Alia Broke Down, Locked Herself: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

In a recent interview, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali shared how actor Alia Bhatt had an intense emotional reaction upon learning that their planned film Inshallah was being shelved. Alia, who had been eagerly looking forward to the role, broke down after hearing the news. Bhansali later offered her the lead role in Gangubai Kathiawadi, which went on to become a major success for both the actor and the director.

During his conversation with Hollywood Reporter, Bhansali revealed Alia’s reaction when he informed her that Inshallah, the film she was set to star in, would no longer be happening. “She broke down, she cracked up, cried, raved, ranted, and locked herself in a room,” the acclaimed director shared.

Following this emotional moment, Bhansali called Alia again and offered her the role of Gangubai in Gangubai Kathiawadi, where she would play the madam of a brothel in Kamathipura. Initially, Alia had doubts about the shift from her character in Inshallah to the complex role in Gangubai. She said to Bhansali, “From Los Angeles, where I was supposed to play the character in Inshallah, I have come to Kamathipura. How will I do this? I don’t know this character.”

However, Bhansali reassured her, saying, “I will tap into the strong woman that you are. I can see it in your eyes; I can see how strong and how convinced you are of certain things. I have understood your personality. That is my job as a director: to see that the actor has what I want.”

Alia eventually embraced the role, and according to Bhansali, she fully immersed herself into the character. He remarked, “It’s so much a part of her now.”

Gangubai Kathiawadi was not only a commercial hit but also a critical triumph, winning five awards at the 69th National Film Awards, including Best Actress for Alia Bhatt, Best Screenplay (Adapted), and Best Editing.

Back in 2019, Bhansali had announced Inshallah, a highly anticipated reunion with Salman Khan after 12 years, alongside Alia Bhatt. However, due to creative differences, the film was ultimately shelved.