Ranbir Kapoor’s upcoming film, Rockstar features a scene where Ranbir plays the guitar and sings to an audience of sex workers. Director Imtiaz Ali was keen on shooting at an actual brothel instead of creating a set and using junior artists. So, the scene was shot at Mumbai’s biggest red light area in Grant Road.
The women were super thrilled about meeting the star but also nervous for the shoot. However, they were really sweet. They welcomed the crew and served the local breakfast of ‘chai and pav’. After a short introduction session and some light-hearted conversation, they commenced shooting. The actor, who had taken extensive guitar lessons to prepare for his role in the film, actually played it live and even sang the verses himself, leaving his audience captivated!
A crew member says, “They (the sex workers) were very shy initially. They were reluctant about coming in front of the camera but Imtiaz and Ranbir spent some time talking to them and made them comfortable after which we commenced shooting. Once the shoot was over, some of them even took pictures with Ranbir and requested for autographs; and Ranbir happily obliged. They wished Ranbir and Imtiaz good luck for the film’s success.” Must have been quite an experience!
By the way, have you noticed the similarity between the poster of Raj Kapoor‘s Awara and Imtiaz Ali’s Rockstar. To add to the similarity, the leading lady in both films is a Nargis. Co-incidence much?