Why Sanjay Leela Bhansali Made Marathi Film Laal Ishq

Mumbai: Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali said that he always wanted to do a Marathi film and that's why he made Laal Ishq, a film he is proud of.

"I've always been extremely close to all things Maharashtrian, be it the food, music or cinema. I grew up listening to the Mangeshkar family's Marathi songs. And I speak fluent Marathi. It was always my wish to make a Marathi film," said Mr Bhansali.

The filmmaker waited until the right script knocked on his door.

"When director Swapna Waghmare Joshi came to me with this idea, I was immediately hooked. I wanted to produce this film, because I had never done a Marathi film. Also, it is a suspense film. This genre I've never attempted as a producer and director," he said.

The film's title Laal Ishq is from a song in Mr Bhansali's Goliyon Ki Raas Leela Ram-Leela, says the filmmaker.

"I had registered Laal Ishq as a title for my future films. But when I heard the story of Swapna's film, I completely thought Laal Ishq to be the right title. I happily gave it to Swapna (director)," he said.

Apart from the title, Mr Bhansali has not contributed to Laal Ishq in any way.

"I've always maintained that my productions are meant to be directed by other directors while I'll focus on my own films. Otherwise, there is no point in producing films. I might as well direct all of them," he said, adding that he is thrilled to be part of the resurgence of Marathi cinema.