Shah Rukh And Salman Might Not See Bajirao Mastani, Says Bhansali
It's a big day for this man who is considered temperamental, workaholic and genius. SpotboyE caught up with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who contrary to expectations, was a picture of confidence. He didn't look flustered that his latest offering Bajirao Mastani clashes with Shah Rukh starrer Dilwale (today).
It's a big day for this man who is considered temperamental, workaholic and genius. SpotboyE caught up with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who contrary to expectations, was a picture of confidence. He didn't look flustered that his latest offering Bajirao Mastani clashes with Shah Rukh starrer Dilwale (today). Excerpts from an interview:
People have reached the theatres to watch your Bajirao Mastani. Isn't this film a 'dream come true' for you?
Absolutely. I had bottled Bajirao Mastani in my heart for 12 long years. God was testing my patience. I think I invested in this movie from the days of Mughal-E-Azam, Pakeezah and Mehboob Khan's films which my dad took me to watch. Many directors tried to put this subject on celluloid but could not; maybe Bajirao's soul didn't want them to. Interestingly, my desire to make Bajirao Mastani never waned. When you chase your dream, you should work double strength. That's exactly what I did. It's good that I had to wait so long to make this film.
Why would you label the wait as 'good'?
I have become not only a better filmmaker but a nice person as well. I am calmer now. It has happened with time and age. If you are in a good state of mind, you will definitely grow. At this point, I am in a very happy state. I don't get bogged down. I don't get upset by criticism. I am the same director who people said was 'over'. I have realised that it is important for people to give an opinion on your work. Based on the opinion, I move ahead. Trust me, I have a lot more passion in my work than I had yesterday. I have made Bajirao Mastani better than I wanted to. It is the most expensive film that Bollywood has produced (pauses).
Go on...
I have understood that storytelling is the most important factor that governs the future of a film. Think of it, this is where our cinema is lacking.
Do you think you should keep the cost in mind to safeguard your producer's interests?
What's the problem if the money I spend enhances the film? I don't spend on free lunches and holiday tours, do I?. Yes, I bear in mind that my producer has spent an X amount and hopes to recover it ASAP. Do you know that though I make films on a grand scale, my lifestyle is very simple? l wear my socks below my pyjamas (smiles). I don't move in swanky cars. I have a very simple Gujju household where I breathe, think and talk only films.
Don't you 'disconnect'?
No, I don't. Come Monday, I start working on my next film.
What kept your dream of making Bajirao Mastani alive? Success?
No, failure and success should never bother you. I have had my share of failures and I am talking from experience- Khamoshi failed, Guzaarish won critical acclaim but not the box-office. But let's talk about Devdas. Wasn't it the first film that made SRK and Ash stars overseas? Mind well, Devdas was the first film to cross the 100 cr mark. Importantly, I have learnt from my failures. It is important to accept what people think about your work.
Image Source: tumblr/hrluver
What made you cast Ranveer and Deepika in title roles?
Ranveer and Deepika want to be together. They look at each other with so much love. They fit the roles perfectly. Ranveer will be a very big star after Bajirao Mastani. One sitting with this man at the time of Ram Leela and I knew that he could be moulded to deliver an awesome performance. Deepika is a great actress, she is continuously evolving. Both have a connect with the audience.
Image Source: facebook/bajiraomastani
How do you draw out time to make your music?
I have a habit of humming tunes in my bathroom and car. Koi bhi dhoon dimaag mein aati hai aur main gungunane lagta hoon. It's very spontaneous (smiles). I made the Deewani Mastani tune in 2003 while I was having a bath. I made Mohe Rang Do Lal- which is my favourite over the rest- while standing in a queue at Delhi airport
Certain people have raised objections against your film...
Our intention is definitely not meant to hurt anybody. People should be flexible in their ways of life. Maharashtra will be very proud of this film, which is a tribute to a glorious hero.
Renuka Shahane is mighty miffed that Kashibai (Priyanka) is shown wearing a low waist saree in the Pinga song...
God! Na dhol baja, na pase udaye, aur nahi pallu gira. Phir bhi? I respect people's opinions but they shouldn't color others' minds.
Image Source: twitter/RanveerOfficial
Bajirao fights a big war versus Dilwale at the ticket windows...
We had announced it first that we will release our film on December 18. They wanted to release it on the same date. Neither Eros (Bajirao Mastani's producer) nor Shah Rukh wanted to change the date. The clash should not have happened. But having said that, it's Xmas and New Year time. Both will do well. Unki chale, meri thodi zyaada chale.
Salman in Bajirao's role? He was your first choice...
Why should there be a comparison? Salman is a cult personality. Ranveer is different.
Did you have to make changes when Ranveer stepped in?
Not really, it's just that every actor's interpretation of a given role is different. 12 years is a pretty long time for me to come out of it. Moreover, Salman is a friend. I know he cares for me even though he may not be vocal about it.
So, there are two people who will definitely see Bajirao Mastani ASAP- SRK and Salman. SRK for the obvious reason, Salman for the fact that he was supposed to do this film...
How do you know? For the same reason, they might not see it.
Image Source: facebook/IamSRK & Manav Manglani
Thumbnail Image Source: facebook/IamSRK & Manav Manglani
People have reached the theatres to watch your Bajirao Mastani. Isn't this film a 'dream come true' for you?
Absolutely. I had bottled Bajirao Mastani in my heart for 12 long years. God was testing my patience. I think I invested in this movie from the days of Mughal-E-Azam, Pakeezah and Mehboob Khan's films which my dad took me to watch. Many directors tried to put this subject on celluloid but could not; maybe Bajirao's soul didn't want them to. Interestingly, my desire to make Bajirao Mastani never waned. When you chase your dream, you should work double strength. That's exactly what I did. It's good that I had to wait so long to make this film.
Why would you label the wait as 'good'?
I have become not only a better filmmaker but a nice person as well. I am calmer now. It has happened with time and age. If you are in a good state of mind, you will definitely grow. At this point, I am in a very happy state. I don't get bogged down. I don't get upset by criticism. I am the same director who people said was 'over'. I have realised that it is important for people to give an opinion on your work. Based on the opinion, I move ahead. Trust me, I have a lot more passion in my work than I had yesterday. I have made Bajirao Mastani better than I wanted to. It is the most expensive film that Bollywood has produced (pauses).
Go on...
I have understood that storytelling is the most important factor that governs the future of a film. Think of it, this is where our cinema is lacking.
Do you think you should keep the cost in mind to safeguard your producer's interests?
What's the problem if the money I spend enhances the film? I don't spend on free lunches and holiday tours, do I?. Yes, I bear in mind that my producer has spent an X amount and hopes to recover it ASAP. Do you know that though I make films on a grand scale, my lifestyle is very simple? l wear my socks below my pyjamas (smiles). I don't move in swanky cars. I have a very simple Gujju household where I breathe, think and talk only films.
Don't you 'disconnect'?
No, I don't. Come Monday, I start working on my next film.
What kept your dream of making Bajirao Mastani alive? Success?
No, failure and success should never bother you. I have had my share of failures and I am talking from experience- Khamoshi failed, Guzaarish won critical acclaim but not the box-office. But let's talk about Devdas. Wasn't it the first film that made SRK and Ash stars overseas? Mind well, Devdas was the first film to cross the 100 cr mark. Importantly, I have learnt from my failures. It is important to accept what people think about your work.
What made you cast Ranveer and Deepika in title roles?
Ranveer and Deepika want to be together. They look at each other with so much love. They fit the roles perfectly. Ranveer will be a very big star after Bajirao Mastani. One sitting with this man at the time of Ram Leela and I knew that he could be moulded to deliver an awesome performance. Deepika is a great actress, she is continuously evolving. Both have a connect with the audience.
How do you draw out time to make your music?
I have a habit of humming tunes in my bathroom and car. Koi bhi dhoon dimaag mein aati hai aur main gungunane lagta hoon. It's very spontaneous (smiles). I made the Deewani Mastani tune in 2003 while I was having a bath. I made Mohe Rang Do Lal- which is my favourite over the rest- while standing in a queue at Delhi airport
Certain people have raised objections against your film...
Our intention is definitely not meant to hurt anybody. People should be flexible in their ways of life. Maharashtra will be very proud of this film, which is a tribute to a glorious hero.
Renuka Shahane is mighty miffed that Kashibai (Priyanka) is shown wearing a low waist saree in the Pinga song...
God! Na dhol baja, na pase udaye, aur nahi pallu gira. Phir bhi? I respect people's opinions but they shouldn't color others' minds.
Bajirao fights a big war versus Dilwale at the ticket windows...
We had announced it first that we will release our film on December 18. They wanted to release it on the same date. Neither Eros (Bajirao Mastani's producer) nor Shah Rukh wanted to change the date. The clash should not have happened. But having said that, it's Xmas and New Year time. Both will do well. Unki chale, meri thodi zyaada chale.
Salman in Bajirao's role? He was your first choice...
Why should there be a comparison? Salman is a cult personality. Ranveer is different.
Did you have to make changes when Ranveer stepped in?
Not really, it's just that every actor's interpretation of a given role is different. 12 years is a pretty long time for me to come out of it. Moreover, Salman is a friend. I know he cares for me even though he may not be vocal about it.
So, there are two people who will definitely see Bajirao Mastani ASAP- SRK and Salman. SRK for the obvious reason, Salman for the fact that he was supposed to do this film...
How do you know? For the same reason, they might not see it.
Thumbnail Image Source: facebook/IamSRK & Manav Manglani
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