There’s a reason why Sanjay Leela Bhansali is regarded as an auteur. His versatility as well as his brilliance are demonstrated by his seven victories at National Film Awards throughout the years. He has achieved these successes in a variety of filmmaking fields, including direction, scripting, and technical specialties like music composition and editing. The six films listed below are those for which Bhansali has received national recognition.
Devdas
In 2002, Bhansali’s film received the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. The cast of the historical romance included Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Madhuri Dixit, Kirron Kher, and Jackie Shroff.
Black
The Best Feature Film in Hindi award was given to Bhansali’s 2005 production. Although Devdas is visually very different from it, Bhansali’s mastery of the Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukjerji-starring film was a tribute to his flexibility as a filmmaker.
Mary Kom
Bhansali co-produced the 2014 boxing drama starring Priyanka Chopra, directed by Omang Kumar. In fact, he played a key role in winning Priyanka over. At the National Awards, it took home the prize for Best Popular Film Offering Filling Entertainment.
Bajirao Mastani
Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, and Priyanka starred in Bhansali’s 2015 historical romance Bajirao Mastani, which won him the Best Director prize at the National Film Awards.
Padmaavat
Shahid Kapoor, Deepika, and Ranveer also starred in Bhansali’s 2018 historical drama, which also garnered him the Best Music Director award. Since Goliyon Ki Rasleela: Ram-Leela (2013), Bhansali has been the composer of his films. Memorable tracks from the Padmaavat album included Ghoomar, Khali Bali, Ek Dil Ek Jaan, and Binte Dil.
Gangubai Kathiawadi
His most recent film, which he directed last year, took home not one but two trophies this time. He received awards for Best Editing and Best Adapted Screenplay for the historical drama Gangubai Kathiawadi, in which Alia Bhatt plays the title character and won Best Actress at the 69th National Film Awards.