'Alia Bhatt cried, raved, ranted, locked herself in a room when Inshallah got shelved': Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Sanjay Leela Bhansali said Alia Bhatt “just flew into the role” in Gangubai Kathiawadi. He added that she even “today sometimes talks like Gangubai”.

Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali has said that actor Alia Bhatt "cracked up, cried, raved, ranted, and locked herself in a room" when their film Inshallah got shelved. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Bhansali shared how Alia Bhatt reacted when she was told she would play the role of Gangubai in Gangubai Kathiawadi instead. (Also Read | Alia Bhatt finds her walk is 'strange like a duck', says had to work hard to bring the swag for Gangubai Kathiawadi)

Bhansali recalls how Alia reacted when Inshallah was shelved

Sanjay Leela Bhansali spoke about his Gangubai Kathiawadi actor Alia Bhatt.

Bhansali said, “I was doing Inshallah with her. Then it suddenly got shelved. She broke down, cracked up, cried, raved, ranted, and locked herself in a room. Then I called her up after one week, and I said you are playing Gangubai. She said, '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'. 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 how convinced you are of certain things that you do, I've understood your personality'.”

Bhansali says Alia still talks like Gangubai sometimes

The duo will work together in Love and War which also stars Ranbir Kapoor, and Vicky Kaushal. The film will now be out in theatres on March 20, 2026. Love and War is expected to go on floors in the coming months.