Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Biography

Sanjay Leela Bhansali, also known by his initialism SLB (born 24 February 1963) is an Indian filmmaker, producer, and music composer, who is known for his work in Hindi films. He is the recipient of several awards, including 7 National Film Awards and 12 Filmfare Awards (of which five were for Best Director), in addition to a nomination for a BAFTA Award.

In 2015, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award. Critically acclaimed for his use of aesthetics, musical vision, and Period dramas, Bhansali is regarded as one of the best filmmakers of Indian cinema.

Bhansali's directorial debut was the romantic musical Khamoshi: The Musical (1996). He gained both mainstream and critical success with the romantic dramas Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999) and Devdas (2002), the latter of which was nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Film Not in the English Language.

He won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi for directing the drama Black (2005). His subsequent releases Saawariya (2007) and Guzaarish (2010) were box-office flops. The latter film marked his debut as a music composer. He also began producing under his banner Bhansali Productions.

Bhansali reinforced his status with the tragic romance Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013), and the top-grossing period dramas Bajirao Mastani (2015) and Padmaavat (2018). He won the National Film Award for Best Direction for Bajirao Mastani and the National Film Award for Best Music Direction for Padmaavat.

He has since directed the biopic Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022), winning further National and Filmfare Awards. In 2024 Bhansali launched his music label called Bhansali Music.

In March 2023, Bhansali launched his music label, Bhansali Music, alongside the release of the soundtrack of the Netflix series Heermandi: The Diamond Bazaar.