In an interview with the Hindustan Times newspaper, Ranveer Singh opened up about his next project, Padmavati, with his favourite director, Sanjay Leela Bhansali. As the film went on the floors yesterday, Singh tried to dismiss the persistent rumours that have plagued the production since the film was announced. Below are some of the biggest revelations from the interview:
1. “I am very excited about Shahid [Kapoor coming on board]. I think he’s a brilliant actor and an amazing inclusion to our team. He will add immense value.”
Singh spoke about his commitment to the film saying he was already on board as Alauddin Khilji, no matter who stepped in as either Padmavati (Deepika Padukone’s role) or Rawal Ratan Singh (Shahid Kapoor’s role). He was keen to play an anti-hero under Bhansali’s direction.
2. “I like to believe that I am Mr Bhansali’s blue-eyed boy.”
Singh discussed his ‘special’ relationship with the filmmaker who, he felt, was responsible for the biggest hits of his career with Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013) and Bajirao Mastani (2015). He also wanted to be greedy and be his leading man in all his future films as well to put to rest rumours that Bhansali does not want to work with him on any future films.
3. “Let me put it this way, if I am the leading man of the film and the filmmaker is asking me to support him in a certain aspect so as not to burden the budget of the film, I will do whatever I can to support his vision.”
Singh even addressed the rumours he was unhappy with the equation of the three artistes in the film suggesting that he was not above taking a pay cut to be part of the project. He even said it was due to his insistence that the four of them (including Bhansali) met face-to-face to clear the air.
Padmavati is scheduled to be released in theatres on 17 November 2017.