Sanjay Leela Bhansali gave an in-depth interview to HT Brunch last weekend, where he spoke about working very hard, being a perfectionist and not being able to use a computer. The topic steered towards his latest muse and India’s top heroine Deepika Padukone and Sanjay had very interesting things to say.
On Deepika’s Saawariya audition –
Deepika came to audition for Saawariya, and she said, ‘you let me know and I’ll choose right now’. But by then I’d finalized Sonam (Kapoor) who I love immensely also.
On approaching Deepika for Ram-Leela when Kareena Kapoor walked out –
The set was made already, and it was shocking, her (Kareena Kapoor) exit 10 days before shooting. So, I went to Deepika. She was unwell and she had fever, and she was beautiful. The neck was so long and those watery gorgeous eyes! I thought, what is this girl all about?
And finally, on Deeepika being his muse after Aishwarya Rai –
One has done three films with me, one has done two films with me. But both are beautiful, both are from Mangalore, both are wonderful girls, both are my friends…Aishwarya was my muse. I could look at her and she would understand what I’m saying. Deepika has really evolved as an actor. What she’s given me, I don’t think anybody else will. Mastani was too special.
We hope the two collaborate on many more such masterpieces!