2 Years of Gangubai Kathiawadi: Alia Bhatt – Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film was praised by Robin Baker, Head Curator of British Film Institute National Archives 2 : Bollywood News

It’s not every day that the British Film Institute National Archives’ Head Curator, Robin Baker showers praise on a film that stands out for him. But did you know that Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi starring Alia Bhatt was among the lucky few?

2 Years of Gangubai Kathiawadi: Alia Bhatt – Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film was praised by Robin Baker, Head Curator of British Film Institute National Archives

Back in January 2023, Robin Baker took to social media to praise Gangubai Kathiawadi. He also requested BAFTA and Academy Awards to watch the movie. He wrote “If I was a member of BAFTA or the Academy (I’m not), this year I would be voting for Alia Bhatt as Best Actress for her performance in GANGUBAI KATHIAWADI (Sanjay Leela Bhansali, India, 2022). She plays a prostitute turned underworld brothel madam turned campaigner for sex workers’ rights, and the joy of her performance is how she grows as her character develops."

He added, "The film is big, brash, sentimental and hugely enjoyable, but Bhatt is sensational. There's the additional pleasure of the film's classic Hindi cinema references - from Gangubai's love of Dev Anand to scenes of cinema-going in the 50s and 60s to the numerous film posters lining the streets around Bombay's red light district."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Robin Baker (@robinbakerbfi)

Based on the book "Mafia Queens of Mumbai", written by S. Hussain Zaid, the story of Gangubai Kathiawadi revolves around the rise of a simple girl from Kathiawad, a small town in Gujarat, who had no choice but to embrace what life threw at her and swing it in her favour. The film brings together the finest of performances, music, artwork and visuals that will evoke all the emotions. It has been written and directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and produced by Bhansali Productions.

The film features a remarkable lineup of actors, including Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, Jim Sarbh, Shantanu Maheshwari, Vijay Raaz, Indira Tiwari and Seema Bhargava among others.