life is not societal pressure nor the family but they themselves. I wanted to make a film for those who have moved from being hopeless romantics to reluctant romantics. This is a story of two reluctant romantics,” he added Watch the trailer: Taranveer is hopeful that the film will connect with an audience looking for a “sweet romantic film” that serves a “breath of fresh air” amid all the recent lot of thriller, drama releases. “I have been a fan of rom-coms all my life -- all Yash Chopra and Karan Johar films. This is my take on those films but with a little twist. A new voice with a new story set in a new world.” But why did he not choose to use that voice with the support of seasoned actors? “Maybe having established names and stars might have made it easier to promote the film but this is my first film. I think I would have gotten intimated in the filmmaking process while working with the stars. So having two newcomers was a level playing field. We had the same goal of making the film look good and we went out of our way to make stuff happen,” said the first-time director. Taranveer Singh’s film is backed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and he still can’t believe that the Bhansali Productions have bet their money on this film. “I am still shocked that he’s produced the film. When I heard that he was even considering the film, I didn’t quite understand why he’d back a film like this which is so unlike his style. I am super thankful he decided to put his name on it. It's not his world and yet he gave a chance to a new filmmaker and two new actors. I just hope we have made him proud.”

'Tuesdays and Fridays' director on his debut film being a 'story of two reluctant romantics'

Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Leela Bhansali revisited their days on the sets of 'Padmaavat' as the magnum opus clocked in 3 years on January 25. Marking the occasion, Bhansali shared never-seen footage on the social media page of his production house.

Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Leela Bhansali revisited their days on the sets of 'Padmaavat' as the magnum opus clocked in 3 years on January 25. Marking the occasion, Bhansali shared never-seen footage on the social media page of his production house. The videos showed actors Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone talking about their journey of the movie. In the video, Bhansali can be seen directing the actors and the production unit. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bhansali Productions (@bhansaliproductions) × The movie was Deepika and Ranveer's 3rd project with SLB. In the video, Deepika can be heard saying, “I never thought I will ever be a Sanjay Leela Bhansali actress and now I have worked with him in not one but three films. Deepika who garnered rave reviews for her performance as a Queen also took to her Instagram and shared a behind the scene video from the movie. In the video, she can be seen getting teary-eyed. "3 Years of Padmaavat. Some memories & experiences are difficult to articulate but live in your heart forever. Padmaavat was one such experience. Thank you Sanjay Leela Bhansali for entrusting me with this movie & character of a lifetime..." Deepika captioned the video. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) × Ranveer who's mesmerising performance as Khilji won critical praise from one and all, also shared a behind-the-scenes unseen video of the making of Khilji. He wrote, "My tryst with the dark side. An unforgettable experience. Thank you Sanjay Sir for making me a part of this spectacular vision.#Khilji #3YearsOfPadmaavat.” On the other hand, sharing a behind-the-scenes speech video, Deepika wrote, "Some memories & experiences are difficult to articulate but live in your Heart suit forever. Thank you Sanjay Leela Bhansali for entrusting me with this movie & character of a lifetime #3YearsOfPadmaavat." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ranveer Singh (@ranveersingh) × The film was released in 2018 and garnered an impressive number at the box office despite backlash in many parts of the country. Apart from Ranveer and Deepika, 'Padmaavat' also starred Shahid Kapoor, Jim Sarbh and Aditi Rao Hydari.

Deepika Padukone-Ranveer Singh celebrate three years of 'Padmaavat', share BTS footage

<p>Sanjay Leela Bhansali had offered not one or two but four films to actor Sushant Singh Rajput. Bhansali was called in by Mumbai police in relation to Sushant Singh Rajput's suicide case.<br />
<br />
Bhansali reportedly told the police that he had offered Rajput 'Goliyon Ki Rasleela: Ram-Leela' (2013), 'Bajirao Mastani' (2015) and 'Padmaavat' (2018).<br />
<br />
Bhansali`s statement was recorded over three hours at Bandra Police Station, during which time the filmmaker was accompanied by his lawyer.<br />
<br />
According to media reports, Bhansali told the police that he had offered four films to Sushant but the actor had backed out of three projects due to unavailability of dates. The three films eventually went on to become blockbusters. The filmmaker had also offered a&nbsp; fourth project which did not work out ultimately.<br />
<br />
Rajput was offered the lead roles in 'Goliyon Ki Rasleela: Ram-Leela' and 'Bajirao Mastani- which eventually were played by Ranveer Singh. In 'Padmaavat' - the late actor was offered the role of the Rajput ruler Ratan Singh, eventually played by Shahid Kapoor.<br />
<br />
Rajput, in fact, was under a three-film contract with Yash Raj Films till 2015. The banner produced two of his films 'Shuddh Desi Romance' (2013) and 'Detective Byomkesh Bakshy' (2015). The third film was to be Shekhar Kapur's 'Paani' which got shelved.</p>

<p>The Mumbai police is probing all angles in the actor's suicide case. So far 29 people have been questioned including the actor's rumoured girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty. Rajput died by suicide on June 14 in his Mumbai residence.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Sanjay Leela Bhansali had offered not one or two but four films to actor Sushant Singh Rajput. Bhansali was called in by Mumbai police in relation to Sushant Singh Rajput's suicide case.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali had offered not one or two but four films to actor Sushant Singh Rajput. Bhansali was called in by Mumbai police in relation to Sushant Singh Rajput's suicide case. Bhansali reportedly told the police that he had offered Rajput 'Goliyon Ki Rasleela: Ram-Leela' (2013), 'Bajirao Mastani' (2015) and 'Padmaavat' (2018). Bhansali`s statement was recorded over three hours at Bandra Police Station, during which time the filmmaker was accompanied by his lawyer. According to media reports, Bhansali told the police that he had offered four films to Sushant but the actor had backed out of three projects due to unavailability of dates. The three films eventually went on to become blockbusters. The filmmaker had also offered a fourth project which did not work out ultimately. Rajput was offered the lead roles in 'Goliyon Ki Rasleela: Ram-Leela' and 'Bajirao Mastani- which eventually were played by Ranveer Singh. In 'Padmaavat' - the late actor was offered the role of the Rajput ruler Ratan Singh, eventually played by Shahid Kapoor. Rajput, in fact, was under a three-film contract with Yash Raj Films till 2015. The banner produced two of his films 'Shuddh Desi Romance' (2013) and 'Detective Byomkesh Bakshy' (2015). The third film was to be Shekhar Kapur's 'Paani' which got shelved. The Mumbai police is probing all angles in the actor's suicide case. So far 29 people have been questioned including the actor's rumoured girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty. Rajput died by suicide on June 14 in his Mumbai residence.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali had offered 'Ramleela', 'Bajirao Mastani', 'Padmaavat' to Sushant Singh Rajput: Reports

<p>On Monday, the Mumbai police recorded the statement of noted Bollywood filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali in connection with the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput.<br />
<br />
The Mumbai police are probing all angles of the case and Bhansali was questioned about his connection with the actor. The filmmaker had reportedly offered Rajput films, but the duo could not work due to date issues.<br />
<br />
The director reached the Bandra police station In Mumbai along with his legal team around 12.30 pm and left at about 3:30 pm. His statement has been recorded.<br />
<br />
Both Bhansali and Rajput admired each other's work and the director had offered him films four times, but their collaboration could not take off.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCTJljrHGnN/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCTJljrHGnN/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCTJljrHGnN/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCTJljrHGnN/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">#sanjayleelabhansali intervention was not long like other people who were questioned earlier. He left early post the questioning in #Sushantsinghrajput case #viralbhayani @viralbhayani</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/viralbhayani/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Viral Bhayani</a> (@viralbhayani) on <time datetime="2020-07-06T11:37:54+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jul 6, 2020 at 4:37am PDT</time></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The Bandra police, who are probing the angle of potential professional rivalry in Rajput's alleged suicide, are trying to understand the reason behind his depression and subsequent suicide.<br />
<br />
Rajput died by suicide on June 14.</p>

<p>The police have so far recorded statements of 29 people, including Rajput's family members, his rumoured girlfriend <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/sushant-singh-rajputs-suicide-case-rhea-chakraborty-interrogated-for-9-hours-reveals-they-fought-307049">Rhea Chakraborty,</a> casting director Mukesh Chhabra,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/mumbai-police-question-former-yash-raj-films-executives-about-sushant-singh-rajputs-contract-308969"> Yash Raj Films c</a>asting director Shanoo Sharma and actress Sanjana Sanghi, who worked with Rajput in 'Dil Bechara' - his last film which will release on Disney+Hotstar on July 24.</p>

<p><strong><span><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/dil-bechara-trailer-sushant-singh-rajputs-last-film-is-a-fitting-farewell-to-the-actor-311079" hreflang="en">Also see: 'Dil Bechara' trailer: Sushant Singh Rajput's last film is a fitting farewell to the actor</a></span></strong></p>


On Monday, the Mumbai police recorded the statement of noted Bollywood filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali in connection with the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput.

On Monday, the Mumbai police recorded the statement of noted Bollywood filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali in connection with the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. The Mumbai police are probing all angles of the case and Bhansali was questioned about his connection with the actor. The filmmaker had reportedly offered Rajput films, but the duo could not work due to date issues. The director reached the Bandra police station In Mumbai along with his legal team around 12.30 pm and left at about 3:30 pm. His statement has been recorded. Both Bhansali and Rajput admired each other's work and the director had offered him films four times, but their collaboration could not take off. View this post on Instagram #sanjayleelabhansali intervention was not long like other people who were questioned earlier. He left early post the questioning in #Sushantsinghrajput case #viralbhayani @viralbhayani A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) on Jul 6, 2020 at 4:37am PDT × The Bandra police, who are probing the angle of potential professional rivalry in Rajput's alleged suicide, are trying to understand the reason behind his depression and subsequent suicide. Rajput died by suicide on June 14. The police have so far recorded statements of 29 people, including Rajput's family members, his rumoured girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty, casting director Mukesh Chhabra, Yash Raj Films casting director Shanoo Sharma and actress Sanjana Sanghi, who worked with Rajput in 'Dil Bechara' - his last film which will release on Disney+Hotstar on July 24. Also see: 'Dil Bechara' trailer: Sushant Singh Rajput's last film is a fitting farewell to the actor

Sushant Singh Rajput case: Sanjay Leela Bhansali questioned by Mumbai police

<p>Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s suicide case has opened a can of worms with fans urging the police to find the real source of his death -- the reason that led him to die by suicide.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/sushant-singh-rajput-case-final-post-mortem-report-submitted-rules-out-the-possibility-of-foul-play-308409">&nbsp;Sushant Singh Rajput case: Final post mortem report submitted, rules out the possibility of foul play</a></p>

<p>The Mumbai police, after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/sushant-singh-rajputs-suicide-case-rhea-chakraborty-interrogated-for-9-hours-reveals-they-fought-307049">questioning his girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty, </a>is now keen on questioning filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Kangana Ranaut and Shekhar Kapur.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sanjay Leela Bhansali because it was said that the filmmaker had offered the late actor not one but 4 films. However, none of them could materialise. A source quoted in a report said, “Sushant Singh Rajput and Sanjay Leela Bhansali were quite fond of each other as well as their work. In fact, not once but 4 times working together was on the cards for them, SLB had offered him 4 films, but due to date issues, things didn’t materialise.”</p>

<p>Previously, Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh shared on Twitter that the Mumbai Police will also probe the 'professional rivalry' angle.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Kangana has been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kangana-ranaut-on-sushant-singh-rajputs-death-film-industry-did-not-acknowledge-his-work-306114">stoking the debate of nepotism </a>ever since the news of his death has come out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also, Shekhar wrote a cryptic tweet and had formed a bond with the actor as he was said to work with him in ‘Paani’, a project that later got shelved.&nbsp;</p>


Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s suicide case has opened a can of worms with fans urging the police to find the real source of his death -- the reason that led him to die by suicide.

Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s suicide case has opened a can of worms with fans urging the police to find the real source of his death -- the reason that led him to die by suicide. Sushant Singh Rajput case: Final post mortem report submitted, rules out the possibility of foul play The Mumbai police, after questioning his girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty, is now keen on questioning filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Kangana Ranaut and Shekhar Kapur. Sanjay Leela Bhansali because it was said that the filmmaker had offered the late actor not one but 4 films. However, none of them could materialise. A source quoted in a report said, “Sushant Singh Rajput and Sanjay Leela Bhansali were quite fond of each other as well as their work. In fact, not once but 4 times working together was on the cards for them, SLB had offered him 4 films, but due to date issues, things didn’t materialise.” Previously, Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh shared on Twitter that the Mumbai Police will also probe the 'professional rivalry' angle. Meanwhile, Kangana has been stoking the debate of nepotism ever since the news of his death has come out. Also, Shekhar wrote a cryptic tweet and had formed a bond with the actor as he was said to work with him in ‘Paani’, a project that later got shelved.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Kangana Ranaut to be questioned in Sushant Singh Rajput's suicide case

<p>Alia Bhatt shared a glimpse of her next, 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' on social media. The film which is being directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali is based on Hussain Zaidi`s book `Mafia Queens of Mumbai`.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The 26-year-old actor took to Instagram and shared a glimpse and wrote 'Gangubai' along with a heart emoji. In the short video, one can see a red dot along with the title `Gangubai Kathiawadi` along with a message that reads the first look out tomorrow. The official Twitter handle of Bhansali Productions also tweeted the same video.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The wait ends and the excitement begins now ♥️🙏🏻 Get ready to dive into her world, first look out tomorrow. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GangubaiKathiawadi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GangubaiKathiawadi</a>, in cinemas, 11 September 2020!<a href="https://twitter.com/aliaa08?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@aliaa08</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SanjayLeelaBhansali?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SanjayLeelaBhansali</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/prerna982?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@prerna982</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/jayantilalgada?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jayantilalgada</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PenMovies?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PenMovies</a> <a href="https://t.co/y8QAaJo5Sc">pic.twitter.com/y8QAaJo5Sc</a></p>
— BhansaliProductions (@bhansali_produc) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhansali_produc/status/1216970823145312256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Earlier, Alia shared the news of getting the lead role in the film on her Twitter handle and wrote, "A name you`ve heard a story you haven`t. #GangubaiKathiawadi This one`s going to be special!! Directed by #SanjayLeelaBhansali, releasing 11 September 2020."<br />
<br />
This project will see Bhansali Productions collaborating with Jayantilal Gada`s Pen India Ltd for this film.&nbsp;Alia will be seen playing the titular role in the film who was a brothel owner and a matriarch. The actress is currently shooting for the film which is scheduled to release later in the year.&nbsp;</p>


Alia Bhatt shared a glimpse of her next, 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' on social media. The film which is being directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali is based on Hussain Zaidi`s book `Mafia Queens of Mumbai`.

Alia Bhatt shared a glimpse of her next, 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' on social media. The film which is being directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali is based on Hussain Zaidi`s book `Mafia Queens of Mumbai`. The 26-year-old actor took to Instagram and shared a glimpse and wrote 'Gangubai' along with a heart emoji. In the short video, one can see a red dot along with the title `Gangubai Kathiawadi` along with a message that reads the first look out tomorrow. The official Twitter handle of Bhansali Productions also tweeted the same video. The wait ends and the excitement begins now ♥️🙏🏻 Get ready to dive into her world, first look out tomorrow. #GangubaiKathiawadi, in cinemas, 11 September 2020!@aliaa08 #SanjayLeelaBhansali @prerna982 @jayantilalgada @PenMovies pic.twitter.com/y8QAaJo5Sc — BhansaliProductions (@bhansali_produc) January 14, 2020 × Earlier, Alia shared the news of getting the lead role in the film on her Twitter handle and wrote, "A name you`ve heard a story you haven`t. #GangubaiKathiawadi This one`s going to be special!! Directed by #SanjayLeelaBhansali, releasing 11 September 2020." This project will see Bhansali Productions collaborating with Jayantilal Gada`s Pen India Ltd for this film. Alia will be seen playing the titular role in the film who was a brothel owner and a matriarch. The actress is currently shooting for the film which is scheduled to release later in the year.

Gangubai Kathiawadi: Alia Bhatt shares a glimpse of her next film with Sanjay Leela Bhansali

<p>The 66th National Film Awards ceremony had a host of Bollywood and other regional stars in attendance as films like 'Andhadhun', 'Mahanati' and 'Uri: The Surgical Strike' won top honours.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The ceremony took place at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Monday morning with Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and I&amp;B Minister Prakash Javadekar conferring the awards to the winner.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Akshay Kumar, whose film 'Padman' won the award for Best Film with a social message, was seated next to winners in the acting category- Best Actors Ayushmann Khurrana and Vicky Kaushal and Best Actress Keerthy Suresh.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congrats <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeerthySuresh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeerthySuresh</a> 💐 Miles to go... <a href="https://twitter.com/KeerthyOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KeerthyOfficial</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationalFilmAwards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NationalFilmAwards</a> <a href="https://t.co/yihW5Lv2oe">pic.twitter.com/yihW5Lv2oe</a></p>
— Always_ SDP...! (@SaiNaidu_) <a href="https://twitter.com/SaiNaidu_/status/1209011063292739585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/akshaykumar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@akshaykumar</a> sir at the 66th <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationalFilmAwards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NationalFilmAwards</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> today to receive National Award for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PadMan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PadMan</a> as Best Film on Social Issues. 😍 <a href="https://t.co/K60RlVi0v8">pic.twitter.com/K60RlVi0v8</a></p>
— Aʀᴘɪᴛᴀ😍 (@arppaul) <a href="https://twitter.com/arppaul/status/1208997367619280896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padman?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padman</a> wins the award for the Best Film on Social Issues<br />
<br />
Actor <a href="https://twitter.com/akshaykumar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@akshaykumar</a> receives the award for the film <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padman?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padman</a> at 66th <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationalFilmAwards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NationalFilmAwards</a> <a href="https://t.co/QVLpmMu1BV">pic.twitter.com/QVLpmMu1BV</a></p>
— PIB India (@PIB_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India/status/1209010671934791680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Khurrana and Kaushal shared the Best Actor trophy for 'Andhadhun' and 'Uri: The Surgical Strike' respectively. Keerthy Suresh won Best Actress for Tamil film 'Mahanati'.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Best Actor (Feature Films Section) goes to <a href="https://twitter.com/ayushmannk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ayushmannk</a> for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Andhadhun?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Andhadhun</a> for his powerful execution of a complex role of ‘now blind &amp; now not blind’ character.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationalFilmAwards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NationalFilmAwards</a> <a href="https://t.co/dIQXYgKVKe">pic.twitter.com/dIQXYgKVKe</a></p>
— PIB India (@PIB_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India/status/1209007115823505408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Best Actor (Feature Films Section) goes to <a href="https://twitter.com/vickykaushal09?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@vickykaushal09</a> for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/URI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#URI</a>: The Surgical Strike for effectively conveying a realistic character of an army officer. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationalFilmAwards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NationalFilmAwards</a> <a href="https://t.co/J39YnXGugd">pic.twitter.com/J39YnXGugd</a></p>
— PIB India (@PIB_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India/status/1209007641495629826?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Aditya Dhar, the director 'Uri: The Surgical Strike' was awarded the Best Director award.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Aditya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Aditya</a> Dhar wins Best Director Award for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Uri?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Uri</a>: The Surgical Strike at the 66th <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationalFilmAwards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NationalFilmAwards</a><br />
<br />
The challenge of telling a true story of military action in a realistic manner is dealt with utmost clarity and effectiveness in the Film<a href="https://twitter.com/AdityaDharFilms?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AdityaDharFilms</a> <a href="https://t.co/StB5ewE5Xi">pic.twitter.com/StB5ewE5Xi</a></p>
— PIB India (@PIB_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India/status/1209009565452255232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The event was hosted by Sonali Kulkarni and Divya Dutta. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/amitabh-bachchan-to-skip-national-film-awards-ceremony-in-delhi-on-monday-269607">Amitabh Bachchan,</a> who won the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, couldn't attend the event owing to ill-health. His award was collected by Dadasaheb Phalke's grandson Mr Chandrashekhar.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Sanjay Leela Bhansali won Best Music award for the film 'Padmaavat'. The film also fetched Kruti Mahesh Best Chorepgraphy award for the song 'Ghoomar'.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SanjayLeelaBhansali?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SanjayLeelaBhansali</a> receives the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationalAward?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NationalAward</a> for Best Music Direction for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a><br />
<br />
All the songs lift the mood of the film and give a different dimension to the narrative.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationalFilmAwards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NationalFilmAwards</a> <a href="https://t.co/OaNwKHCxuw">pic.twitter.com/OaNwKHCxuw</a></p>
— PIB India (@PIB_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India/status/1209001614616383489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Veteran actress Surekha Sikri won the Best Supporting Actress award for 'Badhaai Ho'. The actress, who is now wheelchair-bound, was assisted up on stage to receive the award. 'Badhaai Ho' also won the Best Hindi film.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="tl">Dadi, aapko aur poore Kaushik parivar ko bahot bahot <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BadhaaiHo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BadhaaiHo</a>!😊<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SurekhaSikri?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SurekhaSikri</a> ji receives the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationalAward?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NationalAward</a> for best supporting actress. <a href="https://twitter.com/iAmitRSharma?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iAmitRSharma</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ayushmannk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ayushmannk</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/sanyamalhotra07?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sanyamalhotra07</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Neenagupta001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Neenagupta001</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/raogajraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@raogajraj</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ChromePictures?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChromePictures</a> <a href="https://t.co/HsmQepQLiQ">pic.twitter.com/HsmQepQLiQ</a></p>
— Junglee Pictures (@JungleePictures) <a href="https://twitter.com/JungleePictures/status/1209003270049390592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Bengali filmmaker Srijjit Mukherji shared a photo ahead of the ceremony. His film 'Ek Je Chhilo Raja'won the Best Bengali film.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Team <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EkJeChhiloRaja?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EkJeChhiloRaja</a> at the 66th National Film Awards of India! <a href="https://t.co/0pLAmnncLQ">pic.twitter.com/0pLAmnncLQ</a></p>
— Srijit Mukherji (@srijitspeaketh) <a href="https://twitter.com/srijitspeaketh/status/1208967647930585088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Here's the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/national-film-awards-2019-ayushmann-khurrana-vicky-kaushal-share-best-actor-keerthy-suresh-named-best-actress-241765">full list of winners.&nbsp;</a></p>


The 66th National Film Awards ceremony had a host of Bollywood and other regional stars in attendance as films like 'Andhadhun', 'Mahanati' and 'Uri: The Surgical Strike' won top honours.

The 66th National Film Awards ceremony had a host of Bollywood and other regional stars in attendance as films like 'Andhadhun', 'Mahanati' and 'Uri: The Surgical Strike' won top honours. The ceremony took place at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Monday morning with Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and I&B Minister Prakash Javadekar conferring the awards to the winner. Akshay Kumar, whose film 'Padman' won the award for Best Film with a social message, was seated next to winners in the acting category- Best Actors Ayushmann Khurrana and Vicky Kaushal and Best Actress Keerthy Suresh. Congrats #KeerthySuresh 💐 Miles to go... @KeerthyOfficial #NationalFilmAwards pic.twitter.com/yihW5Lv2oe — Always_ SDP...! (@SaiNaidu_) December 23, 2019 × .@akshaykumar sir at the 66th #NationalFilmAwards in #Delhi today to receive National Award for #PadMan as Best Film on Social Issues. 😍 pic.twitter.com/K60RlVi0v8 — Aʀᴘɪᴛᴀ😍 (@arppaul) December 23, 2019 × #Padman wins the award for the Best Film on Social Issues Actor @akshaykumar receives the award for the film #Padman at 66th #NationalFilmAwards pic.twitter.com/QVLpmMu1BV — PIB India (@PIB_India) December 23, 2019 × Khurrana and Kaushal shared the Best Actor trophy for 'Andhadhun' and 'Uri: The Surgical Strike' respectively. Keerthy Suresh won Best Actress for Tamil film 'Mahanati'. Best Actor (Feature Films Section) goes to @ayushmannk for #Andhadhun for his powerful execution of a complex role of ‘now blind & now not blind’ character.#NationalFilmAwards pic.twitter.com/dIQXYgKVKe — PIB India (@PIB_India) December 23, 2019 × Best Actor (Feature Films Section) goes to @vickykaushal09 for #URI: The Surgical Strike for effectively conveying a realistic character of an army officer. #NationalFilmAwards pic.twitter.com/J39YnXGugd — PIB India (@PIB_India) December 23, 2019 × Aditya Dhar, the director 'Uri: The Surgical Strike' was awarded the Best Director award. #Aditya Dhar wins Best Director Award for #Uri: The Surgical Strike at the 66th #NationalFilmAwards The challenge of telling a true story of military action in a realistic manner is dealt with utmost clarity and effectiveness in the Film@AdityaDharFilms pic.twitter.com/StB5ewE5Xi — PIB India (@PIB_India) December 23, 2019 × The event was hosted by Sonali Kulkarni and Divya Dutta. Amitabh Bachchan, who won the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, couldn't attend the event owing to ill-health. His award was collected by Dadasaheb Phalke's grandson Mr Chandrashekhar. Sanjay Leela Bhansali won Best Music award for the film 'Padmaavat'. The film also fetched Kruti Mahesh Best Chorepgraphy award for the song 'Ghoomar'. #SanjayLeelaBhansali receives the #NationalAward for Best Music Direction for #Padmaavat All the songs lift the mood of the film and give a different dimension to the narrative.#NationalFilmAwards pic.twitter.com/OaNwKHCxuw — PIB India (@PIB_India) December 23, 2019 × Veteran actress Surekha Sikri won the Best Supporting Actress award for 'Badhaai Ho'. The actress, who is now wheelchair-bound, was assisted up on stage to receive the award. 'Badhaai Ho' also won the Best Hindi film. Dadi, aapko aur poore Kaushik parivar ko bahot bahot #BadhaaiHo!😊#SurekhaSikri ji receives the #NationalAward for best supporting actress. @iAmitRSharma @ayushmannk @sanyamalhotra07 @Neenagupta001 @raogajraj @ChromePictures pic.twitter.com/HsmQepQLiQ — Junglee Pictures (@JungleePictures) December 23, 2019 × Bengali filmmaker Srijjit Mukherji shared a photo ahead of the ceremony. His film 'Ek Je Chhilo Raja'won the Best Bengali film. Team #EkJeChhiloRaja at the 66th National Film Awards of India! pic.twitter.com/0pLAmnncLQ — Srijit Mukherji (@srijitspeaketh) December 23, 2019 × Here's the full list of winners.

66th National Film Awards: Ayushmann Khurrana, Keerthy Suresh attend ceremony, 'Andhadhun' wins big

sanjay-leela-bhansali

Sanjay Leela Bhansali, News on Sanjay Leela Bhansali, stories on Sanjay Leela Bhansali, articles on Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Sanjay Leela Bhansali stories at Wion, Sanjay Leela Bhansali news, Sanjay Leela Bhansali latest news

sanjay leela-bhansali