Alia Bhatt’s Emotional Journey from ‘Inshallah’ to ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi,’ Says Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Bhansali reveals how Alia Bhatt transformed into Gangubai, overcoming heartbreak after ‘Inshallah’ was shelved.

Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali recently opened up about Alia Bhatt’s incredible transformation for her role in Gangubai Kathiawadi in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India. According to Bhansali, Alia fully immersed herself in the character, even to the point of “sometimes still talking like Gangubai” today.

Bhansali shared that the journey wasn’t easy for the actor. Before Gangubai Kathiawadi, Bhatt was set to star in another project with Bhansali, Inshallah. However, when the film was unexpectedly shelved, Alia was devastated. “She broke down, cracked up, cried, raved, ranted, and locked herself in a room,” Bhansali revealed. The cancellation left her in emotional turmoil.

But things took a turn when Bhansali called her a week later to offer her the lead role in Gangubai Kathiawadi. Alia was uncertain, expressing doubt about her ability to portray the complex character of a brothel madam. “From Los Angeles, where I was supposed to be playing a different character, I suddenly found myself in Kamathipura. I didn’t know this character,” Bhatt had told Bhansali.

However, Bhansali assured her, saying, “Do you trust me? I’ll tap into that strong woman in you because I can see it in your eyes. I’ve understood your personality.” Bhansali’s faith in Alia’s potential led to her powerful portrayal of Gangubai, a performance that has been widely praised.

Reflecting on the process, Bhansali recalled how Alia embraced the role. “She said, ‘I didn’t know I could play a brothel madam. I didn’t know I had a lower pitch, or that I could stand there and command such a presence. But now, I’ve started enjoying it.’ And she just flew into the role,” Bhansali said. He also noted how the character became so ingrained in her that she occasionally still slips into Gangubai’s persona.

Bhansali expressed his pride in Alia’s transformation, describing it as a beautiful moment of connection between director and actor.