Sun Oct 13 12:42:18 UTC 2024: ## Alia Bhatt’s emotional breakdown after ‘InshaAllah’ cancellation: Sanjay Leela Bhansali reveals all
**Mumbai, India:** Renowned Bollywood director Sanjay Leela Bhansali has revealed that Alia Bhatt was deeply affected by the sudden cancellation of their film ‘InshaAllah’. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Bhansali shared the emotional turmoil the actress went through, as well as her initial hesitation to play the role of Gangubai in his upcoming film, ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’.
Bhansali disclosed that after ‘InshaAllah’ was called off, Alia was devastated and locked herself in a room. He then approached her a week later with the role of Gangubai, a proposal met with initial resistance. “She said, ‘From Los Angeles, where I was supposed to shoot this film (InshaAllah), I’m coming to Kamathipura? How will I do this? I don’t know this character.’ I said, ‘Do you trust me, and do you know me?’ Then I’ll tap into that strong woman in you because I can see it in your eyes. I can see how strong you are about some things you do. I understand your personality,” revealed Bhansali.
He also shared how he could sense Alia’s initial apprehension about playing the role of a sex worker and helped her overcome it. “When an actress asks, ‘How will I play a woman who sells her body, my voice is too high-pitched, how will I stand there?’ I know exactly what to tap into. Alia slipped into the role of Gangubai with such ease. Even today, she often speaks like Gangubai, she’s become so much a part of the film. It was wonderful that I trusted her,” added Bhansali.
‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ is a crime drama based on the book ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai’ by S. Hussain Zaidi. The film chronicles the life of Gangubai, who was sold into a brothel in Kamathipura, Mumbai. The film stars Alia Bhatt in the titular role alongside Shantanu Maheshwari, Vijay Raaz, Indira Tiwari, Seema Pahwa, Jim Sarbh, and Ajay Devgn.
This successful director-actor duo is now collaborating on ‘Love and War,’ which is expected to feature Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal. The film is slated to release on March 20, 2026, with filming expected to begin in the coming months.
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