Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali recently opened up about his humble beginnings, reflecting on how he, an outsider living in a Mumbai chawl, rose to become one of the top directors in the Hindi film industry. In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Bhansali shared memories of the time filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra reluctantly gave him his first job as an assistant, eventually coming to accept him.

He recalled, “My walking into the film world was impossible. How did this boy living near Bhindi Bazaar would come here. That boy never spoke well, had no friends, who had no influence but there is path and it’s a long path.”

Bhansali revealed that it was his sister’s efforts that helped him connect with Vidhu Vinod Chopra, though Chopra was quick to dismiss him at first. He explained, “My sister worked with Vidhu Vinod Chopra. She approached his ex-wife Renu Chopra, who forced him to take me. Vinod Chopra came and in his characteristic style, he dismissed me. Then he accepted me and I worked with him for 8 years.”

Reflecting on the impact that experience had on him, Bhansali said, “He made me iron and steel. After working with him for 8 years, you can face anything in the world. Till date if Vinod Chopra’s call comes, I stand up and talk. That is the gratitude I feel towards somebody who changed my life.”

Bhansali recently directed the web series Heeramandi, marking his debut on the OTT platform. He will next helm Love and War, starring Bollywood couple Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor, alongside Vicky Kaushal. While this will be Vicky’s first project with Bhansali, both Alia and Ranbir have previously collaborated with the filmmaker in Gangubai Kathiawadi and Saawariya, respectively.

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