Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Ram-Leela Earns Global Praise As The Academy Revisits Iconic Nagada Sang Dhol

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s cinema has always been an embodiment of India’s rich cultural heritage, brought alive through grand visual spectacles, evocative music and deeply rooted storytelling. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently shared a clip of Deepika Padukone performing the iconic Nagada Sang Dhol from Bhansali’s 2013 film Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, bringing renewed attention to one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated musical sequences. Featuring Deepika alongside Ranveer Singh, the song, with vocals by Shreya Ghoshal and Osman Mir, is a testament to Bhansali’s extraordinary ability to transform India’s cultural traditions into cinematic experiences that resonate across generations and geographies.

Over the years, Bhansali has consistently represented India on a global level, taking Indian stories, music, traditions and visual grandeur to audiences across the world. He is regarded as a filmmaker worthy of being mentioned in the same breath as legendary cinematic visionaries like Raj Kapoor, K. Asif and Guru Dutt. With films such as Devdas, Black, Bajirao Mastani, Padmaavat and Gangubai Kathiawadi, he has established a benchmark for telling Indian stories in the most authentic Indian way, without compromising on their cultural roots or artistic ambition. His ability to weave music into storytelling, create unforgettable characters and bring India’s artistic richness to the forefront has made his cinematic language truly distinctive.

A force to reckon with in the Indian entertainment industry, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has consistently pushed the boundaries of Indian filmmaking while taking its artistic identity to the global stage. His cinema celebrates the soul of India through its music, aesthetics, emotions and storytelling, making it universally appealing without losing its cultural authenticity. The Academy’s recent revisit to Ram-Leela is yet another reminder of how his work continues to find appreciation beyond borders, years after its release. As anticipation builds around his upcoming film Love & War, Bhansali’s legacy stands as a testament to the power of Indian storytelling and its ability to leave a lasting impression on the world.