Bhansali reveals Alia Bhatt 'ran out of office' after hearing Gangubai Kathiawadi script for the first time
Gangubai Kathiawadi
As Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s latest ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ premieres at Berlin Film Festival, the maker sat down to talk about Alia Bhatt’s reaction when she heard the film’s narration for the first time. Alia Bhatt plays Gangubai who rose to power after having started from a humble background.
He said Alia Bhatt ‘ran out of” office after she heard the narration. He told Bhansali Productions CEO Prerna Singh, at the time, that they will have to look for another actor.
Gangubai Kathiawadi is the story of one of the most powerful, loved and respected madams of Mumbai’s red-light area Kamathipura during the 1960s.
)
Xi Jinping's new AI bloc: China launches 'World AI Body' with Pakistan and Russia in, India out
)
3.5-million-year-old mystery creature found in Japan is a 'giant' never seen before
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the S-400 uses solid rocket fuel instead of liquid fuel
)
Explained: Why Rodri won the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball over Lionel Messi
)
Japan is selling a refrigerator to cool the human body for Rs 9 lakh. It is already a hit in Tokyo
)
Lip reader reveals what Donald Trump told every Spain and Argentina player after FIFA World Cup final during medal ceremony
)
US-Iran conflicts: Houthis announce maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, Iran attacks MQ-9 drone hangar | Gravitas
)
‘Iran can survive sanctions, but can’t truly live’: Dy FM warns of economic cost of war
)
Sonam Wangchuk's connection with George Soros and Ford Foundation explained!
)
'There is no need for...': PM Modi takes a veiled dig at Rahul Gandhi, sends big message amid Parliament March
)
‘Netanyahu will not be arrested in any way, shape, or form in US’: Trump’s counter to Mamdani
)
FACT CHECK: Was Abhijit Dipke detained during CJP's Parliament march? Here's what police say
)
UP BTech gold medalist dies by suicide after failing in nearly 50 govt job attempts, leaves note for father
)
Jail over Khamenei post: J&K youth returns home after 3 months in Saudi custody
)
'Now come to us': CJP resumes protest after Parliament march violence, calls meeting with Nadda 'waste of time'
)
Salman Khan breaks silence on health concerns after viral Mumbai appearance
)
'George Soros playbook': Understanding the foreign funding network around Sonam Wangchuk
)
Indus treaty can no longer function in its current form, says India; plans 5,500 mw of new J&K hydro projects
)
Maha CM Wife Amruta Fadnavis' Yoga Day appearance sparks social media debate over attire | Watch
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
2026 FIFA World Cup awards: Full list of Golden Boot, Golden Ball, Golden Glove and every major winner
)
US-Iran war: Report suggests US lost 42 aircraft, including fighter jets, reaper drones
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Spain World Cup victory parade in Madrid: Champions celebrate second FIFA World Cup title with over million fans
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
FIFA World Cup 2026 team of the tournament: The best XI that ruled football’s biggest stage
)
Heavy sanctions loom over Argentine players after ugly brawl following final whistle in World Cup final
)
Truck loaded with stones, metro stations closed: What's happening at Jantar Mantar now
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why US fighter jets use seamless bubble canopies compared to Russian jets
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the F-22’s cockpit glass is thicker than a standard fighter jet
)
Student union leaders call off hunger strike at Jantar Mantar after civil society appeal, but protest continues
)
Tulsi Gabbard's brother Batarti accused of luring children to hotel room in Hawaii
)
'What is wrong...': Anna Hazare breaks silence on Sonam Wangchuk's protest, makes an appeal to Centre
To Zoom, Sanjay Leela Bhansali said, "The first time she heard the narration, she took her bag and ran out of my office. She was wondering what on earth hit her and what kind of role I have offered to her. She just run away. I told my CEO Prerna, listen, I think we have to look out for another actor. Because this... Well, I wanted her to play it," he said.
The filmmaker said that the next morning, Alia called him up and said she wanted to meet him. "I said you don't have to come and meet me personally to say no to me." This left Alia in splits, who said that she would just do what he asked her to do:"I said jump into the unknown, even I don't know what I will do," he added.
‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ is a biographical crime-drama, adapted from one of the chapters of noted author Hussain Zaidi's book ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai’. The film also stars Ajay Devgn and is scheduled to release in theatres on February 25.
