Sanjay Leela Bhansali got his break in Bollywood courtesy Vidhu Vinod Chopra. The acclaimed filmmaker revealed that he cracked into Bollywood as an assistant director for Vidhu Vinod Chopra and worked with him for eight years. However, getting into his team wasn’t easy. Bhansali revealed it was thanks to Vidhu’s ex-wife, Renu Chopra that he got the job.
Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter India, Bhansali revealed, “My walking into the film world was impossible. How did this boy living near Bhindi Bazaar would come here. That boy never spoke well, had no friends, who had no influence but there is path and it’s a long path.” He added that his sister, Bela Segal helped him open the door to Vidhu’s office.
“My sister worked with Vidhu Vinod Chopra. She approached his ex-wife Renu Chopra, who forced him to take me. Vinod Chopra came and in his characteristic style, he dismissed me. Then he accepted me and I worked with him for 8 years,” he said.
“He made me iron and steel. After working with him for 8 years, you can face anything in the world. Till date if Vinod Chopra’s call comes, I stand up and talk. That is the gratitude I feel towards somebody who changed my life,” Bhansali shared.
The filmmaker worked with Chopra on a couple of films. These includes 1942: A Love Story, in which he was credited as the co-writer, and Parinda, in which he was an AD. They also supposed to work on Kareeb (1998). However, Chopra and Bhansali reportedly had fall out after Bhansali refused to direct the film. He eventually ended up making his debut with Khamoshi: The Musical.
Bhansali has worked on several films since. These include Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas, Black, Saawariya and recently created Heeramandi. He is now working on Love and War, which stars Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal.
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