Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali recently opened up about his first encounter with Deepika Padukone, describing it as a mesmerizing moment. During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Bhansali shared that when he visited Deepika’s home for the first time, he was struck by her beauty, particularly her eyes and voice. He recalled, “I froze by the beauty of the woman…there’s so much of subtlety, fragility, and beauty.” He added that her voice left a lasting impression on him.
Bhansali and Deepika’s professional collaboration has been highly successful, beginning with Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013), followed by Bajirao Mastani (2015), and Padmaavat (2018). Bhansali described feeling a strong connection with Deepika and instinctively knowing that she had the potential to become a significant part of his creative journey.
Deepika Padukone, who is currently gearing up for her role in Singham Again, continues to be a prominent figure in Bollywood. Meanwhile, Bhansali is set to direct Love and War, featuring Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, and Vicky Kaushal, which is scheduled for release in 2026.
