He also recalled missing out on a pivotal role in a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film that was set to star Salman Khan and Alia Bhatt in the lead.

Abhinav Shukla Recalls Meeting Sanjay Leela Bhansali For The First Time

The film Abhinav mentioned was Inshallah. He even auditioned for the project without initially knowing it was a Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial. In a conversation with Pinkvilla, the actor shared that he was extremely nervous when asked to meet the veteran filmmaker. Recalling his first meeting with Bhansali, Abhinav said, “Main waha gaya toh there was another guy who I figured out that it’s either me or him. And there were two girls, so it’s either one of them. And we were the main pivotal roles apart from Alia Bhatt and Salman Khan.”

He further added, “And I’m super scared because Jin logon ne Bhansali sahab ke saath kaam kiya unhone bataya how strict he is on the set. Meri to band baj rahi thi yaar! Kuch ulta seedha na bol du (I was worried I might say something wrong).”

Sanjay Leela Bhalsali Praised Abhinav Shukla

Abhinav recalled how Bhansali lauded his audition and even asked where he had been all this time. He added, “He praised everyone for half an hour. He was very specific about what he was saying. I was blown out. I felt like I was going to be abused, so I said the opposite. He is like the most wonderful guy.”

Working in a Bhansali Film Was Rubina Dilaik’s Dream

Abhinav, 42, recalled being in Dubai when he received the confirmation call for the film. Sharing his wife Rubina Dilaik’s reaction, he said, “Ruby told me, ‘Baby, it has always been my dream to work in a Bhansali sahab film.’ I replied, ‘Okay, okay, at least now you’ll get to go to the set.’”

But Inshallah Got Shelved

Abhinav revealed that after everything was finalised, communication suddenly stopped. Concerned, he called the EP, who told him, “We will let you know.” The very next day, reports confirmed that the film had been shelved. “I’m like, damn! Sanjay Leela Bhansali ki film…Oh my god! But theek hai,” Abhinav recalled.

The actor admitted that the Heeramandi director is one of his favourites and called him a perfectionist. He remains hopeful that someday he will get another chance to work in a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film.

Shrishti Negi

Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, …Read More

Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, … Read More