Music composer Ismail Darbar reveals the tumultuous relationship he had with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, including their creative collaborations and the fallout between them.
Ismail Darbar, a renowned music composer, has shared insights into his complex relationship with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, characterizing it as akin to ‘Tom and Jerry’ due to their frequent conflicts and mutual support. The two have worked closely on iconic films such as 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' and 'Devdas,' creating memorable music that significantly contributed to the films' success. However, Darbar highlighted that their relationship has soured over the years, leading to emotional pain for him regarding their past collaborations and personal interactions.
During an interview on Subhojit Ghosh's YouTube channel, Darbar revealed that Bhansali once denied him permission to give interviews during the filming of 'Devdas,' a decision that has left him feeling betrayed despite acknowledging Bhansali's tolerance of his behavior in the past. He stated that Bhansali had endured many of his tantrums over the years, and while he has his grievances against Bhansali, there’s an underlying sense of gratitude for the opportunities afforded to him, emphasizing that without Bhansali's support, he might not have gained recognition in the industry.
Darbar also recounted that their working relationship was filled with creativity and clashes, particularly during the production of songs, indicating that their artistic differences often sparked intense discussions. This revelation sheds light on the often hidden dynamics between music composers and directors in the Indian film industry, illustrating how creative partnerships can simultaneously thrive and become strained over time as personal and professional boundaries blur.
