Composer Ismail Darbar Speaks Out on Fallout with Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali

In a recent interview, renowned music composer Ismail Darbar has shed light on his long-standing professional relationship with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, which has been marked by creative clashes and a bitter fallout.

Darbar, who is known for creating some of the most memorable soundtracks in Hindi cinema with films like 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' and 'Devdas', reveals that his working dynamic with Bhansali was never conventional. He was always upfront about his opinions and would often reject Bhansali's suggestions if he didn't agree with them, leading to healthy disagreements during their collaborative process.

The two reunited years later for Bhansali's web series 'Heeramandi', with Darbar dedicating nearly a year and a half to its music. However, tensions arose after a media article described his contribution as the "backbone" of the series. Bhansali reportedly assumed Darbar had orchestrated the story himself, creating a rift between the two. Darbar says he was willing to confront Bhansali directly about the issue, but the director eventually distanced himself from the composer.

Reflecting on their relationship, Darbar believes Bhansali's ego prevented him from acknowledging Darbar's significant contributions to his past projects. He even claims that Bhansali had instructed his PR teams not to take Darbar's interviews. Ultimately, Darbar says he would refuse any future collaboration with Bhansali, even if offered a substantial sum of money.