The highly anticipated film 'Inshallah,' directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and starring Alia Bhatt alongside Salman Khan, was one of the most eagerly awaited projects in Bollywood. However, the film was shelved due to creative differences, leaving fans and the cast in a state of disappointment.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali recently shared his recollections of the project's demise, revealing the emotional toll it took on Alia Bhatt. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Bhansali recounted how Alia broke down, cracked up, cried, raved, ranted, and locked herself in a room upon hearing that the project was shelved.
Bhansali recalled the incident vividly: 'I was doing Inshallah with her, and suddenly the project got shelved. She broke down, cracked up, cried, raved, ranted, and locked herself in a room.' A week later, he called her and offered her the role of Gangubai in Gangubai Kathiawadi, which she initially found challenging to accept.
Alia Bhatt expressed her disbelief at the sudden change in roles: 'From Los Angeles, where I was supposed to be playing the character (in Inshallah), I have come to Kamathipura. How do I do it? I don't know this character.' Bhansali reassured her by saying, '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.'
Bhansali's approach to directing Alia Bhatt was not only about bringing out her acting skills but also about tapping into her inner strength. He believed in her ability to portray complex characters and encouraged her to trust him. 'How do you tap into an actor who says, 'I didn't know I could play a brothel madam. I didn't know I had a lower pitch, I didn't know I had to stand there and do this. I've started enjoying sir.' And she just flew into the role,' he said.
Despite the initial challenges, Alia Bhatt eventually immersed herself in the role of Gangubai, delivering a critically acclaimed performance. The film Gangubai Kathiawadi went on to become one of the earliest pandemic-era hits and further cemented Alia's stardom.
The shelving of 'Inshallah' was not just a setback for Alia Bhatt but also a missed opportunity for Bollywood. The film had all the potential to be a box office blockbuster, given its unique storyline and the star power of Salman Khan and Alia Bhatt. It was scheduled to be released on Eid 2020 but never made it to the screens.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's vision for 'Inshallah' was to create a light-hearted comedy that would have resonated with audiences. The film was supposed to feature Salman Khan as a man in his forties who fell in love with a woman younger than him. It would have been a refreshing change from the usual action-packed films that dominate Bollywood.
The combination of Salman Khan and Eid has been a winning formula in the past, with films like Ek Tha Tiger, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Kick, Sultan, Dabangg, and Wanted achieving massive success. If 'Inshallah' had been released on Eid, it would have likely opened to earth-shattering figures and enjoyed a glorious run at the box office.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known for his grandeur and attention to detail in his films. He invests heavily in costumes, sets, and other aspects of filmmaking. 'Inshallah' would have been no exception, offering a visual spectacle that would have redefined cinema with its fresh subject matter.
Despite the shelving of 'Inshallah,' Alia Bhatt continues to work with Sanjay Leela Bhansali on their upcoming film 'Love and War,' which also stars Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal. The film is set to release in theaters on March 20, 2026.
