Ranveer Singh on 8 years of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Bajirao Mastani': 'It was a once in a lifetime character'

A tale of valour, love, and grandeur that has withstood the test of eight years, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani continues to remain one of the finest films to come out of India. On the occasion, Bhansali Productions marked the anniversary of the timeless epic with a video. The footage opens with Ranveer Singh, the charismatic force behind Bajirao’s character, reflecting on the profound impact of portraying a once-in-a-lifetime hero. Said Ranveer Singh, “It was a once in a lifetime character. Bajirao was a true hero—a man who never lost a battle. He is a son, father, husband, lover, leader. A man who is not afraid of anything…not even death.”

These words encapsulate the essence of Bajirao, a character that transcended the screen and found a permanent place in the hearts of audiences worldwide. However, beyond the individual brilliance of the leads Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra, the success of Bajirao Mastani is a testament to the visionary storytelling of Sanjay Leela Bhansali, an auteur who stands as the true inheritor of Indian cinema, carrying the torch of cinematic greatness forward. Bhansali is renowned for telling truly Indian stories in the most Indian way, and Bajirao Mastani is a quintessential example of his mastery. The film wasn’t just a blockbuster; it was a cinematic triumph that received accolades from critics and love from audiences. The music, whether the enchanting “Deewani Mastani,” the soul-stirring “Aayat,” the vibrant “Pinga,” or the triumphant “Malhari,” continues to evoke emotions and transport listeners to the bygone era. Beyond the characters and melodies, Bajirao Mastani is a visual spectacle—a testament to Bhansali’s unparalleled knack for creating larger-than-life sets and immersive visual worlds. The opulence and grandeur on screen are a hallmark of his filmmaking, elevating each frame to a work of art.