Sanjay Leela Bhansali is one of Bollywood’s most decorated directors, winning numerous awards over the years for his films. Touted as a visionary filmmaker, whose films are a celebration of culture and heritage, Bhansali is Known for his exceptional way of storytelling, combining grandeur, emotion, and music to create a cinematic experience that is both visually stunning and emotionally connecting.

On the award-winning director's 61st birthday, let's take a look at five of his best films that stand at the top of the must-watch list.

Devdas

‘Devdas’ released in 2005, is a visually captivating and emotionally charged film that showcases Sanjay Leela Bhansali's unique style and skilful adaptation of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's renowned novel. The film boasts a stellar ensemble cast featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Madhuri Dixit, delivering powerful performances that elevate the impact of their complex characters, highlighting the depth and complexity of love. Bhansali's attention to detail shines through, from the opulent sets and costumes, taking us back to pre-independence India. ‘Devdas’ offers a moving exploration of passion, loss, and redemption neatly wrapped in what is now considered a timeless Bollywood classic. 

Black

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film ‘Black’, released in 2005, stands out due to its unique approach, featuring a deaf, blind and mute protagonist and the deliberate avoidance of typical Bollywood aspects like song and dance. Based on the real-life story of Helen Keller, it showcases the profound performances of Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukerji. The movie offers a poignant narrative that captivates viewers with its heartfelt moments and powerful performances, delivering a strong message that even in the dark, a great teacher can light up the path.

Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela

The film ‘Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela’ by Sanjay Leela Bhansali was a special piece of art. The film's stunning visuals, intricate costumes, and electrifying performances created an extraordinary and immersive viewing experience. The narrative, adapted from the tragedy ‘Romeo and Juliet’, explores the intense romance between the leads, played by Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone. The film's soulful soundtrack and dynamic choreography further enhanced its appeal, making it a memorable and special film for audiences.

Bajirao Mastani

‘Bajirao Mastani’ starring Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, and Priyanka Chopra hit theatres in 2015. Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 8th film was a timeless tale of love and sacrifice set against the backdrop of Maratha history, allowing the audience to experience the grandeur of the time amidst an epic love story. With its opulent sets, mesmerizing music, and captivating storytelling, it's an over-the-top cinematic experience that shouldn't be missed. The film quickly became one of the biggest hits of 2015, sweeping away awards at several ceremonies and garnering a lot of love from the audiences, making it a must-watch.

Gangubai Kathiawadi

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ captivated people's hearts as it focused on the untold story of Gangubai, a protagonist inspired by the real-life figure Ganga Jagjivandas Kathiawadi. Set against the backdrop of Kamathipura, Mumbai's red-light district, the film explores themes of resilience, empowerment, and social justice. Bhansali, known for his epic narratives, shifted gears to deliver a bold, raw story that nobody else dared to. This shift allowed Alia Bhatt to shine in her portrayal of Gangubai, delivering a powerful performance that resonated with audiences worldwide and earned the film numerous awards. 

Over a celebrated career nearly 3 decades long, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has established himself as one of the industry’s greatest filmmakers due to his artistic vision, meticulous approach, and profound emotional depth. He consistently pushes boundaries by creating immersive worlds that captivate audiences, resulting in award-winning cinematic experiences that resonate deeply with viewers.