A biography for Sanjay Leela Bhansalihasn’t been written yet.
“I was criticised for making 'Devdas' so ostentatious. But stark and realistic cinema isn't the only real cinema in this country.”
“The first thing I do after I wake up is switch on the music player and the last thing I do before going to sleep is stop it.”
“I need music while taking a bath. I need it in the car.”
“People don't want to always see a comedy or an action film. If the film in a particular genre is made well, then it will see its share of success.”
“Friendship and loyalty shouldn't come in the way of casting.”
“My life revolves around music.”
“It's pure joy to see some people who've never had the chance to live their dream, come on stage, and let loose.”
“Think of Hridaynath Mangeshkar's 'Mira bhajans.' I have bought these records three to four times, as I listen to them so often.”
“With 'Bajirao Mastani,' we have created history.”
“'Ramleela' is my most violent film.”
“I love humour, and I can laugh at myself.”
“I don't think international cinema is ready to embrace mainstream Indian cinema unconditionally. Even Mira Nair's 'Monsoon Wedding' didn't get to the Oscars after being nominated for the Golden Globe Awards.”
“I reveal myself in my movies.”
“'Devdas' isn't a real film. It isn't in the same genre as Mira Nair's 'Monsoon Wedding,' where the camera's presence is so understated it almost disappears.”
“'Devdas' is the first Hindi commercial film to be seen at Cannes. And 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' is getting a whole lot of appreciation abroad. I'm pleased.”
“I have been fascinated by Rani Padmavati from my childhood.”
“I never liked being told what to do, so even in school plays, I never liked being an actor.”
“Show me one director who does not get angry on their assistant for something that has gone wrong. But it is done out of my love. It's just fun when I tell them to face a wall and stand or kneel down in a corner. It's not like I want to punish them harshly. It's not to humiliate; it is to teach.”
“Of course, an Oscar nomination would have added considerably to the film's business abroad. But it has already made nearly Rs 150 crore. It has done stupendous business overseas. We did a business of Rs 80 crore when we took 'Devdas' to Cannes.”
“Take any movie from 'Khamoshi' to 'Black,' I was always clear about my subjects.”