Sanjay Leela Bhansali Recalls Facing 'Physical Attacks' During Padmaavat Shoot: 'Do Whatever You...'

Sanjay Leela Bhansali faced significant opposition during the making of Padmaavat, which starred Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor. The film, based on Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s 16th-century epic poem, Padmaavat, tells the story of a Rajput queen. However, several right-wing organisations objected, claiming Bhansali was distorting historical facts. As a result, the filmmaker and his sets were repeatedly attacked, including a physical assault on Bhansali himself during filming at Jaipur’s Jaigarh Fort.

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Bhansali opened up about these challenges, explaining how he maintained his resolve throughout the ordeal. “During Padmaavat, I faced a barrage of attacks—physical, mental, emotional. But I never let any of it show on screen. I am made of iron and steel; I’m not budging. Do whatever you want,” he said.

The most harrowing incident occurred when members of the Karni Sena attacked Bhansali at Jaigarh Fort, disrupting the filming. Despite the trauma of the attack, Bhansali remained unfazed. The next day, when his team asked where they would shoot, he surprised them by suggesting the very spot where they had been attacked. “They told me, ‘Are you out of your mind? You were just humiliated.’ But I believe that every artist must endure humiliation,” he shared.

Known for his lavish sets, grand storytelling and big-budget productions like Devdas and Padmaavat, he has often faced criticism for being “impractical.” But Bhansali embraces this label, describing himself as “the most impractical, self-destructive filmmaker” who takes on projects driven by passion rather than practicality.

The attacks on Padmaavat not only caused physical harm but also delayed the film’s release. Multiple court cases were filed against Bhansali and his team, and the film’s release was postponed several times. Despite these challenges, Padmaavat hit the screens in January 2018 and became a massive success, earning over Rs 600 crore at the box office.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Bhansali’s resilience shines through. “If you aren’t angry about what’s right and wrong, you lack true expression,” he said, reiterating his belief in the power of art and the necessity of perseverance.