The Tumultuous Creative Partnership That Defined an Era
The cinematic landscape of Bollywood was forever changed by the powerful collaboration between filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali and music composer Ismail Darbar. Together, they created two of Indian cinema's most memorable films - 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' (1999) and 'Devdas' (2002) - both celebrated for their grand visual spectacle, intense emotional depth, and unforgettable musical scores that continue to resonate with audiences decades later.
A 'Tom and Jerry' Relationship Full of Fire and Respect
In a recent revelation that sheds new light on this legendary partnership, Awez Darbar - son of Ismail Darbar and reality television star from Bigg Boss 19 - described their working relationship as comparable to the famous cartoon duo Tom and Jerry. During an interview with Siddharth Kannan, Awez provided intimate details about the dynamic between the two creative giants.
'They have a Tom and Jerry-like relationship,' Awez explained. 'They get mad at each other over the smallest of things and leave the project. I have seen this a lot. For us, it becomes a big thing, 'Oh God, you have left a film?' Our point of view is stable, but they are on a different plane.'
The pattern was consistently unpredictable. After dramatic walkouts, the two artists would eventually reconcile and resume their collaboration as if nothing had happened. Awez admitted, 'And then they get back as well. They start talking again. So I have never understood their relationship. In their hearts, they respect each other a lot, but there are a lot of ego clashes, as far as I can see.'
Repeated Fallouts Across Multiple Projects
When questioned about whether ego issues specifically led to Ismail Darbar's departure from Bhansali's recent project 'Heeramandi', Awez clarified that this pattern of conflict and reconciliation wasn't limited to any single film.
'Not just Heeramandi, all the films...' he revealed. 'They get back, they make music, and then something happens, and the cycle repeats itself. I don't know what happens because I have never witnessed it myself.'
This insight suggests that the creative friction between Bhansali and Darbar was a fundamental aspect of their working relationship across their entire collaboration history.
Ismail Darbar's Perspective: The 'Backbone' Who Felt Uncredited
The tension between the two artists was confirmed directly by Ismail Darbar himself during an interaction with journalist Vickey Lalwani in October of this year. The composer made startling claims about their partnership and declared he would no longer work with Bhansali, regardless of financial incentive.
Ismail stated unequivocally, 'He understood that the backbone was Ismail Darbar: I was the backbone in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam... I was the backbone in Devdas too. I'm not the one saying this, his PR said it; it was on the front pages. So I had seen his ego. Fear had crept in that I work so hard, and he takes the credit.'
This statement reveals the deep-seated professional resentment that developed despite their artistic successes, highlighting the complex interplay of creativity and credit in their partnership.
Legacy of Success and Separate Paths
The creative output of their collaboration achieved remarkable critical acclaim. Ismail Darbar won the National Film Award for Best Music Direction for 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' in 2000, marking a significant milestone in his career. His musical compositions for 'Devdas' similarly received widespread praise from both fans and critics, establishing him as one of Bollywood's premier music directors.
Despite this success, the two never worked together again after 'Devdas'. Ismail Darbar went on to compose music for subsequent projects including 'Shakti: The Power', 'Kisna: The Warrior Poet', and 'Mehbooba'. However, for countless fans and music enthusiasts, his early work with Bhansali remains the definitive chapter of his career.
Meanwhile, Sanjay Leela Bhansali continues his filmmaking journey with upcoming project 'Love & War', featuring stars Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, and Vicky Kaushal in lead roles. The film is scheduled for theatrical release in 2026.
The story of Bhansali and Darbar serves as a compelling case study in creative partnerships - demonstrating how artistic brilliance can emerge from relationships characterized by equal parts respect, friction, and undeniable talent.
