Sanjay Leela Bhansali Reveals Alia Bhatt’s Reaction When Inshallah Got Shelved, “She Broke Down”

One of Bhansali’s highly anticipated projects, Inshallah was set to feature Salman Khan as Alia’s co-star

Sanjay Leela Bhansali Reveals Alia Bhatt’s Reaction When Inshallah Got Shelved, “She Broke Down”

One of Bhansali’s highly anticipated projects, Inshallah was set to feature Salman Khan as Alia’s co-star

This image was taken from Instagram

Sanjay Leela Bhansali recently revealed that before Gangubai Kathiawadi, he was supposed to shoot another movie with Alia Bhatt titled Inshallah. One of Bhansali’s highly anticipated projects, Inshallah was to feature Salman Khan as Alia’s co-star. When the movie was shelved, it didn’t go down well with Alia Bhatt, the filmmaker shared. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he said, “I was doing Inshallah with her, and suddenly the project got shelved. She broke down, she cracked up, she cried, raved, ranted, locked herself in a room.”

Her disappointment did not last too long as just a week later the filmmaker had good news for Alia. “I called her up after one week and said, ‘You’re playing Gangubai,'” he said.

Bhansali also opened up on how Alia first reacted when she was offered Gangubai Kathiawadi. “From LA, where I was supposed to play the character in Inshallah, I suddenly found myself in Kamathipura. I didn’t know if I could do it,” she said to him.

But Bhansali admitted he never lost trust in her and urged her to just trust the process. “I will tap into that strong woman in you, because I can see it in your eyes. I can see how convinced you are of certain things, because of your personality. That is my job as a director,” he told her.

Bhansali also revealed that once Alia got into the role, she fully embraced the character. “She just flew into the role. She even today sometimes talks like Gangubai. It’s so much a part of it. It’s so beautiful to have believed in her, to have tapped in her,” he added.

Inshallah is not the first project of this director-actor duo to fall through. Earlier, Alia Bhatt was meant to work with Ranbir Kapoor in a film called Balika Vadhu by Bhansali. Alia and Bhansali’s next project will be Love and War, which is slated for a March 2026 release. The film also stars Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali, a visionary director known for his grand narratives and visually stunning films, has long been a name that evokes anticipation and excitement in the Bollywood film industry. Among his various projects, one of the most awaited was Inshallah, which promised to be a cinematic spectacle featuring two of Bollywood’s biggest stars: Salman Khan and Alia Bhatt. The announcement of this collaboration sent shockwaves of enthusiasm among fans and industry insiders alike. However, as fate would have it, Inshallah never materialized, leaving many to ponder the reasons behind its untimely demise.

Initially announced in 2018, Inshallah was intended to be a romantic drama exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of relationships. The casting of Salman Khan, a superstar with an immense fan base, alongside the talented and versatile Alia Bhatt, was seen as a masterstroke by Bhansali. Both actors, known for their strong screen presence and acting prowess, were expected to bring the characters to life in a manner that would resonate deeply with audiences. The excitement surrounding the film reached fever pitch, as fans eagerly anticipated what Bhansali, known for his meticulous attention to detail, would create with such a stellar cast.

However, as the film entered its pre-production phase, several challenges emerged. One of the most significant issues was the scheduling conflicts faced by Salman Khan. The actor, known for his packed schedule and numerous commitments, found it increasingly difficult to dedicate the time needed to bring Bhansali’s vision to fruition. This situation was compounded by the fact that Bhansali is known for his exacting standards, often requiring extensive rehearsal and preparation time from his actors. As discussions progressed, it became clear that aligning the schedules of both stars would be a daunting task.

In addition to scheduling conflicts, there were also creative differences that surfaced during the pre-production discussions. Bhansali, known for his penchant for epic storytelling and grandeur, has a distinct style that often involves lavish sets, elaborate costumes, and an immersive cinematic experience. While Salman Khan and Alia Bhatt are both highly skilled actors, their artistic visions and preferences may not have fully aligned with Bhansali’s ambitious aspirations for Inshallah. Such creative tensions are not uncommon in the film industry, especially when collaborating with renowned directors and established stars.

As the challenges mounted, the dream project began to lose momentum. In July 2019, Bhansali officially announced the postponement of Inshallah, citing the need for further development and refinement of the script. This announcement left fans heartbroken, as they had been eagerly anticipating the film’s release. The postponement sparked a wave of speculation regarding the future of the project, with many wondering if Inshallah would eventually be revived or if it would join the ranks of other abandoned Bollywood projects.

Despite the disappointment, it is essential to recognize that the decision to postpone Inshallah may ultimately be a blessing in disguise. Bhansali is known for delivering films that are not only commercially successful but also critically acclaimed. Rushing into production without a well-developed script and cohesive vision could have jeopardized the quality of the film. By taking the time to refine the narrative and ensure that the creative elements align, Bhansali may be safeguarding the integrity of the project for future audiences.

Additionally, the film industry is notoriously unpredictable, and the landscape can change rapidly. The postponement of Inshallah may open the door for new opportunities for both Bhansali and the lead actors. Alia Bhatt, a rising star known for her versatility, has been involved in various successful projects, establishing herself as one of the leading actresses of her generation. Meanwhile, Salman Khan continues to dominate the box office with his action-packed films. The time away from Inshallah could allow both actors to explore different roles and expand their artistic horizons.

In the grand tapestry of Bollywood, Inshallah may yet find its place. Film projects often have a way of evolving and resurfacing when the time is right. There is a possibility that Bhansali may revisit the concept in the future, perhaps with a fresh perspective or different cast dynamics. The industry has seen numerous examples of delayed projects eventually coming to fruition, often with a renewed vigor that captures the essence of the time.

In conclusion, while the postponement of Inshallah has left fans longing for what could have been, it also serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in filmmaking. The combination of star power, artistic vision, and logistical challenges can create a delicate balancing act that requires patience and understanding. For now, fans will have to wait and see what the future holds for Bhansali, Salman Khan, and Alia Bhatt. Whether or not Inshallah becomes a reality, the anticipation surrounding this project underscores the magic of Bollywood—an industry where dreams, stories, and creativity continue to flourish, regardless of the obstacles faced along the way.