Bollywood's ace filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali is well-known for creating larger-than-life characters and exploring their emotional journeys. Bhansali's plots are characterized by their grandeur and emotional depth. Meanwhile, the filmmaker is enjoying the success of his recently released period drama 'Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar'.
SLB is widely considered the toughest director for actors in Bollywood. However, one person who has been working closely with SLB and is responsible for bringing his vision to life is Prerna Singh, the CEO of Bhansali Productions. In an exclusive interview with ETimes, Prerna spoke about SLB's love for cinema, the grandeur of 'Heeramandi' and more.
You come from a corporate background and now transitioning into film production. What has been the biggest learning?Whatever has happened in my life, it has happened organically. A good story always helps, whether I was in a corporate or a production house, the learning has been the same. If you have a good product, it will always help. When I was a part of branding and sales, I used to work around a product and see how the product sees the light of the day. We would build strategies but what's important is the story you build around it, how you pitch it and how you sell it and that’s my key. There I was also selling a story and here I am doing the same and I am fortunate enough to sell those.
How did your path cross with Sanjay Leela Bhansali? What convinced you to work with him? You will believe it or not, I first met sir on Bajirao Mastani - he was directing and we were producing. I used to meet him, present plans and like, I said, if you have a good story or good product, it will give us all the ammunition to step into the market. I had a lot of interactions with him and we made a good bond. For me, he was a great inspiration. I come from a small town. We have always believed in hard work and I used to manifest that someday I work here and the rest is history.
Bhansali is known for his love for cinema. How do your style and Bhansali style come together and produce content?A common chord between us is that we are extremely passionate. He sets the goal and like we all know whatever he decides, we have to sum it up and sell in a candid way. We both are hunters for passion, so that's how it is.
What were the challenges you faced while making Heeramandi?The best thing about Heeramandi was getting to make a series as big as this. I don't take it as a challenge, for me, it's a great achievement because the idea was striving and we all know every story has its own destiny and It takes its time to come out. As I said SLB is extremely passionate and having said all of that it's an elaborate process. When you make a film you have two and a half hours of content. This was an 8-part series and he helmed the project from start to end. He is a one-man show. Even though it was an elaborate process he achieved it. For me as a producer, I have the best director.
What is your vision for Bhansali Production? Never has there been a time when we could share India's abundant stories with the world with such great ease. We are reaching global audiences, transcending barriers of language and geography. Our vision is to place India at the heart of global storytelling, sharing our rich art, culture, heritage, dance, and music with audiences worldwide.
Do you have an aspiration of becoming a director or happy with the leading production house?I have no aspirations of becoming a director and I am very happy with what I am doing. I respect the legend and it's my duty to take his visions ahead. The way we work together and he pushes you more and more is inspiring. He is Passionate and hardworking and it shows on screen.
We have always seen Bhansali sir coming up with great music. How and why did you think of coming up with your own music label for Heeramandi? Tired of too many ads?