London: Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali has wowed audiences in the British Capital this week, attending a series of high profile events as part of the BAFTA Awards campaign for Alia Bhatt starrer ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’.
The filmmaker launched the campaign by speaking at a special, BAFTA Masterclass on November 28th at the iconic home of British Cinema, discussing his career trajectory over the last 25 years.
Marking the first ever masterclass the director has delivered, the full house event took place at BAFTA’s iconic Princess Anne Theatre, hosted by Rachel Dwyer, British author and former professor of Indian Cultures and Cinema at SOAS, University of London.
The award-winning filmmaker then took part in a special conversation with British film critic, Mike McCahill, for the next generation of the world’s leading creatives at Central Saint Martins, University of Arts London on November 29.
Bhansali has become the first Indian artist invited to speak at the world’s highest ranked fashion and art school, with former alumni including fashion designers such as the late Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, Kim Jones and Stella McCartney.
Bhansali also attended a special, red carpet screening of ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ at The Prince Charles Cinema on November 30. The Prince Charles Cinema is the last and most famous of the independent cinemas still operating in London’s cine-famous ‘West End’. The cinema was transformed for the special evening and was attended by hundreds of fans, social media influencers and British Asian artists. The screening was hosted in cooperation with UK Asian Film Festival.
Speaking about his experience of being in London, Bhansali said in a statement, “Speaking to audiences at the various events in London has been a wonderful experience for me. The BAFTA Masterclass took me back to my early days as a filmmaker. It was a thrilling experience to share my insights and interact with students at Central Saint Martins. Gangubai Kathiawadi continues to receive unprecedented love from audiences globally. I hope this love continues to pour our way.”
The film is being submitted for BAFTA members’ consideration in all categories including Best Film, Director, Adapted Screenplay, Leading Actress and Film Not in the English Language.
