I’ve spent sleepless nights’ - Sanjay Leela Bhansali

As the making of Bajirao Mastani draws to a close, Sanjay Leela Bhansali is confident about his latest cinematic offering. The filmmaker emerged “out of his shell” as he calls it, during a special screening of his film’s first look. He says, “The techniques of filmmaking might have changed, but my vision and its implementation continues to be what it was during Devdas and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.”

We ask him about the brief that was given to his leading ladies Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone for their characters. “Honestly, there was no brief given. But they knew that I’m an ardent fan of Waheedaji and Sadhnaji, so I wanted similar grace and poise for their  characters and I’m told that they did succeed.”
SLB has good things to say about leading man Ranveer Singh too. “I’ve worked with Ranveer in Ram-Leela.

He understands my sensibilities and my style of working. For Ram Leela he had to keep a moustache even when he was shooting for other films. For Bajirao, it was a task to keep his bald look under wraps even while promoting Kill Dil or Dil Dhadakne Do. He didn’t flinch even once while wearing headgear. I have to make a special mention about him going all the way to follow my instructions,” he smiles.

As the applause for the sleek visuals of the film pours in, SLB says, “This is a film and a subject that has been closest to my heart.  I’ve spent sleepless nights, skipped my meals and look at my hair — it’s all gray. I’ve lived, eaten and breathed Bajirao Mastani. A lot of people ask me if I’m nervous. I’m not,” he says.
So, what is his current state of mind? “I’m happy. I’ve already shot 70 per cent of the film. The reason to show the promo to people from the industry at this stage is to get their objective opinion. To make my vision come alive on screen is a creative job and I ensure to work with people who understand my vision,” he signs off.