The day when Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the master storyteller, arrived in Bollywood

There are very few filmmakers who weave magic on the big screen, with their brilliant storytelling. And while mentioning such filmmakers in Bollywood, one can’t forget Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He is one of those filmmakers who leave a deep impression through their stories. He is an artist who paints beautiful illustrations, in the form of his stories, on celluloid. He has made a mark for himself with some of his signature creations like ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’, ‘Devdas’, ‘Black’, ‘Bajirao Mastani’, and more. However, before creating these larger than life films, he brought a very emotional and heart touching story with his directorial debut film ‘Khamoshi: The Musical’. And it was today on August 9, when this film was released in the year 1996, which gave Bollywood a master storyteller named Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

Before tasting success and venturing on his own, He had started his career as an assistant director to filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra and was involved in the making of ‘Parinda’ (1989), ‘1942: A Love Story’ (1994) and ‘Kareeb’ (1998). Reportedly, it is said that Bhansali had a fall out with Chopra when the former refused to direct ‘Kareeb’. Later, it was directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra himself. After parting ways with Chopra, Sanjay Leela Bhansali went ahead and made his directorial debut with ‘Khamoshi: The Musical’. (Also Read: ‘Padmavati’ Deepika Padukone shoots for the ‘Jauhar’ scene with 300 junior artistes?)

Talking about the film, it starred Nana Patekar and Seema Biswas playing a deaf and mute couple. While, Manisha Koirala played the role of their daughter, Salman Khan played her love interest in the film.

A musical drama, the film is still remembered for melodious songs like ‘Bahon Ke Darmiyan’, ‘Yeh Dil Sun Raha Hain’ and ‘Aaj Main Upar’, which were composed by musical duo Jatin–Lalit. The beautiful and heart touching lyrics had been penned by late Majrooh Sultanpuri.

Although the film was well received by the critics, it wasn’t a commercial success at the box office. But, Sanjay Leela Bhansali bounced back and rose to prominence in Indian cinema with his second offering ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’.

This movie also marked the start of a collaboration between Bhansali and Salman Khan, which continued with films like ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’ and ‘Saawariya’.

This was the day, when we were gifted with a very talented filmmaker, who continues to astound us with the nuances of cinema he captures on the camera; Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

Amod Pandit

Quiet, resonant, and creative, he can be seen immersed in his own world, and puts in his heart and soul into the one passion that he has, Bollywood. His line for survival? Feel happy to be a part of it.