Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali was asked by a fan about the differences between actors Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone. While Alia collaborated for the first time with the director in the recently released ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’, Deepika has been his muse for the longest time. The duo has collaborated on three films already, ‘Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela’, ‘Bajirao Mastani’, and ‘Padmaavat’.
When asked how either of the actresses are different from a filmmaker’s perspective, Bhansali said, “They are different people. They have different approaches, they have different heights. They have different voices, they have different body language. They have different approach to cinema. All that put together… Deepika is a beautiful girl, wonderful actor. For me, Alia is a very beautiful girl, again a wonderful actor.”
SLB added, “But if I have to do Bajirao Mastani then I will have to have Deepika, and if I’m doing Gangubai, I will have to have Alia play it. So, each one has their own power that they exude when they find a role that suits them, and you cannot give the wrong role to the wrong actor. Not that in the same breath I can say that Alia could not have played Mastani or Deepika could not have played Gangu. But I feel what casting I’ve done, keeping their essence, is the right casting. So, what Alia did for this role, only Alia could have done. And what Deepika did in those roles only Deepika could have done.”
Growing at the box office every day, ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ has already crossed the £10 million mark worldwide. The film tells the story of a brothel madam who works to bring reforms in the lives of sex workers. The film was released theatrically to enthusiastic reviews praising Alia’s acting prowess and Bhansali’s direction.
