Renowned filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali recently opened up about Alia Bhatt’s emotional reaction when their film Inshallah was unexpectedly shelved, and how she transformed herself into the iconic role of Gangubai in Gangubai Kathiawadi. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Bhansali shared candid details about Alia’s initial disappointment and how she overcame it to deliver one of the most powerful performances of her career.
Alia’s Emotional Response to Inshallah Being Shelved
Bhansali revealed that when Inshallah was canceled, Alia was devastated. “She broke down, cracked up, cried, raved, ranted, and locked herself in a room,” he said. Alia had been gearing up to play a character in Inshallah, a highly anticipated film that was set to star her alongside Salman Khan, but the project was halted abruptly.
A week later, Bhansali approached Alia with a new offer, asking her to take on the role of Gangubai Kathiawadi in his upcoming film. Alia, initially uncertain, expressed her concerns: “From Los Angeles, where I was supposed to be playing the character [in Inshallah], I have come to Kamathipura. How do I do it? I don’t know this character.”
Bhansali reassured her, saying, “Do you trust me? I’ll tap into that strong woman in you because I can see it in your eyes. I can see how convinced you are of certain things you do.”
Alia’s Transformation into Gangubai
Bhansali praised Alia for fully embracing the challenging role of Gangubai, the madam of a brothel in Kamathipura. He shared how Alia was unsure at first but soon “flew into the role.” He added, “She didn’t know she could play the brothel madam. She didn’t know she had a lower pitch, and she didn’t know how to stand there and do this. But she began enjoying it.”
Alia’s connection to the character became so deep that Bhansali revealed, “She even today sometimes talks like Gangubai. It’s so much a part of her now. It’s beautiful to have believed in her and to have tapped into that talent.”
Gangubai Kathiawadi: A Critical and Commercial Success
Released in 2022, Gangubai Kathiawadi was a critical and commercial hit. Directed by Bhansali, the crime drama was based on S Hussain Zaidi’s book Mafia Queens of Mumbai. The film followed the journey of Gangubai, a woman who was sold into a brothel in Mumbai’s Kamathipura and eventually rose to power. The movie starred Alia in the titular role, alongside Shantanu Maheshwari, Vijay Raaz, Indira Tiwari, Seema Pahwa, Jim Sarbh, and Ajay Devgn.
Bhansali and Alia Bhatt to Reunite for Love and War
After their successful collaboration on Gangubai Kathiawadi, Bhansali and Alia Bhatt are set to reunite for the upcoming film Love and War. The film will also star Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal, and it is expected to hit theaters on March 20, 2026. The project will begin filming in the coming months, and fans are eagerly awaiting more details.
Sources By Agencies
