Renowned filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali has worked with Deepika Padukone in three iconic films, shaping a professional partnership that has enthralled audiences worldwide. The duo first collaborated on Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013) and went on to deliver cinematic masterpieces such as Bajirao Mastani (2015) and Padmaavat (2018). However, their extraordinary creative journey began much earlier, during Bhansali's first meeting with Deepika, a moment that the filmmaker fondly recounted in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India.
Bhansali's Unforgettable First Encounter with Deepika
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's first impression of Deepika Padukone remains etched in his memory. During the interview, Bhansali revealed that he visited Deepika's home for their initial meeting. As she opened the door, the filmmaker was completely mesmerized. "When I met Deepika for the first time, she opened the door, and I froze," Bhansali said, reflecting on the moment. "I was struck by her beauty, by her eyes. There was so much subtlety, fragility, and elegance in her presence."
It wasn't just Deepika's appearance that captivated the filmmaker. As they started conversing, Bhansali was equally enthralled by the actress's voice. "She started talking, and I realized her voice was beautiful. That was the moment I knew I was at the right place, meeting the right person," he explained.
For Bhansali, the connection went beyond superficial beauty. He felt an instinctive, almost spiritual bond between them. "Your soul has to connect to their soul. That's when you know that the person in front of you is destined to be a part of your creative journey," Bhansali added.
The Evolution of an Iconic Collaboration
Following their first meeting, Bhansali and Deepika collaborated on three films that have since become landmarks in Indian cinema. Their first film together, Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, was a romantic drama inspired by Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The film starred Ranveer Singh opposite Deepika and featured powerful performances from actors such as Supriya Pathak, Richa Chadda, and Priyanka Chopra, who made a cameo appearance in the song "Ram Chahe Leela."
Their second collaboration, Bajirao Mastani, took audiences back to the Maratha Empire and chronicled the story of Bajirao I, played by Ranveer Singh, and his relationship with his second wife, Mastani, portrayed by Deepika. The film featured an ensemble cast that included Priyanka Chopra, Tanvi Azmi, and Milind Soman.
In 2018, Bhansali and Deepika teamed up for their third film, Padmaavat, a historical drama about the legendary Rajput queen Rani Padmavati. Deepika's portrayal of the resilient queen, alongside performances by Ranveer Singh as the antagonist Alauddin Khilji and Shahid Kapoor as her husband Maharawal Ratan Singh, earned widespread acclaim.
Looking Forward: What's Next for Deepika?
While Bhansali and Deepika have not announced any upcoming projects together, fans of the actress will soon see her in Singham Again. Directed by Rohit Shetty, the film is set to release on November 1 and features a star-studded cast, including Ranveer Singh, Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor, Akshay Kumar, and Tiger Shroff. As anticipation builds for her next performance, fans remain hopeful for another Bhansali-Padukone collaboration in the future.
For now, the magic of their previous collaborations continues to captivate cinema lovers, and Bhansali's reflections on his first meeting with Deepika serve as a reminder of the profound creative bonds that can shape iconic works of art.