Veteran actor Raza Murad has opened up about filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s demanding approach to filmmaking, saying he has witnessed the director lose his temper with both technicians and major Bollywood stars.
Speaking with Vickey Lalwani, the 75-year-old actor compared Bhansali with legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor, describing both as perfectionists who prioritised achieving their creative vision on set.
‘His anger isn’t personal’
Murad said Bhansali can become frustrated when he struggles to communicate exactly what he wants from those working with him.
“It’s not like he is angry right from the start,” Murad said, adding that every person has their own temperament.
According to the actor, Bhansali’s anger is generally connected to work rather than personal disagreements.
“It’s not like he only loses his temper at his assistants. I have seen him shouting at bigger stars as well,” Murad said.
He claimed to have witnessed Bhansali lose his temper with Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra while working on different projects.
Murad compares Bhansali with Raj Kapoor
Murad said Bhansali and Raj Kapoor share a similar commitment to getting their desired results, regardless of time or logistical constraints.
“They want what they want. Time, shift, money, set, dates were of least importance to them,” he said.
The actor recalled that for such filmmakers, completing a scene or sequence according to their vision could take significantly longer than initially planned.
“It’s okay if it takes eight days instead of four days. And when they are on set, they mean business,” Murad said.
Worked with both filmmakers
Murad has a long association with Raj Kapoor, having appeared in films including Prem Rog (1982), Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985) and Henna (1991).
He has also worked with Bhansali on several films, including Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013), Bajirao Mastani (2015), Padmaavat (2018) and Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022).
Murad’s comments offer a glimpse into the working styles of two filmmakers he describes as deeply committed to their creative vision.
