For over a decade now, we as an audience have always cherished the cinema of Sanjay Leela Bhansali. While the storytelling of the maestro enthralls with mesmerizing visuals, it is the music that distinguishes his cinema and adds the purity of Indian culture to it. While this generation usually sees music getting mixed with modernity, Bhansali has been the guardian of traditional Indian music, seamlessly blending the old with the new.
With his brilliant understanding of the rich heritage of Indian music, he has established himself as the strongest pillar of music in Hindi cinema. As we celebrate World Music Day, it’s indeed worth reflecting on SLB and his music, and how he has played a significant role in keeping the soul of Indian music alive.
Right from his directorial debut with Khamoshi: The Musical in 1996 to his previous release Gangubai Kathiawadi in 2022, SLB has consistently created musical masterpieces in every film. His films have consistently celebrated Indian traditional folk music, resonating profoundly with audiences worldwide. As much as he is a brilliant filmmaker, he is also an exceptional music composer. His music transcends borders, showcasing Indian culture to the world and offering a glimpse into its richness.
Be it Khamoshi: The Musical, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas, Guzaarish, Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, Bajirao Mastani, Padmaavat, Gangubai Kathiawadi, or the web show Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, every film or web show by the filmmaker comes with a perfect blend of Indian folk music and leaves a distinct impact of Indian culture globally. In fact, his first original music album Sukoon is nothing less than a musical treat to relish. He is also a recipient of the Best Music Director award for Padmaavat.
SLB has always taken Indian music to a global stage. A perfect testament to this was Heeramandi, which also marked the launch of SLB’s own music label, Bhansali Music, with Sakal Ban being the first song released under the label. The song was launched at the Miss World 2024 finale, where the star-studded cast of Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Shaikh, and Sharmin Segal joined the Miss World 2024 contestants, walking the ramp and posing alongside the 13 contestants dressed in traditional costumes in shades of yellow.
SLB masterfully blends the sounds of the sitar, sarangi, tabla, and flute, crafting compositions that resonate with both tradition and innovation. As one of the true greats of Indian cinema, Sanjay Leela Bhansali stands as a guardian of our musical legacy. On this World Music Day, we honour SLB, whose artistry ensures that the soul of Indian music remains alive, timeless, and ever celebrated. Sanjay Leela Bhansali is a filmmaker worthy of being counted in the same breath as Indian cinema legends like Raj Kapoor, K. Asif, and Guru Dutt.
It’s always exciting to see what SLB brings next. With anticipation rising for his upcoming film Love & War, it is guaranteed that he is set to create magic once again. The film marks a grand collaboration between Bhansali and the immensely talented trio of Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal on the big screen. The film is slated for release on March 20, 2026.
(Also read: Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam 3 To Go On Floors This Gandhi Jayanti, Eyeing October 2, 2026 Release For The Grand Finale)
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