Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone talk to SANGEETA YADAV about the challenges of playing Bajirao and Mastani in their movie Bajirao Mastani which is releasing this week
Tell us about the making of Bajirao MastaniIJ
Ranveer Singh (RS): Every frame of the scene is so painstakingly created. It was a process of discovering myself as an actor. It was a once in a lifetime experience. On the sets, once the cameras roll, Sanjay sir sees nothing but the eyes of the actors through the camera lense and peeps into his characters’ emotions. He knows how to extract the best from his cast.
What kind of filmmaker is Sanjay leela BhansaliIJ
Deepika Padukone (DP): The imaginary world and his style of filmmaking is as big as the canvas for his films. When it comes to dealing with his subjects, he takes a lot of time and goes deep into the roots. All the characters are very significant. The original cast was Salman and Aishwarya but after their breakup, the project was put on hold. He wanted to get the right starcast. Every time he finished a film and switched to Bajirao Mastani, he ended up making another film.
RS: He is one of the finest filmmakers and it’s a great honour that he has cast me in two of his movies. With me, he is very hands on in his approach. For instance, when Daniel Day-lewis was doing There Will Be Blood, director Peter Anderson let him create the character of Daniel Plainview. Mr Bhansali and I’ve that kind of bond as director-actor. He gave me the research work and script and told me that you go and create the warrior of the 18th Century and show it to me.
What preparation did you doIJ
RS: I only had 21 days to prepare Bajirao. I locked myself in a hotel room. I didn’t speak much to my friends and family, kept my phone away. My only work was to create this character. I spent my time transforming myself. Morning were spent doing heavy weights to get the physicality of the character. In the afternoon, I would work on my accent. My language coach, Rishikesh, was my shadow on the sets. Every word and dialogue I spoke was worked on together. In the evening, I used to be just with myself. I used to make notes and analyse every line of the script.
Tell us about the filming of the songs.
DP: Each song is so different. Hence shooting for them was very exhaustive. We first shot Pinga with Priyanka; it was a very intensive number. Then I had to do a Kathak song Mohe rang de laal and got training from Pandit Birju Maharaj. It was mentally exhaustive to wear heavy costumes for nine to 10 days and keep giving shots after shots until he (Bhansali) gave his nod.
RS: For me, music helps in my performances. Of late, Malhari was my favourite song but we’ll be launching a new song soon which is a romantic number titled Aayat sung by Arijit Singh. I thoroughly enjoyed filming it and like the lyrics — Tujhe yaad ker liya hai, ayat ki tarha.
How much can you relate to your characterIJ
RS: like me, Bajirao is an emotional and passionate person.
DP: The character of Mastani is very relatable. Of course women don’t go to the battle field but the day to day battle that you face requires that kind of will power and determination. The character of Mastani will surely touch the hearts of people.
Anything you have taken away from the movie.
RS: I really like the sandals that I wore in Malhari song and I couldn’t resist myself from taking them with me.
DP: I love the costumes that Anju Modi has designed for the character. She is known for creating memorable looks. I wish that I could take all the beautiful and gorgeous dresses she has created for the film.