Renowned composer Ismail Darbar has openly discussed his tumultuous relationship with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, shedding light on the emotional turmoil he faced after being sidelined from Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar.
Reflecting on their once-strong creative alliance, Darbar reminisced about their successful collaborations on films like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Devdas. “We had our share of disagreements during the creation of every song,” he noted, adding, “I have immense respect for him because he showered love on me and my family. Our bond was solid until Heeramandi came into the picture.”
However, the dynamic shifted drastically when Darbar was unexpectedly removed from Heeramandi after investing a year and a half into the project. Expressing his discontent, he stated, “He betrayed me not just once, but twice. He promised to work with me, but then pulled the rug out from under me. After 1.5 years, he replaced me without a word.”
Darbar revealed that Bhansali had personally invited him to the premiere, stating, “I didn’t call anyone else but you.” By that point, however, Darbar confessed, “My heart was already shattered,” leading him to ultimately decline the invitation.
Reflecting on their past, Darbar fondly recalled their earlier projects. He recounted the emotional moment when Bhansali reacted to the iconic song Tadap Tadap from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, saying, “He was crying like a baby,” highlighting how profoundly the track resonated with him. “This was the piece that completed his vision for the film,” Darbar explained.
He also acknowledged Bhansali’s personal support during trying times. “When my father passed away, it was Sanjay who broke the news to me late at night and even traveled to Surat, my hometown,” Darbar shared. He added that Bhansali attended his mother’s funeral and lingered by her grave, saying, “Even I didn’t stay there as long as he did.”
Despite the hurt, Darbar left the door open for potential reconciliation. “It’s not about me, you, or Sanjay wanting it; it’s about what God decides for us,” he expressed. He concluded with a heartfelt message, saying, “I’m sorry to Sanjay, and I apologize to the audience for my earlier comments.”