Exclusive: Sanjay Leela Bhansali scraps ‘Inshallah’ after Salman announces postponement

By Rashita Sahni

on August 26, 2019

The breaking news in Bollywood today is that the Salman Khan-Sanjay Leela Bhansali reunion appears to be tragically over and the slice of life film they were going to be making, Inshallah with Alia Bhatt as the lead actress, looks like it has been scrapped. Ever since the news of Inshallah being delayed was announced, rumours of the reasons have started doing the rounds.

Indication of this came last night when Salman tweeted that he was not going to keep his Eid 2020 date with Inshallah and had pushed the film to December 2020. However, SLB then went on social media too this afternoon to say, “Bhansali Productions has decided to not go ahead with Inshallah for now” and a “Further announcement will be out soon.” Rather ominously, SLB ended his message by saying, “God willing.” According to some sources, the ace filmmaker didn't appreciate the constant interference in his artistic vision.

Bhansali Productions has decided to not go ahead with In-shaa-Allah for now... Further announcement will be out soon... God willing@prerna982

— BhansaliProductions (@bhansali_produc) August 26, 2019

The filmmaker’s decision to not go ahead with Inshallah after Salman had announced its postponement has sent Bollywood in a tizzy. Sources say that the reason behind this is that huge creative differences unexpectedly arose between Salman and him. The old camaraderie the actor shared with the filmmaker from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam of 1999 was lacking. A source says, "Sanjay Leela Bhansali respects and loves his actors and suggestions are welcome but not if they aim to alter the narrative. Hence, he has taken the decision to shelve the film. However, they are still friends and Sanjay Leela Bhansali has immense love and respect for him."

Rather than beginning the film this week as was originally planned with the first schedule in the US, SLB decided to drop the much-anticipated project with Salman before it was too late. His decision will impact Alia Bhatt the most. The actress had long harboured a dream to work with both, Salman Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. And now it’s not happening.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s films have always had incredible popularity and celebrated not only in our country but overseas as well. His films are known for setting new benchmarks. Be it Goliyon Ki Rasleela: Ram Leela, which offered a new vision to love or a Bajirao Mastani, which further broke records of Ram Leela to become a beautiful amalgamation of love and sacrifice. His last offering Padmaavat, had soared high with its distinct treatment to a queen’s life and her loyalty and love for her husband.