In a recent interview with Pinkvilla, actor Richa Chadha opened up about her experience working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali on his upcoming Netflix series, Heeramandi. Chadha, who has previously worked with Bhansali on the 2013 film Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela, described the filmmaker as a “relentless perfectionist” with a keen eye for aesthetics.
“He is relentless and very perfect in terms of aesthetics,” Chadha said. “For Heeramandi, I had a really tough time because the thing with Sanjay Leela Bhansali is you cannot lie. Wo aapki aannkhon mein jhooth pakad lete hain. He is a master. So he will know ki ‘kar diya, achha hai, technically theek hai. Par dil se nahi aaya. Mujhe aise aana chahiye.'”
Chadha explained that Bhansali is able to see through any pretense and knows when an actor is not giving their all. This can be daunting for some actors, but Chadha said that she appreciates Bhansali’s commitment to excellence.
“And that’s why I love working with him because he pushes me,” Chadha said. “And it’s terrifying. Because there’s so much money riding on it.”
Chadha also spoke about Bhansali’s meticulous attention to detail. She said that he is involved in every aspect of filmmaking, from the costumes and sets to the lighting and music.
“He is a control freak in the best possible way,” Chadha said. “He knows exactly what he wants and he will go to any lengths to achieve it.”
Chadha’s comments provide a unique insight into Bhansali’s working style. She paints a picture of a demanding but passionate filmmaker who is committed to creating the best possible film.
Here are some specific examples of Bhansali’s perfectionism and attention to detail:
- For Heeramandi, Bhansali is reportedly recreating a lavish red-light district in Mumbai from the 1950s. He has spent millions of rupees on sets, costumes, and props, and he has even hired dialect coaches to ensure that the actors speak the language of the era accurately.
- Bhansali is also known for his meticulous approach to lighting and cinematography. He often uses elaborate lighting setups and long takes to create immersive and visually stunning films.
- For his music, Bhansali collaborates with some of the biggest names in Bollywood, including AR Rahman and Vishal Bhardwaj. He is known for creating elaborate and evocative soundtracks that perfectly complement his films.
Chadha’s comments suggest that Bhansali’s perfectionism can be challenging for actors to work with, but she also says that it pushes her to be her best. She describes him as a “master” and says that she appreciates his commitment to excellence.
It is clear that Bhansali is a unique and demanding filmmaker. His perfectionism and attention to detail are evident in every aspect of his work. His films are often visually stunning and emotionally resonant, and they have earned him a reputation as one of the most important filmmakers in Bollywood today.
In addition to his perfectionism, Bhansali is also known for his strong vision and his ability to create immersive cinematic experiences. His films often transport viewers to other worlds and times, and they leave a lasting impression.
Chadha’s comments suggest that Bhansali is a demanding but rewarding collaborator. He pushes his actors to be their best, and he creates films that are visually stunning and emotionally resonant. He is a master filmmaker, and his work is sure to continue to inspire and entertain audiences for years to come.
