New Delhi: Alia Bhatt and Sanjay Leela Bhansali may have set records with their period-film ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’. As the duo’s collaboration won everyone’s hearts, there was also a time when Alia Bhatt was quite shattered when a film project with Bhansali fell through. ‘Inshallah’ was supposed to star Alia Bhatt and Salman Khan. However, the film was shelved unexpectedly.
When Alia Bhatt broke down after Inshallah broke down
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Bhansali spoke about the emotional toll Inshallah's cancellation had on Alia Bhatt. While discussing how he worked with actors and finding theri raw essence, the filmmaker shared how Alia reacted to Inshallah's shelving. "She broke down, she cracked up, cried, raved, ranted, and locked herself in a room,” Bhansali shared.
However, only a week later, Bhansali offered Bhatt a life-changing role. He called her to offer his magnum opus 'Gangubai Kathiawadi. While Bhatt was initially uncertain about playing such a complex character, but with Bhansali's guidance, Alia outdid herself.
"From LA, where I was supposed to play the character in Inshallah, I suddenly found myself in Kamathipura. I didn’t know if I could do it,” she had then admitted to Bhansali.
As per Bhansali, once Bhatt embraced her character, she 'flew into the role' and immersed herself in it. Even today, Bhansali shared that Bhatt sometimes slips into Gangubai's persona during conversations. "It’s so much a part of her now,” he added, calling it a beautiful connection to the role.
Alia Bhatt, Sanjay Bhansali upcoing work projects
On the work front, both Alia and Bhansali are suppoed to collaborate again for a film titled 'Love and War', a grand project that will also star Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal. The epic love triange will be released in March 2026.