Deepika Padukone pens a note for Sanjay Leela Bhansali as he completes 25 years in Bollywood

9th November 2007. My debut film Om Shanti Om was pitted against Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Saawariya.And as grateful as I was (And I still am…I cannot think of another female actor who has been launched in the same manner as I was), I also remember thinking to myself at the time, that I would never be good enough…to be a Sanjay Leela Bhansali muse.

Fast forward to 2012.I was extremely unwell and laid up in bed.I received a call from my management saying “Sanjay Leela Bhansali wants to meet you”. I said, ”What?!”. They said, “Yes!He is doing a film and would really like to meet you”. “I would do cartwheels to go and see him right away, but I can’t get out of bed right now!” I said.The next thing I know, he was on his way to see me!

What ensued in the years that followed was nothing short an ‘iconic partnership’ I believe.And together we’ve created ‘iconic characters’.Characters that have been etched in the minds and hearts of people forever!

What I cherish even more though, is the influence our collaboration has had on me personally.I say this without a shadow of a doubt that I wouldn’t be half the person I am today if it wasn’t for Sanjay Leela Bhansali!

As he embarks on the next phase of this most incredible journey, I look forward to creating many more memorable and iconic characters together, but more importantly, I wish him good health, peace of mind and happiness…always!