Saturday , Sept. 28, 2024, 12:50 p.m.
News thumbnail
Entertainment / Tue, 21 May 2024 The Indian Express

Sanjay Leela Bhansali says Pandit Birju Maharaj refused to eat before performing for someone: ‘I took him to Madhuri Dixit’s house’

Bhansali said that Maharaj reminded him that he was an artiste, and artistes don’t feel like eating or enjoying food until they perform for someone. In response to Bhansali’s query about how he could help, Maharaj requested a platform to perform. Thus, Bhansali took the dancer to Madhuri Dixit’s house to perform. Criticism is also a part of an artiste’s growth and life.”Click for more updates and latest Bollywood news along with Entertainment updates. Also get latest news and top headlines from India and around the world at The Indian Express.

While his latest directorial venture, the period drama streaming series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, has been generating mixed reactions from audiences, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has also been earning immense praise for the show’s intricate and detailed production design. Bhansali, who has always been hailed for the aesthetic quality of his projects, recently shared an anecdote about dancer-composer Pandit Birju Maharaj, and how the Kathak legend taught him about the innate longing of an artiste for recognition and appreciation.

Expressing delight over the fact that his Heeramandi is currently being watched by people all across the world since it premiered on the streaming platform Netflix, Bhansali told ETimes that for him, the paramount goal is widespread viewership of his work. He emphasised his point by drawing parallels with the satisfaction a singer derives from being heard.

Also read | Akshay Kumar says son Aarav left home at 15, wears second-hand clothes, is not interested in Bollywood: ‘He is a very simple boy’ He further reflected on the profound longing of artistes to have their works acknowledged and shared an experience with Birju Maharaj while working on Devdas (2002). Recalling that Maharaj, who had come to record two songs for the film, including “Kaahe Chhed Chhed” for actor Madhuri Dixit, contacted him on a Sunday to complain that he had nothing to do. Bhansali said that Maharaj reminded him that he was an artiste, and artistes don’t feel like eating or enjoying food until they perform for someone. In response to Bhansali’s query about how he could help, Maharaj requested a platform to perform. Thus, Bhansali took the dancer to Madhuri Dixit’s house to perform. The filmmaker added, “Every artiste wants their talent to be seen, appreciated or even criticised. Criticism is also a part of an artiste’s growth and life.”

Click for more updates and latest Bollywood news along with Entertainment updates. Also get latest news and top headlines from India and around the world at The Indian Express.

logo

Stay informed with the latest news and updates from around India and the world.We bring you credible news, captivating stories, and valuable insights every day

©All Rights Reserved.