“BLACK is the story of faith, fight and triumph!”- Sanjay Leela Bhansali 
By IndiaFM News Bureau, January 13, 2005 - 08:38 IST
Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the name flashes images of stunning visuals, divine looking women, golden music and unmistakable intensity. But once you meet the man, the only synonym that befits the Picasso of celluloid is stinging passion. Passion that drives him, drains him and even dangers him to a breakdown… as you'll know.
After crafting 70 MM extravaganzas, the maker now steers his imagination to the idea that has stalked him for 10 years, Black. IndiaFM does an exclusive with Sanjay Leela Bhansali where he flags Black as a film about faith, fight and triumph, injects thought on why he can't direct another actor after watching Amitabh act, what makes Rani simply marvelous and why he thinks Black is the wisest thing he has done…
So join in for some BLACK magic as we take you through the madness that is Sanjay Bhansali…
After a kaleidoscopic Devdas, it's BLACK.
Well, yes I have tried to attempt something different. But I don't necessarily agree to the rational behind it. Just because Black doesn't have a burst of colors doesn't make it any less aesthetic. Infact, it has the supreme color of all, black! Monotones and shades of black are very attractive if used intelligently. And the best element is that it doesn't overshadow the characters or narrative. So for once the characters in my film will be better discussed than the color of the pillows and curtains. (Smiles)
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“Rani is the biggest star today!”
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The promos show a paradigm shift in your style. It's almost like a cinematic departure…
As a director, I have to rejuvenate. I can't give my audiences the same Rahul, Anjali or Nandini. I made a romantic story with Hum Dil, Devdas was a tragic love story and I felt it was now time to tell a new story to my audiences. To present them with newer conflicts and shake them up from the predictable.
With Black you have gone against everything that is perceived of Bhansali as a filmmaker. Do you think that a drastic shift like this might rob you off your mainstay audience?
Interesting. But I don't think that I have lost my audience. Like I said, I would be cheating my viewer if I were to give him a Devdas part II. Besides, I believe people like makers who can give something new, something different at each outing. And for that, I as an artist have to overcome my skepticism. People appreciate artists who are fearless and push the envelope. I believe that Black is the wisest thing I have done!
Can you unravel Black for us?
(Takes a long breath) Well, with Black I am telling the story of faith, fight and triumph. It is about the life of this blind and deaf girl who doesn't let go of life and clings on to hope in the bravest manner. Amitabh plays her guide who steels her for a life full of possibilities, dreams and fervor! Snuff all thoughts of Black being a dark, disturbing tale. My film is about hope, courage and life!
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“For once the characters in my film will be remembered more
than the color of the pillows and curtains in the frame!”
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You have lived BLACK for 10 years. How much of Sanjay do we see in it?
That's right, the idea of making a film on the blind and deaf hit me in 94'. But as things would have it, I made Khamoshi, Hum Dil…happened later and 2002 saw Devdas. But somehow the power of the idea was such that it survived 10 years! That's when I thought that this film had to be made for sure and Black happened.
It has a lot of me. In the sense, the intensity, the anguish, the power, the pain is all there. But it also has a mature me. I have gone through a sea change through the making of the film. I feel I have evolved as a person; Black has done that to me. It's almost cathartic.
Can you travel us through your experience of interacting with the blind-and-deaf?
What we fail to understand is that they don't need our sympathy; help if possible is a great aid. We need to imbibe that these men and women lead as much a complete life as you and me. They laugh, love, flirt all of that and more. They are not children of a lesser god.
Mainstream actors come with their reserves. How was the experience of taking Amitabh and Rani through an uncharted territory like Black?
It was fascinating! The way Amitabh strode on to my sets was incredible! The power and aura that the man generates has to be experienced. He is so commanding and with it. Even after giving an unsurpassable shot, he would rerun the video to see whether there are portions that can be bettered. His professionalism is untouchable!
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“Erase all thoughts about Black being a dark film…”
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The scenes were so heart-rending that it would send him into an emotional void at times. There were occasions when he would simply retreat into his makeup van and be with himself. His makeup artist tells me that he hasn't seen Amitji like this before…
So he outdoes himself once again…
You bet! A 60-year-old man learns sign language. He trains himself in the art with utmost precision. It is a privilege to watch him shoot on the sets. One moment he is all energy and madness and the next moment he goes completely sublime. Amitabh has displayed nuances of the highest order. Watching his character on screen is like feasting on a western symphony!
When was the last time you liked watching Mr. Bachchan on screen?
I liked him in some scenes of Khakee.
He once remarked that if he were to debut again, he would choose Sanjay Bhansali as his director…
Oh, that is very generous of him. Mr. Bachchan has given me the performance of a lifetime! I don't think I can direct any other actor for another 5 years at least. I am his slave!
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“I hope people stand by the film”
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Rani has gone on record saying that BLACK remains the most fulfilling role of her career. What is it about the role that makes her say so?
Rani was almost drifting on the sets. The role did that to her. I think she has given an unbelievable performance! With her, I have altered the definition of an Indian protagonist. Here is a hero who might not be your glam gal but is fighting odds. And is heroic in the truest sense!
What Rani gives me is spontaneity. Research is great; homework is fine too. But if you begin to meditate on the role, it loses its edge somewhere. The moment is here and you need to deliver right then. Life can't be rehearsed and the moments shouldn't be either.
What is that one streak in Rani as an actress that is irreplaceable?
Her rawness, her unpolished touch. She will give you a world-class shot and not realize that she has done so. And there in lies the magic. She can be completely bindaas and before you bat an eyelid, can bring a Madhuri-like nazakat in her. The lady is versatile in the most wonderful manner. Rani is the biggest star today!
There is an alleged kiss between Amitabh and Rani in the film. Mindless gossip or holds water?
Well, that you'll have to see. The two characters go through a journey that creates some friction between the two. There are some physical disturbances that owe its justification to the script alone.
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"The power that Mr.Bachchan generates is unbelievable …I am his slave!"
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Rumor also has it that there is an alleged rape sequence. We need to nail this one too.
Rape! Oh no, this is way too scandalous. There is no such occurrence in the film. Completely negated.
Any poignant moment in the film that you did like to share with us…
The entire film has been an experience to treasure. For instance, this little girl Ayesha, who plays a young Rani is simply out-of-the-world. She hit like a bolt out of the blue. I was like, 'Wow, she is something else, man!'
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“I have strongly felt against the Oscars!” - Amitabh Bachchan
