‘I STAND BY SANJAY SIR’S VISION’

Actor Ranveer Singh says he is “most concerned” about Sanjay Leela Bhansali; adds that he “stands 200% by the film”

When he was cast as Alauddin Khilji in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus, Padmavati, it had stirred a lot of curiosity among audiences, and now with the release of the film’s trailer, Ranveer Singh’s fearsome avatar as the Delhi Sultanate ruler has become the talk of the town. Unfortunately, though, the film has been in the news over the past few days for all the wrong reasons as a few fringe groups oppose its release. Ranveer talks about the film. Excerpts:

How difficult was it for you to turn into Khilji?

I won’t lie, it was very difficult. Initially, I was a bit apprehensive since I was going to play a bad guy for the first time but I am glad I did it. As a performer and an actor, it has been a fulfilling experience. It’s a rare opportunity and once I was convinced, I grabbed it with both hands and really got into it. Knowing myself well, my only apprehension was that it’s a dark character and I will get too deeply involved in it. That was scary.

Did it help that you had Bhansali at the helm of affairs since you have collaborated with him in the past as well?

Sanjay sir knew what he wanted to do with Khilji, and was very hands-on. A lot of times, an actor says that a particular role was very difficult but this time, it really took a toll on me and you know, now that I am out of it, it has become a process to get rid of him too. Alauddin Khilji needs to be out of my system so I can neutralise, and I am currently going through that process.

Padmavati, unfortunately, has got embroiled in huge controversies.

It’s undoubtedly tough. I am most concerned about Sanjay sir. At this point, for him to go through all of this is extremely difficult considering the amount this man has suffered, sacrificed and [the way he] fought to make this film. What anybody else is going through can’t be compared to what he is experiencing. It’s a tough situation for him to be embroiled in after the kind of love and sheer effort he has put into the film.

It’s a helpless situation...

I am 200% with the film and I stand by it and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. I stand by his vision for the film. He had a vision and has done everything to realise it. Vis-à-vis the film, I can just request the audience and everybody else who have concerns about it to wait and watch the film. One shouldn’t doubt Sanjay sir; he is a magnificent film-maker and has tremendous respect for Indian culture and enormous respect for Indian heritage. He will never intentionally hurt sentiments or do anything wrong. He is a good man with good intentions.

The trailer and your new avatar has got a great response...

The trailer’s impact has been mind-blowing. It has been unlike anything that I have ever experienced, not just for my films, but for any film. It was overwhelming, so I felt I had to acknowledge all the love, and that’s why I wrote a note on Twitter. I am very happy, because Sanjay sir and the entire team worked very hard. When I saw it in 3D, I was like, ‘Oh, what am I watching? It’s unlike anything I have ever seen’. I am very proud of the team’s work and I am looking forward to the release.

Padmavati actors aren’t extensively promoting the film due to the current situation. Do you think it’s a good idea?

Yes, the film should be seen first. Anything that we (actors) say isn’t going to subdue this tension. People should give the film a chance, be patient, and they can have healthy debates after they have seen it. Right now, people are debating over conjecture. I guess the team, including Sanjay sir, is assessing the situation everyday and are taking each day as it comes. From what I know, I will be brought out once everybody sees the film and the context is set.

Alauddin Khilji looks to be a tough character to get into...

I shot the film for a year, so living with Alauddin Khilji for that long wasn’t easy. It required a lot of energy and took a lot out of me. Let’s put it this way: it really affected me; this is the longest that I have ever lived with any character and also shot for a movie. I was the first to start the shoot in November last year and I’ve been the last to finish. Sanjay sir says it’s one of his most treasured characters. It’s a really meaty character to play, and I’m happy he trusted me with this. Everything else that I had to do was on hold, so I am now catching up on all my other work. Sanjay sir is very happy with my work in the film and he said some sweet things to me on the last day of shoot that touched my heart.