Bollywood and controversies go hand in hand, and filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bahnsali has always managed to create a buzz with his movies. Bhansali’s epic historical drama, Padmavati has irked various religious and fringe groups. Ever since the announcement of the film was made, it has been a subject to media attention because of its plot. The film is based on the life of Rani Padmini, a Rajputi Queen from the 1300s.

Well, this is not the first time that Mr Bhansali has faced the wrath of certain fringe groups or had to fight for his rights in courts. Earlier, in his career, there have been times when the filmmaker had to face a lot of criticism for his previous films as well.

After the ongoing series of events against Padmavati, there is no denial about this one being the director’s most controversial film till date. Let’s take a look at some other films, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali that sparked controversies in the nation;

Guzaarish (2010)

The film starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan had its fair share of controversies. Veteran writer, Dayanand Rajan, claimed that the plot of the film has been plagiarised from his unpublished novel, Summer Snow. Aditya Dewan, a lawyer in Delhi HC, filed a PIL against the film and the makers for promoting mercy killing, which is illegal. And how can we forget the Dabangg remark from the Dabangg star of Bollywood. Kutta bhi nahi jayga dekhne (Even a dog won’t go to watch), Salman Khan on Guzaarish.

Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela (2013)

India is a nation of sentiments! When Sanjay Leela Bhansali decided the title of the film Ram-Leela, it offended many, as the film showed two worshiped deities in the wrong light. FIR was filed against the makers, and eventually Bhansali had to change the title of his film to Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela.

Bajirao Mastani (2015)

“Bajirao ne Mastani se Mohabat ki aiyaashi nahi”! A dialogue that depicted true love got popular among fans in no time. Although, it didn’t go well Mastani descendants, as they found the dialogue downward vulgar. Interestingly, Mastani descendants had many problems with the film, as they found the cast of the film inappropriate for the characters they were playing. Another entrant in the Bhansali’s infamous controversial film list, well that’s a hat trick for the director.

Padmavati (2017)

The latest to join the list of Bhansali’s most controversial films is the Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh starrer Padmavati. The movie is based on the life of Rani Padmini. Numerous fringe groups believe the makers are manipulating facts and hurting sentiments of Rajputs. A group of people vandalised the film’s set in Jaipur, back in April and have also been demanding a ban on the film. The fringe groups stooped to an all time low when they threatened Bhansali and Deepika Padukone by passing comments like chopping their heads off if they went ahead with the release of the film.