Reports claiming that filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali suffered a heart attack sent fans into a tizzy earlier today. Social media was flooded with worried messages, with many questioning the director’s
health just a day after he celebrated his birthday on the sets of Love & War. However, the rumours have now been firmly put to rest.
Bhansali Productions issued an official family statement dismissing the claims and clarifying that there is absolutely no cause for concern. The note read, “Mr. Sanjay Leela Bhansali is doing absolutely fine. He has gone in for a routine medical check-up and there is no cause for concern. We sincerely appreciate the love, care, and concern shown by everyone. Thank you for your continued support and warm wishes.”
The clarification comes amid speculation that the director had been hospitalised following a medical emergency. Sources close to the filmmaker have now confirmed that he only underwent a routine check-up and is hale and hearty.
Bhansali is currently busy shooting his much-anticipated film Love & War, and it seems like he has upped the ante. The film was already mounted on a steep estimate of Rs 350 crore, and now, if a Variety India report is to be believed, the budget for the film has surpassed the Rs 400 crore mark. A source close to the production told Variety India, “Bhansali strives for perfection and is not satisfied until every single frame matches his vision. That relentless commitment is what has made him the towering filmmaker he is today. But the repeated production extensions have ballooned the budget.” “Originally planned at Rs 350 crore, the cost has now climbed to Rs 425 crore, making it the most expensive Bhansali project to date,” the source also added. The report mentioned that this estimate excludes the fees of the three lead stars, who have instead opted for a backend profit-sharing deal. As such, they will receive a payout from the theatrical revenue of the film.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali celebrated his birthday on Tuesday while working on the film’s sets. The filmmaker is known for his over-the-top lavish sets, detailed direction and refined storyline. He is well known for his films like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas, Padmaavat, and Gangubai Kathiawadi, among others. But his journey in the film industry was not an easy one.
