Kareena Kapoor on Sanjay Leela Bhansali: ‘Ours Is a Relationship of Love and War
Kareena Kapoor Khan opened up about her relationship with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, calling it a mix of “love and war.”
Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan recently grabbed attention for a candid revelation about her relationship with renowned director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. She called their relationship an intriguing blend of “love and war”.
This comment comes against the backdrop of a great deal of nostalgia surrounding their well-known past, which included opportunities to work together and a fair share of creative debate.
Their relationship has always had complexities. Years ago, Kareena Khan auditioned for the role of Paro in Bhansali’s epic Devdas (2002), receiving a signing amount and doing the look tests. Afterwards, she was replaced at the last minute with Aishwarya Rai. Disappointed, Kareena publicly commented about Bhansali, calling him a “confused director” and expressing her disillusionment with Bhansali’s integrity.
However, as the years rolled by, both the star and the director seemed to have mellowed. The heat exchanges of their past dissipated, and they reconciled. Kareena later commented that she still looked at doing a solo Bhansali film, even maybe something in line with Bhansali’s big romance, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.
The saga didn’t stop there. Kareena was originally slated to play the female lead in Bhansali’s Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013) opposite Ranveer Singh. However, she called it quits just ten days before the shoot was set to begin, citing “mood” and schedule conflicts, and went straight to Gori Tere Pyaar Mein to begin shooting.
The role ultimately went to Deepika Padukone, who delivered a career-defining performance.
That said, when looking back at those decisions, Kareena does not regret them. She has stated, “I am probably the only actress who can say she has given films to another actress”. Sometimes, roles, mood, and a director’s vision just do not match up.
In a conversation with Vicky Kaushal, Kareena said, “Love and War is me and Sanjay. We are forever like that.”
The phrase resonated enough to make them laugh as she admitted that their relationship “fluctuates.” She then jokingly indicated that Vicky was “lucky” to be working with “THE Sanjay Leela Bhansali,” and this prompted questions about his upcoming film, entitled Face It: Love & War.
While they have never really worked together on an entire project, Kareena has hinted that there might still be an opportunity. In interviews prior, including on Koffee With Karan, she said she “still has a chance” to collaborate with Bhansali and said that her jealousy with other actresses was “a little too negative.”
That mentality is even better today, with her good-natured, teasing comments.
As for whether Kareena will ultimately star in a Bhansali epic? Who knows. But today’s hints suggest something good: a thawing of old differences, an acknowledgment of the artistry of cinema, plus the light-hearted expectation that Love & War, as both a film and a relationship, is not over yet.
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