Stage set for grand feast as ‘Bajirao Mastani’ kicks off

What has to be one of the most keenly watched prospects in cinema alleys is director Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s big and ambitious project Bajirao Mastani. The same project he has been wanting to make for over ten years now. The director didn’t want to settle for anything or anyone less than Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai as the lead pair but of course that wasn’t happening.

After a decade long wait and a sack full of speculations, the project is finally set to take off tomorrow as the shoot begins. While Salman-Aishwarya couldn’t really be Bhansali’s fantasy after all, it is Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone who will play the characters of Bajirao and Mastani respectively. Priyanka Chopra’s inclusion will make it a triangular affair. According to reports, the shooting of the film will begin with Priyanka since Ranveer is busy shooting for Zoya Akhtar’s Dil Dhadakne Do and Deepika occupied with Happy New Year promotions. As confirmed by Ranveer himself, he will join the sets as soon as he gets over with Zoya’s film and so will Deepika.

The period drama in all senses will look to redefine Bhansali’s style of cinema. With Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela’s success last year, there is a good chance the chemistry will only grow better here. The film is expected to release by the end 2015 if all goes well.