A biography for Sanjay Leela Bhansalihasn’t been written yet.
“Not every work of art connects with the audience.”
“As long as what you do reaches out to people, I don't think there's any reason to stop yourself from doing anything.”
“My 'Devdas' was a tribute to all the mainstream masters, from Mehboob Khan, K. Asif, and V. Shantaram to Raj Kapoor. I am not saying critics shouldn't have criticised my film. But they should have judged the film within the genre and format that I had chosen.”
“I am distressed when I see news channels saying 'Devdas' has let down the country by not getting an Oscar nomination.”
“Did Robert De Niro actually look like Al Capone in 'The Untouchables?' Or did Van Kilmer look like Jim Morrison in 'The Doors?' No. It's the core, the essence of the personality that matters.”
“Once a film is selected at Cannes, the crossover becomes very easy, thanks to the prestige and dignity it gains at Cannes.”
“There is dignity in being a celebrity. Let us not lose that dignity.”
“Bollywood works as hard as regional cinema makers.”
“There was one mistake in 'Devdas,' but I won't ever tell anyone what it was.”
“If you take away music from me, I'll die.”
“I am not indulgent. I think constructing a scene elaborately - with art, costume, and visual drama - is not indulgence. Other people should do it, too.”
“The media should be ready to cover every event at the Oberois' residence. If Vivek's dog has dysentery tomorrow, we should be prepared to hear Vivek talk about it on camera for three hours.”
“My mother is special to me. She understands me. She has no expectations from me.”
“I am trying to pursue excellence.”
“I think suffering has always been an incentive for my creativity.”
“My mind was never into school, and education did not matter to me.”
“My art completes my life.”
“I was always a flaky child.”
“If I am aware of my own limitations, then I can work towards overcoming them.”
“I write all my scripts with Salman in mind. He understands me perfectly on the sets.”