He proved his genius with his movies and his versatility as a music composer, singer, writer and filmmaker.

Noteworthy is his association with poet-filmmaker Gulzar and singer Sukhwinder Singh in all his films. And he has successfully explored the best in actors like Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor in 'Omkara' and Shahid Kapoor in 'Kaminey'.

'Vishal is a very dangerous director... It's a challenge for an actor to work with him but at the same time it's very fruitful too... he brings out a new talent in you every time he takes a shot,' Shahid had said of the director.

In 'Kaminey', Shahid plays morally-incompatible twins -- one a ruffian with a lisp and the other a simpleton who stammers. Not only has he bagged accolades for his performance, the film has also changed his image -- from the chocolate boy-next-door to an A-lister.

'With 'Kaminey', Vishal has given Bollywood its own Quentin Tarantino and Guy Ritchie combo. He has proven that behind a media shy and quiet face lies a calculating mind. He is indeed Bollywood's new maverick,' said an industry source.

'Kaminey' was also praised for its songs -- specifically 'Dhan tan tan' -- and its cinematography.

'Vishal has been been a very underrated director for a long time and with 'Kaminey', he has taken entertainment to another level and that too without compromising on the aesthetic side. He is a supremely talented person,' said Siddharth Roy Kapur, CEO of UTV Motion Pictures that has produced and distributed the movie.

Bharadwaj's future projects include 'Ishqiya' and a movie with Hrithik Roshan.

(Robin Bansal can be contacted at robin.b@ians.in)