Alia Bhatt reacts to rumours about Sanjay Leela Bhansali replacing Salman Khan if Inshallah is revived: “Whatever sir decides will be the best for the film”

Bhansali had opened up about the emotional impact the cancellation of Inshallah had on Bhatt.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali has always been known for his ambitious projects. One such venture, Inshallah, was a highly anticipated film that had been in the works for quite some time. Initially slated to star Salman Khan and Alia Bhatt, the project was unfortunately shelved due to undisclosed reasons. While rumours circulated about creative differences between Khan and Bhansali, Bhatt remained optimistic about the future of their collaboration.

Alia Bhatt reacts to rumours about Sanjay Leela Bhansali replacing Salman Khan if Inshallah is revived: “Whatever sir decides will be the best for the film”

In an interview with The Lallantop, Bhatt expressed her unwavering faith in Bhansali's vision. She revealed that they were working on another film together titled Love & War, which she described as a "brilliant story" and a "lovely love story." “I am doing another film with Sanjay sir called Love & War. I hope he makes the film someday, because it is a brilliant story. It is a lovely love story.”

When the interviewer playfully suggested that perhaps the "hero" of Inshallah might need to be replaced, Bhatt responded, “Whatever Sanjay sir decides will be the best for the film!”

Bhansali, in a candid interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, opened up about the emotional impact the cancellation of Inshallah had on Bhatt. He revealed that she was deeply affected by the news, to the point of isolating herself to cope. Sanjay said, “I was doing Inshallah with her. Then it suddenly got shelved. She broke down, cracked up, cried, raved, ranted, and locked herself in a room. Then I called her up after one week, and I said you are playing Gangubai. She said, 'From Los Angeles, where I was supposed to be playing the character (in Inshallah), I have come to Kamathipura. How do I do it? I don't know this character'. I said, 'Do you trust me, and do you know me?' Then I'll tap into that strong woman in you because I can see it in your eyes. I can see how strong how convinced you are of certain things that you do, I've understood your personality'.”

He further added, “How do you tap into an actor who says, 'I didn't know I could play the brothel madam. I didn't know I had a lower pitch, I didn't know I had to stand there and do this. I've started enjoying sir.' And she just flew into the role. She even today sometimes talks like Gangubai. It's so much a part of it. It's so beautiful to have believed in her, to have tapped in her.”

Looking ahead, Bhatt and Bhansali are set to reunite for Love & War, a grand project that also features Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal. The epic love triangle is anticipated to hit theaters in March 2026.