Mastani embodies today’s woman: Deepika

Actor lauds director Sanjay Leela Bhansali for giving creative freedom on the sets

MUMBAI: Actor Deepika Padukone, the Mastani of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus Bajirao Mastani, says her character represents the women of today.

After unveiling the fragile yet fierce look of her character, Deepika said: “My character Mastani embodies today’s woman. Someone who multi-tasked, someone who excelled in everything she did... she is not just an amazing woman; a remarkable warrior, wonderful lover, a mother and a daughter. There are so many shades in this character.”

She added, “She is so much in love with Bajirao that she sacrificed many things.” The movie features Ranveer Singh as 18th century Maratha warrior Peshwa Bajirao, while Priyanka Chopra plays Kashibai. For Deepika, who has showcased her versatility in films such as  Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Piku, Bajirao Mastani is like a “once in a lifetime” opportunity.

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Lauding director Bhansali, she said, “He is co-operative and always encourages, letting the actors work freely. Everybody in the team is creatively involved with the filmmaking process.”

She says the shooting for the period drama has been a fantastic experience.

“It has been the most challenging film of my career so far... emotionally and physically. As an actor, it’s an amazing feeling as I can travel in history through my character.”

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The first look of Mastani was unveiled on Sunday and it featured Deepika, wielding a golden sword. With her eyes set on target, she looks like she is in an attack mode.

“#warrior...#lover...#fierce...#fragile...#power...#strength...#grace...presenting MASTANI! #Mastani #BajiraoMastani,” was how Deepika captioned the image.

Bajirao Mastani is set to release on December 18 along with Deepika’s first co-star Shah Rukh Khan’s film Dilwale, which will bring back the onscreen couple SRK and Kajol.

Apart from Bajirao Mastani, Deepika will be seen sharing screen space with Ranbir Kapoor in Imtiaz Ali’s Tamasha. IANS

Published in The Express Tribune, November 10^th, 2015.

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