Singers Shaan, Alka Yagnik, Armaan Malik and Kavita Krishnamurti have congratulated filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali on the launch of his music label Bhansali Music, recalling how his skills as a composer helped them deliver in the recording studio.

Shaan, who had collaborated with Bhansali on Jab se Tere Naina track from the 2007 romantic drama Saawariya, talked about his experience of having worked with the 61-year-old director. Shaan’s words throw light on Bhansali’s skills as a composer and mentor. “When we did Saawariya I was surprised by how well he sang and of course later on he went on to become a fantastic composer,” said the 51-year-old singer. Shaan expressed his wish to work with Bhansali Music in the near future, adding that one of his favourite compositions by Sanjay was Laal Ishq from the 2013 film Goliyon ki Rasleela Ram-Leela.

Galat Baat Hai singer Neeti Mohan also extended her best wishes to Bhansali, with whom she had teamed up for the song Nainowale Ne from the National Award-winning album of Padmaavat (2018). Neeti shared an anecdote, shedding light on Bhansali’s eye for details. She recalled how the composer had guided her regarding the delivery of every single word. “Working with him is a dream come true. The marriage between his music and videos is so perfect and he is so knowledgeable about Hindustani music,” added Mohan.

National Award-winning singer Alka Yagnik, whose collaborations with Bhansali include Bahon Ke Darmiyan (1996), Chhabeela (2006) and Daras Bina Nahin Chain (2007), took the opportunity to pay a tribute to the “musical man”. Yagnik recalled how Bhansali’s “inputs” had “enhanced” her delivery of his compositions.

Ghalib Hona Hai singer Armaan Malik expressed his excitement about Bhansali’s new venture as did the Sau Gram Zindagi singer Kunal Ganjawala. “No one can match his vision and competence as a filmmaker and composer,” pointed out Kunal.

While Fardeen Khan talked about the indispensable role played by music in Bhansali’s movies, Hariharan focussed on the timelessness of his compositions. Padmashri recipient Kavita Krishnamurti also expressed her admiration for Bhansali’s vast expanse of knowledge. “He is the right person to launch a label. I hope Bhansali Music would tap into young artists from different genres in our country,” added the 65-year-old singer.

Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar actresses Aditi Rao Hydari, Manisha Koirala, Sanjeeda Sheikh and Sonakshi Sinha expressed their gratitude to Bhansali for having given them the opportunity to work on such an intriguing project. “Music is at the core of his cinema”, observed Manisha, while Sonakshi added, “This should have happened much sooner. His recent album Sukoon is an amazing amalgamation of ghazals...truly soothing. Creativity runs in his veins.”