Sanjay Leela Bhansali Justifies His Anger Issues on Set: ‘What is Wrong With it?’

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is currently basking in the success of his recent release Heeramandi. Bhansali along with the star cast are hitting the headlines ever since the series premiered on Netflix. Now, in a recent interview, Sanjay Leela Bhansali opened up about his well-known temper wherein he said that he doesn’t have any issue with expressing anger on the set. Bhansali recounted instances of losing his temper on set, describing himself as becoming ‘possessed and obsessed’ while working in Mumbai’s Film City and expecting the same level of dedication from his team.

Highlighting his profound passion for his craft, SLB emphasized operating at a different level. It’s worth noting that Bhansali made his streaming debut with the Netflix series ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar.’ During an interview with India Today, the ace director said, “I am there one hour, two hours before shoot every day. Even today, after 30 years, I will never be late on set. The commitment that I bring, an actor has to be on the same page, my technicians have to be on the same page.” 

He further added, “I’m giving everything, so you can’t be on the phone. You have to give me everything. You have to understand the nuances. And I do long take lengthy shots. It’s difficult for them. I’m throwing the challenge at you, I’m throwing the ace at you. You have to throw three aces back at me. And if you don’t, you have to wait in the van for a little while and come back.”

According to Bhansali, he justified his anger by stating “If I’m not getting what I want, even if I lose my temper, what is wrong in it? If you’re not getting a shot, and if someone is spoiling it, what will you do? People have made stories that I’m angry, that I’m badly behaved…” Since the director is known for his perfection, he emphasised that it is important to achieve that one perfect shot. 

He elaborated, stating, “What we experience on set is inconsequential. It’s our creations for the world that hold significance. Whether I scolded someone, expressed anger, or shared moments of laughter and jest—it won’t be notable in the long run. My mode of transport or the grandeur of my residence holds no interest. I’m intrigued by what legends like Raj Kapoor bequeathed, not their living quarters or the challenges faced during production.”

About Heeramandi

The Netflix series is set against the backdrop of the Indian independence revolution, depicting the clash between the courtesans of Lahore’s Heeramandi red-light district and British Raj officials. The cast includes Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Fardeen Khan, Taha Shah Badussha, Shekhar Suman, and Adhyayan Suman.