Updated On: 25 February, 2026 01:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Ismail Darbar opened up about his fallout with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, alleging he was “betrayed” after being replaced on Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, despite years of collaboration. He expressed hurt but apologised, saying reconciliation depends on God’s will

Ismail Darbar and Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Veteran composer Ismail Darbar has spoken candidly about his fallout with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, reflecting on their long association and the hurt he experienced after being replaced on Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar.
Darbar recalled that they shared a strong creative partnership during films like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Devdas. “We used to fight during the making of every song,” he said, adding, “I respect him a lot in this matter because he gave me and my family a lot of love. We had a good bond till Heeramandi.”