Sanjay Leela Bhansali, one of Bollywood’s most acclaimed filmmakers, recently opened up about how Vidhu Vinod Chopra played a pivotal role in his entry into the film industry. In an interview, Bhansali revealed that he started his journey as an assistant director under Chopra and worked with him for eight years. However, securing this opportunity wasn’t easy—it was Chopra’s ex-wife, Renu Chopra, who helped him land the job.
Bhansali shared that coming from a modest background in Bhindi Bazaar, Mumbai, it seemed nearly impossible for him to break into the film world. “My walking into the film world was impossible. How did this boy living near Bhindi Bazaar come here? That boy never spoke well, had no friends, who had no influence, but there is a path, and it’s a long path,” Bhansali recalled.
The filmmaker credited his sister, Bela Segal, for opening the door to Chopra’s team. Bela worked with Vidhu Vinod Chopra, and it was through her connection that Bhansali approached Chopra’s ex-wife, Renu Chopra. She persuaded Vidhu to give him a chance. “Vinod Chopra came and in his characteristic style, he dismissed me. Then he accepted me, and I worked with him for eight years,” Bhansali said.
Bhansali expressed deep gratitude for the mentorship he received from Vidhu Vinod Chopra. “He made me iron and steel. After working with him for eight 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 remarked.
During his time with Chopra, Bhansali contributed to major films, including 1942: A Love Story, where he was credited as a co-writer, and Parinda, where he served as an assistant director. The two were also supposed to collaborate on Kareeb (1998), but they reportedly had a fallout after Bhansali refused to direct the film. He went on to make his directorial debut with Khamoshi: The Musical.
Since his debut, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has become one of Bollywood’s most celebrated directors, with a rich filmography that includes Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas, Black, Saawariya, and his most recent project, Heeramandi. He is currently working on his next ambitious project, Love and War, starring Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal.
