Los Angeles’ Aero Theatre hosted a spectacular event, featuring a retrospective of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s works last weekend. The highlight of the evening was the screening of Bhansali’s critically acclaimed film Gangubai Kathiawadi. The sreening drew a packed house of eager film enthusiasts who further went on to praise the masterpiece created by Bhansali.
Organized by American Cinematheque, the event served as a showcase of Bhansali’s visually stunning and narrative-rich filmmaking. The screening was a part of a grand celebration leading up to the U.S. premiere of Bhansali’s first-ever Netflix series, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. Heeramandi which features an ensemble cast is set to launch on May 1. Gangubai Kathiawadi has received widespread acclaim both in India and internationally. The film tells the powerful story of Gangubai’s rise in the complex web of Mumbai’s underworld.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi praised at American Cinematheque special event
Gangubai Kathiawadi was once again praised by the members present at the Aero Theatre even after two years since its theatrical release. After the film, attendees were treated to an exclusive preview of unreleased scenes from Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. The preview gave the audience glimpses of yet another Sanjay Leela Bhansali magnum opus. Heeramandi will also explore strong female characters set against rich historical backdrops.
The event reached its zenith with an intimate conversation featuring Bhansali himself. In the Q&A session, he delved into the inspirations behind his films. Bhansali expressed his views on the portrayal of strong female characters and their stories. He cited cultural and personal influences that shape his work: “We come from a land where we worship the goddess. I have seen some very, very strong women all my life,” he said.
he celebration at the Aero Theatre not only reaffirmed the power of Bhansali’s cinema to inspire and provoke thought but also highlighted Los Angeles’s significant role in embracing and promoting global cinematic talent. As Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar approaches its release, fans of Bhansali and film aficionados around the world eagerly await what is sure to be another compelling addition to his collection.
