‘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. “The trailer’s impact has been unlike anything that I have ever experienced,” says Ranveer. 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 exclusively to HT Café about the film, controversies surrounding the film and his relationship with his onscreen character. 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 a very tough situation. 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 as well as Sanjay Leela Bhansali. I also stand by his vision for the film. He had a vision and has done everything to realise it. Vis-àvis 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 filmmaker 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.