EXCLUSIVE: Richa Chadha Lauds Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Women-First Storytelling; Shares, “They Move The Narrative Forward, They Aren’t Props”

Actress Richa Chadha, who received rave reviews for her performance in the globally celebrated series Heeramandi among other projects, is someone who never minces her words. The actress – a while back, opened up about her experience of working with ace filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and what truly sets him apart as a storyteller. Scroll below to read what she had to exclusively say about SLB and him always backing women-first stories.

Richa Chadha Praises Sanjay Leela Bhansali & His Women-First Storytelling

Reflecting on Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s personality and creative vision, Richa Chadha tells Bollywood Bubble, “For Sanjay Sir, the fact that he is Sanjay Leela Bhansali is very important to him. That he gives respect to his mother and in everything that he chooses to do, he has taken her name. He was raised with his sister Bela. So it’s the whole thing. Having loving women raise you and having that respect for women.”

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The actress added that his deep-rooted reverence for women, naturally finds its way into his cinema, something that has consistently defined Bhansali’s filmography over the years.

Elaborating on the same, the actress tells us, “It shows in his work too. Whether it’s like a woman in a male setup, like in Devdas, where Paro and Chandramukhi are sort of trapped by patriarchy. One is, you know, getting married. And one is, you know, trapped in the work conditions that she is. They both move the story forward. They are not props. And at the same time, there are other things that he does where women are directly leading the charge, like in Heeramandi or Gangubai Kathiawadi.”

SLB & His Strong On-Screen Women

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ability to craft layered, emotionally rich female characters, whether within oppressive systems or at the forefront of rebellion, has long been one of his greatest strengths. From Paro and Chandramukhi in Devdas to the fierce and unapologetic Gangubai, his women are rarely ornamental; they are powerful forces driving the narrative.

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With Heeramandi, the filmmaker once again proved his mastery on a global stage. The series not only trended internationally but also introduced a wider audience to his signature blend of grandeur, music, and deeply human storytelling.

Over the years, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has played a pivotal role in taking Indian cinema to the international map. His films are celebrated for their scale, aesthetics, and emotional depth across film festivals and global streaming platforms alike.

On the work front, the filmmaker is currently busy with his much-anticipated next, Love and War. The upcoming film stars Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal in lead roles. Given his track record, expectations are already sky-high as audiences await yet another cinematic spectacle from the master storyteller.

For more news and updates from the entertainment world, stay tuned to Bollywood Bubble.

Also Read: Love And War Budget ESCALATES; Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt And Vicky Kaushal To Reshoot Crucial Scenes Of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Directorial- Report

Grinell Jacinto

With nearly 10 years of experience, Grinell Esther Jacinto is the Desk Head of Bollywood Bubble. Her interests lie in everything that is kaleshi and she loves to dig deeper into the lives of B-town actors. She has a problem though – she loves horror films but will have chills the minute the theatres lights dims. She’s previously worked with Koimoi, UrbanAsian and SpotboyE.