Bollywood director Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known for his artistic vision, which transcends the world of cinema to create magic on the big screen. In a recent interview, the seasoned filmmaker shared insights about different characters in his movies and talked about the actors’ transition seamlessly into them. During the conversation, Sanjay Leela Bhansali revealed a fascinating backstory about Alia Bhatt’s Gangubai Kathiawadi and why she once locked herself in a room.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali reveals why Alia Bhatt once locked herself in a room

Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Alia Bhatt, who collaborated on the hit film Gangubai Kathiawadi, are all set to reunite for a captivating love story titled Love And War. The most awaited movie will also star Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal in lead roles. While speaking to The Hollywood Reporter India recently, SLB shared an interesting anecdote about Alia. He revealed that she locked herself in a room when her film Inshallah got shelved as she was disheartened. However, when he went to her with the offer of Gangubai Kathiawadi, Alia was quite skeptical if she would be able to portray the challenging role.

Bhansali said, “I was doing Inshallah with her but it suddenly got shelved. She broke down, cracked up and cried, ranted and locked herself in a room.”

Alia and Salman Khan were all set to team up for Inshallah. After the movie was announced, fans were quite excited to see their union. But unfortunately, the film got shelved later.

How did SLB convince Alia Bhatt to take up Gangubai Kathiawadi?

Reminiscing about the time when he offered Alia the titular role of Gangubai Kathiawadi, Sanjay Leela Bhansali said, “I called her after one week and said you are playing Gangubai.” Alia joked how she was supposed to play a character in LA, but now came to Kamathipura. He also shared how he convinced Alia to have faith in him and the process.

The National award-winning director also added that it is his job as a filmmaker to see the potential in the actors and then tap on their talent. He added, “I will tap in that strong woman in you because I can see it in your eyes. And she just flew into the role. Even today I see that she sometimes talks like Gangubai and it is a beautiful part of it."

Sanjay Leela Bhansali also called his highly awaited film Love & War ‘contemporary’ and expressed his joy to team up with Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, and Vicky Kaushal. Meanwhile, fans will have to wait a little longer for the film as it was recently pushed from a Christmas 2025 release to March 2026.

Stay tuned to Mobile Masala for more exciting updates in the world of streaming and entertainment.

Read Also: Lawyer warns A-listers involved in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs' ‘freak offs’: ‘All of these individuals…’

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON !