Sanjay Leela Bhansali, known for helming magnum opus films and constructing grand sets, recently spoke about finding the delicate balance between commerce and art. Referring to himself as “the most impractical, self-destructive filmmaker,” Bhansali shared how a lead actor once criticised him for spending Rs 50 crore on Devdas. He also revealed that after the failure of Saawariya, many actors were hesitant to work with him.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter India, Bhansali recalled, “During the Devdas shoot in 2001, a big actor came up to me and said, ‘You are spending Rs 50 crore of the producer’s money on a character who dies under a tree, calling out Paro’s name.’ It didn’t matter to me; I didn’t understand economics. I just knew everything that moment needed. I never thought about my films in terms of budget and potential earnings.” He continued, “I’ve never sold myself. I’ve never directed advertisements. I just never felt it was right for me.”

Reflecting on the aftermath of Saawariya’s failure, Bhansali said, “People claimed I was finished, that no actor wanted to work with me. They thought I was done, but I knew I wasn’t going anywhere—I had another film, and then another. 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.”

Bhansali also talked about continuing to shoot Padmavati in Rajasthan after facing attacks. He explained, “After we were attacked, people asked me, ‘Where will you put the camera tomorrow?’ I responded, ‘Should we go to that place?’ They told me ‘Are you out of your mind? You were just humiliated.’ But I believe that every artist must endure humiliation. If you aren’t angry about what’s right and wrong, you lack true expression.”

In January 2017, Sanjay Leela Bhansali was attacked by protestors while filming Padmavati at Jaigarh Fort in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Members of the Rajput Karni Sena alleged that his film misrepresented the historical and distorted facts, even though it was based on a piece of literature. Despite the delay, Padmaavat eventually released in January 2018, earning just under Rs 600 crore at the box office.

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