I have a very special creative collaboration with Mr Bhansali. I am an actor who is tailor-made for his style of shooting. I can adapt to all his requirements.
So, when exactly did he offer you the film?
I was shooting for Gunday when he called. I immediately said 'yes'. I love him to death. I'll be there for him anytime, no questions asked.
Was it tough to prepare for the Bajirao role?
I started prepping up for Bajirao after Dil Dhadakne Do. I had only 21 days to prepare myself. I locked myself up in a hotel room. I wanted to get away from Ranveer Singh as much as possible and get closer to Peshwa Bajirao. I kept my phone away, stayed away from friends and family; I focused just on my character- new voice, body language, temperament.
You invested so much in Bajirao that you even shaved off your head. We all are so possessive of our hair...
(Laughs) Yeah, we all are. But I like to switch things up always - be it the kind of movies I do or the way I dress up, or even the music I listen to.
I could have used the bald pate, but I didn't want to undergo a two-and-half hour ordeal of prosthetic every day. Mind you, this film was supposed to be made over 250 days. So I said: Mundva do!
But you hid the look all along...
I felt it was important to keep it under wraps for the longest time. Mr. Bhansali too advised that I shouldn't go out revealing it. Chalo, isi bahane I got an exhaustive hat collection (smiles).
Did you know that Deepika (Padukone) was going to play Mastani when you signed the film?
I pretty much knew from Day One. It's wonderful to be working with her at a time when she is going through a golden phase in her career. She was outstanding in Piku as well as Tamasha, and she will be incredible in Bajirao Mastani. She has turned into one of the finest actors of today. She just bares her soul to the camera. I find her work to be very inspiring.
SLB is known for his short temper. He is too particular about everything. Did he lose it on the sets?
I wouldn't say that Bhansali is particular about everything - the only thing he is particular about is the importance of listening and applying. As I said, I am very much in tune with his working style. Whatever the scene is, he might change it any moment. So you have to be on your toes all the time. Priyanka (Chopra) who came in took time to understand that he has a unique creative process to which you have to adapt as an actor. I told her to believe in his process. So yeah, there was a lot of tension on the sets- but then Bajirao is a magnum opus.
How did you keep your cool on such a chaotic set? You're this fun-loving, polka-wearing flamboyant guy...
What do you mean?
Are you really this masti-loving guy or is this a facade?
I like to keep things light and spread happy energy among the people around me. That's how I am.
So you don't get angry?
Main bahut gussel hoon. In fact, my temper is a bit out of control.
Did you lose your temper on the Bajirao Mastani set?
I have been able to control it since the last 4-5 years especially because I have stopped driving in Mumbai.
The interview will be incomplete without touching upon the big clash with Dilwale on Friday...
It's not about the other film, it's only about my film that I am concerned about. The clash doesn't make me nervous. What makes me nervous is the stakes involved with our film. We have mounted Bajirao Mastani on a massive scale. A big amount of investment has gone into it in terms of not only money but efforts as well. I hope that people receive it well.
Image source: Manav Manglani & facebook/erosnow