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Sanjay Leela Bhansali on casting Ajay Devgn in Gangubai Kathiawadi

Sanjay Leela Bhansali on casting Ajay Devgn in Gangubai Kathiawadi

Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s latest directorial Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022) is unstoppable at the box office. The film, which hit the marquee on February 25, has been performing exceptionally well at the ticket window.

Though Gangubai Kathiawadi is an Alia Bhatt show all the way, one cannot forget the powerful cameo appearance by superstar Ajay Devgn who appears in the role of gangster Karim Lala.


Talking to a publication, Bhansali said that the extended cameo required Devgn’s gravitas. “I needed an actor who immediately exudes a certain gravitas, a certain kind of dignity and strength. Ajay has all of this. The minute he walks into the film, audiences are with him. Also, the fact that he has not changed one bit over the years since I worked with him last in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999) makes him a rarity. He still has the wonderful habit of arriving one hour before shooting on the sets to get into character and to get familiar with his lines.”

The filmmaker went on to reveal that Alia Bhatt was initially intimidated by Devgn, but the superstar put her at ease in no time at all. “He is a director’s delight and a considerate co-star. He guided her through the tough dramatic lines that they had together,” he added.

Meanwhile, producer Jayantilal Gada has confirmed that Gangubai Kathiawadi will release on Netflix after 8 weeks of its theatrical run.

Keep visiting this space over and again for more updates and reveals from the glitzy world of entertainment.

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Saif Ali Khan overseas weddings

Saif Ali Khan says billionaire wedding stages feel wrong when actors share the same social circle

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Saif Ali Khan says overseas weddings feel fine but ''India feels too public for performances''

Highlights:

  • Saif Ali Khan says he no longer dances at billionaire weddings
  • He recalled an aunt scolding him for doing so early in his career
  • Says the mix of social circles and performance makes him uneasy
  • Felt different when performing overseas, including Portugal
  • Actor says others may enjoy it, but he no longer feels right doing it

Saif Ali Khan has spoken about stepping away from wedding performances, saying the mix of wealth, access and social circles makes him uncomfortable. The actor said in a recent interview that the shift began years ago, after a relative questioned why he was dancing at a private event.

Saif Ali Khan remembered being backstage in Mumbai when his father’s sister walked up and said she could not believe he was dancing at a wedding. The remark stung, and it stayed with him. He said that some actors see themselves as entertainers and are happy to turn up, take the fee and move on. However, he has stopped feeling that way.

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