Sanjay Leela Bhansali is a magician they say, for he makes every film look larger than life. All his lead actors are in awe of how detail-oriented he is. As we celebrate 20 Years of Devdas today – a film with an ensemble cast and some eternally memorable performances, we shed some light on the way he expressed the beautiful bond he has with his leading lady – Aishwarya Rai Bachchan who has worked with him in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam as Nandini, Devadas as Paro and Guzaarish as Sophia. Excerpts from an interview with Filmfare from the archives.
1) On the trust they share
20 years back the magical compilation of stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Madhuri Dixit gave a timeless love saga like Devdas. As we recall the beautiful moments the film gave to us, a little excerpt from this throwback interview has Sanjay Leela Bhansali expressing his gratitude to Aishwarya for believing in him at a time when things went sour. He had gone to her with the script of Guzaarish, 8 years after Devdas, meanwhile, Sawaariya, which was Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor’s debut film, hadn’t quite done so well. However, Aishwarya had full faith in him as she stated, “I want to say yes first, hear the script later.” Sanjay Leela Bhansali was truly grateful as he went on to add, “That’s what a person who believes in you and your talent is all about. The kind of maturity, grace, and dignity I wanted for my character Sophia in Guzaarish was something only Ash could have.” He further elaborated on how he always wanted to show a different aspect of the beauty of Aishwarya in this film. A part of which he had not explored, he wanted to highlight the quiet strength that the character in the film Guzaarish demanded.
2) Eyes speaking louder than words
Be it Devdas or Hum Dil De Chuka Sanam – Aishwarya had a different persona to bring to life on screen, however, her eyes have always been the most fetching part of her beauty. Addressing the same, Sanjay Leela Bhansali commented, “There’s something in her eyes. That’s the most important aspect of her beauty. They are not ‘normal’. They are so powerful that even if you don’t give her dialogue, they emote.” He went on to reveal that he had first met Aishwarya at the screening of Raja Hindustani, where she had come and introduced herself as Aishwarya Rai, and that he loved his film Khamoshi. As fate may have it, SLB was looking for his Nandini those days, and there began a beautiful journey between the two. Even though people judged his decisions for Aishwarya as Miss World, after all, he knew she had it in her.
3) Their Connection
SLB has undeterred confidence when it comes to their connection, he stated, “I believe our relationship is not confined to this lifetime. It’s a deeper bond. My assistants are shocked at the understanding we share. Even before I could explain the scene to her she’d have understood it.” While Devdas had her play a young demure girl who makes strength her strongest attribute in the face of adversities, Guzaarish had her character emote and feel at the moment. So strong was the understanding between the two that she embodied the characteristics of Sophia naturally, and just what SLB was looking for.
4) Wanting to make a movie based on Taj Mahal for her
SLB went on to express how every film he has taken to her, has chronicled her changing facets over the years. He said he would love to make a movie on Taj Mahal for her. He believes as a filmmaker, the greatest gift he has got is to capture Aishwarya’s journey through love, happiness, and anguish – all three stages which he has successfully captured in the film.
5) The Love-Hate relationship
SLB talks about the love-hate relationship he has with Aishwarya. He shares a beautiful thought as he mentions, “I love her a lot and I also hate her. But I hate her in a positive way. Sometimes you hate a person’s guts, her audacity. At the end of the day, she’s Aishwarya Rai and she’s not going to succumb to any pressure.” The ace filmmaker believes it is the mix of emotions in their relationship that makes it a beautiful one. There are plenty of times when the duo does agree with each other on a lot of terms, but despite the fights and disagreements – the care and concern shown by the two, towards each other is irreplaceable.
6) The everlasting memories
SLB specifies the highlights of working with her. The way she swooned to the tunes of Dola Re Dola despite having aching earlobes. Running across the desert at 35 Degrees temperature for the opening scene of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam or dancing with bruised feet for the iconic Nimbooda Nimbooda. What appeals to SLB is the fact that Aishwarya has a beautiful face, but it is her mind that’s all the more beautiful.
7) Always a superstar
Aishwarya might have climbed up the ladder and today she has a personality and perception to live up to. But, SLB speaks of the innocence she still has within her. The same laughter and the same enthusiasm that she brings with herself to the sets, however never fails to gain back the respect she has earned. She knows where to draw the line between being an artist and being the woman that she is, the mystery is what makes her so ethereal.
