Ashhar Alam/New Delhi

The team of acclaimed filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali has dismissed viral social media claims suggesting that the director had been hospitalised following a sudden medical emergency.

The clarification came after several unverified posts circulated online claiming that the National Award-winning filmmaker had been admitted to a Mumbai hospital. The rumours gained traction around Bhansali’s 63rd birthday celebrations this week, triggering concern among fans and members of the film fraternity.

The absence of any official medical confirmation or hospital statement further fuelled speculation, leading to a surge in online searches for verified information about the director’s health.

To address the rumours, Bhansali’s representatives released an official statement through the filmmaker’s social media channels. The statement confirmed that Bhansali had visited a medical facility, but only for a planned and routine health check-up rather than an emergency treatment.

The statement clarified that the filmmaker is in good health. It added, “Mr. Sanjay Leela Bhansali is doing absolutely fine. He has undergone a routine medical check-up and there is no cause for concern. We sincerely appreciate the love and concern shown by everyone.”

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Bhansali is widely regarded as one of India’s most influential contemporary filmmakers. He made his directorial debut with Khamoshi: The Musical (1996) and later delivered several critically and commercially successful films including Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas, Black, Bajirao Mastani, and Padmaavat. His most recent project was the period drama series Heeramandi.

Meanwhile, Bhansali has also collaborated with director Ketan Mehta on the upcoming historical film Jai Somnath. The project, set in the 11th century and centred on the historical events surrounding the Somnath Temple during Mahmud of Ghazni’s invasion, is being produced under Bhansali Productions and Maya Movies and is scheduled for release in 2027.