Who Is Sanjay Leela Bhansali? Age, Biography and Wiki
Sanjay Leela Bhansali, born on February 24, 1963, is a renowned Indian film director, producer, and screenwriter known for his opulent cinematic storytelling and captivating narratives. With a career spanning decades, Bhansali has become synonymous with grandiosity and artistic expression in Indian cinema. As of 2025, he is 62 years old and continues to be a pivotal figure in Bollywood.
| Occupation | Film Producer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 24, 1963 |
| Age | 62 Years |
| Birth Place | Bombay, Maharashtra, India |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | India |
Popularity
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Bhansali stands at an estimated height of 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm). While his exact weight is not publicly disclosed, he maintains a healthy physique that reflects his disciplined lifestyle. Bhansali's measurements have not been officially confirmed, but his presence reflects a dynamic and engaging demeanor that resonates with audiences.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As a private individual, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has kept details about his family life and relationships mostly under wraps. As of 2025, there are no confirmed reports regarding his romantic relationships or any significant other, leading to speculation about his dating status. There have been rumors in the past about potential relationships, but Bhansali has often preferred to keep his personal life discreet.
His father, Navin, was an film producer, but due to financial setbacks, he turned to alcoholism. As a result, his mother, Leela, sewed clothes to make ends meet and Navin died of cirrhosis. Bhansali adopted his mother's name as his middle name instead of his father's. He has paid tribute to his father in many of his films.
In Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), Sameer's tendency of speaking to his deceased father while looking at the sky is believed to be inspired by a similar habit that Bhansali had during his childhood. His alcoholism inspried Devdas (2002), including the funeral scene.
In Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022), a poster of his father's film, Jahazi Lutera (1957), can be seen in the background. Bhansali studied editing at Film and Television Institute of India.
His sister, Bela Bhansali Segal, has directed Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi (2012), for which he wrote the script, while Bela's daughter, Sharmin Segal, made her debut as an actress under his production Malaal (2019), for which he also served as fellow writer and composer.
Bhansali speaks Gujarati at home and loves Gujarati food, music, literature and architecture. He is trained in Odissi.
Net Worth and Salary
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's net worth as of 2025 is estimated to be around $200 million, making him one of the wealthiest filmmakers in India. His earnings come from various sources including film direction, production, and music composition. With numerous successful films under his belt like Devdas, Padmaavat, and Gangubai Kathiawadi, his financial portfolio continues to grow, further solidified by strategic investments and lucrative contracts in the film industry.
Career, Business and Investments
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's illustrious career began in the early 1990s, with his directorial debut in Khamoshi: The Musical (1996). He quickly gained fame for his visually stunning films and powerful storytelling, often exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and tragedy. Bhansali's work has garnered numerous awards, including National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards.
In addition to directing, Bhansali is a savvy businessman. He has invested in various projects and production houses, ensuring a steady income stream apart from his films. He is also known for his work in music composition, contributing to his overall wealth. His production house, Bhansali Productions, has produced several blockbuster movies, further cementing his status in the film industry.
Social Network
Sanjay Leela Bhansali is active on various social media platforms, where he shares insights into his creative process, behind-the-scenes moments, and updates on upcoming projects. You can find him on:
- Instagram: @sanjay_leela_bhansali
- Twitter: @sanjoybhansali
- Facebook: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
In 2013, Bhansali directed the tragic romance Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, an adaptation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, starring Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh.
Some religious groups opposed the film claiming that the former title Ramleela was misleading, because the movie had nothing to do with Ramlila, the traditional enactment of the life and story of Hindu deity, Lord Rama.
The film's release had been stayed by Delhi High Court due to the controversy over its title, claiming that the movie hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus. Later the film's title was changed to Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, and eventually released in India as scheduled.
However, after a week of release, Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court banned the movie's release in Uttar Pradesh. Despite the controversy and limited release, the film opened to critical acclaim and strong box office collections worldwide, ultimately earning ₹2.02 billion (US$31 million) and emerging as the fifth highest-grossing film of 2013.
The film garnered several award nominations for Bhansali including Best Film and Best Director nominations at Filmfare. The same year, Bhansali debuted in television with the show Saraswatichandra, starring Gautam Rode and Jennifer Winget, which he later left after few episodes.
Education
Sanjay Leela Bhansali completed his education at the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, where he honed his skills in filmmaking. His educational background, combined with his innate talent and passion for storytelling, propelled him to become one of India's most respected filmmakers.
