Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 2007 release, Saawariya, may not have been the director's biggest box office hit, but it is remembered widely nonetheless for two reasons. Firstly, there were the countless jokes about Saawariya being a 'blue film' because of its blue-toned color grading. Secondly, the film launched not one, but two star kids, namely Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor. However, it turns out that the former's dad, Rishi Kapoor, wasn't too pleased with the director, Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He opened up about the same recently.
Saawariya is celebrating 17 years since its release today, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali sat down for an interview with Times Now on the occasion. During the same, the director revealed that Ranbir Kapoor's father, Rishi Kapoor, kept demanding a film screening from him. However, Sanjay adamantly denied the same, as the film wasn't finished.
Sanjay further revealed that he would also receive frequent messages from Neetu Kapoor to see the film. However, he dodged the requests and refused to show the couple a single frame, stating that the film wasn't ready.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali also confessed that when the film was finally ready and Rishi Kapoor got to see it, his anger did not subside. On the contrary, the actor was completely stumped and stated that the film would destroy his son's career. Well, he wasn't the only one to feel that way. Sanjay said:
"He wasn't the only one. Many critics and cineastes were puzzled with what I tried to do in Saawariya. The language of expression, the texture of storytelling, the performances they were all unique."
However, in the face of all the criticism, Sanjay had a fantastic team of actors. The director lauded praises on them in the Times Now interview and said:
"I had an amazing team of actors. Ranbir, Sonam surrendered completely to my vision. They were like clay being moulded into beautiful shapes. I am so proud of where Ranbir has reached. And I had two legendary performers Begum Para and Zohra Sehgal in my film. And Rani, oh my God, Rani Mukerji was so so special! She took Saawariya to the level I wanted to."
Sanjay also revealed that eventually, Rishi Kapoor changed his mind about the film too. The actor ended up admitting to the director that he had made a mistake while evaluating Saawariya.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali was also asked about any regrets he had regarding Saawariya. The director firmly responded that even if he were to make the film today, he wouldn't change anything about it besides one aspect he chose to keep secret. Talking about whether he thought the film was ahead of its time, Sanjay said:
"That's what they said about Guru Dutt's Kagaz Ke Phool and Raj Kapoor's Mera Naam Joker. I don't know if Saawariya belongs to the same league. But I do know that if I had to make Saawariya again, I wouldn't change anything. Except one actor. I am not telling you which."
What do you think about Sanjay Leela Bhansali's revelation that Rishi Kapoor thought Sawaariya would ruin Ranbir Kapoor's career?
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