Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s epic film &quot;Padmaavat&quot; finally hit theatres across the country with an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-out-today-no-show-in-4-big-states-30703" target="_blank">exception of four big states </a>and actress Deepika Padukone shared an all-smiles photo with someone special.&nbsp;

Taking to Instagram, Padukone posted a photo with&nbsp;director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and captioned it: &quot;My Main Man, Now &amp; Forever!from both of us to all of you...We LOVE you!see you at the movies!❤️#Padmaavat&quot;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BeW3RO0hW3a/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">My Main Man,Now &amp; Forever!from both of us to all of you...We LOVE you!see you at the movies!❤️#Padmaavat</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/deepikapadukone/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Deepika Padukone</a> (@deepikapadukone) on <time datetime="2018-01-25T03:24:19+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jan 24, 2018 at 7:24pm PST</time>
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Both Padukone and Bhansali went through a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-releases-protesters-brandish-swords-owners-say-movie-halls-full-30721" target="_blank"> tough time</a> since the start of shooting of Padmaavat till now and continuing from fringe group&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-row-after-attack-on-school-bus-big-gurgaon-schools-shut-till-sunday-30696" target="_blank">Rajput Karni Sena</a> which threatened to create a havoc if the film releases.

Even today, there is a no-show in four states -- Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Goa owing to massive violence on part of the group against public property and cinema halls.&nbsp;

The group even went to Supreme Court asking for a ban on the film but the apex court ruled in favour of the makers and asked the state governments to ensure a secure environment for the film release.&nbsp;

On another note,&nbsp;Singh <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-ahead-of-padmaavat-release-ranveer-singh-writes-a-heartfelt-note-30722" target="_blank">shared a heartfelt note about the journey</a> the film has taken. &quot;I am so proud of my team. Team Padmaavat for the win!&quot;Singh wrote.

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Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Padmaavat' stars Deepika Padukone alongside Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's epic film "Padmaavat" finally hit theatres across the country with an exception of four big states and actress Deepika Padukone shared an all-smiles photo with someone special. Taking to Instagram, Padukone posted a photo with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and captioned it: "My Main Man, Now & Forever!from both of us to all of you...We LOVE you!see you at the movies!❤️#Padmaavat" My Main Man,Now & Forever!from both of us to all of you...We LOVE you!see you at the movies!❤️#Padmaavat A post shared by Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) on Jan 24, 2018 at 7:24pm PST × Both Padukone and Bhansali went through a tough time since the start of shooting of Padmaavat till now and continuing from fringe group Rajput Karni Sena which threatened to create a havoc if the film releases. Even today, there is a no-show in four states -- Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Goa owing to massive violence on part of the group against public property and cinema halls. The group even went to Supreme Court asking for a ban on the film but the apex court ruled in favour of the makers and asked the state governments to ensure a secure environment for the film release. On another note, Singh shared a heartfelt note about the journey the film has taken. "I am so proud of my team. Team Padmaavat for the win!"Singh wrote.

Deepika Padukone shares photo with 'main man' on 'Padmaavat' release date

One day prior to the release of the epic film &quot;Padmaavat&quot;,&nbsp;27 women members of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-releases-today-protests-continue-lucknow-man-tries-to-immolate-himself-30690" target="_blank">Rajput Karni Sena</a> submitted letters to Ratlam district administration on January 24, urging President Ram Nath Kovind to &quot;either stop its screening or permit them to end their lives&quot;.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-out-today-no-show-in-4-big-states-30703" target="_blank">Also Read:&nbsp;Padmaavat releases but is &#39;no-show&#39; in 4 big states</a>

This letter was submitted following the group&#39;s belief that the Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s film presents Rani Padmavati in a wrong manner.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-row-after-attack-on-school-bus-big-gurgaon-schools-shut-till-sunday-30696" target="_blank">Also </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-row-after-attack-on-school-bus-big-gurgaon-schools-shut-till-sunday-30696" target="_blank">Read:</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-row-after-attack-on-school-bus-big-gurgaon-schools-shut-till-sunday-30696" target="_blank">&nbsp;Padmaavat release: After attack on school bus, big Gurgaon schools shut till Sunday</a>

Rajput Karni Sena&#39;s Ratlam district women&#39;s wing vice president Mangla Deora said in a statement:&nbsp;&quot;Twenty-seven letters addressed to the president were submitted to the Additional District Magistrate (ADM).&quot;

Deora added: &quot;We demanded that the president should either grant us permission to embrace death, as we are not able to protect the honour of Rani Padmavati, or stop release of the movie.&quot;

Earlier, the group had <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lifting-of-padmaavat-ban-supreme-court-refuses-to-modify-earlier-order-30458" target="_blank">knocked on the doors of the Supreme Court </a>to ban the release of the film in the country as it hurts their sentiments but they <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sc-panel-discussed-controversial-works-in-literature-and-cinema-during-padmaavat-proceedings-30024" target="_blank">had no respite</a> as the apex court denied their plea and allowed the makers to release the certified film in full countrywide.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The letter states: 'We demanded that the President should either grant us permission to embrace death, as we are not able to protect the honour of Rani Padmavati, or stop release of the movie'

One day prior to the release of the epic film "Padmaavat", 27 women members of Rajput Karni Sena submitted letters to Ratlam district administration on January 24, urging President Ram Nath Kovind to "either stop its screening or permit them to end their lives". Also Read: Padmaavat releases but is 'no-show' in 4 big states This letter was submitted following the group's belief that the Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film presents Rani Padmavati in a wrong manner. Also Read: Padmaavat release: After attack on school bus, big Gurgaon schools shut till Sunday Rajput Karni Sena's Ratlam district women's wing vice president Mangla Deora said in a statement: "Twenty-seven letters addressed to the president were submitted to the Additional District Magistrate (ADM)." Deora added: "We demanded that the president should either grant us permission to embrace death, as we are not able to protect the honour of Rani Padmavati, or stop release of the movie." Earlier, the group had knocked on the doors of the Supreme Court to ban the release of the film in the country as it hurts their sentiments but they had no respite as the apex court denied their plea and allowed the makers to release the certified film in full countrywide.

'Padmaavat' release: Rajput women ask President's permission to end lives

Gurugram Police on Saturday detained Karni Sena chief Thakur Kushalpal in connection with the incidents of violence as a protest against the recently released &#39;Padmaavat&#39;.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gurugram?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gurugram</a> Karni Sena Chief Thakur Kushalpal detained by police in connection of incidents of violence in the city <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/957176517724839936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Karni Sena&nbsp;is protesting against the film since it started filming with claims that the film presents distorted historical facts.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-fallout-censor-board-chief-prasoon-joshi-skips-zee-jaipur-literature-festival-30895">Censor board chief Prasoon Joshi skips Zee Jaipur Literature Festival after </a>&#39;P<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-fallout-censor-board-chief-prasoon-joshi-skips-zee-jaipur-literature-festival-30895">admaavat</a>&#39;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-fallout-censor-board-chief-prasoon-joshi-skips-zee-jaipur-literature-festival-30895">&nbsp;fallout</a>

On Wednesday, a mob of 60 people attacked a bus full of school kids and teachers in Gurugram in protest against the release of &quot;Padmaavat&quot;.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-how-sanjay-leela-bhansali-plays-to-the-gallery-with-padmaavat-30890">How Sanjay Leela Bhansali plays to the gallery with </a>&#39;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-how-sanjay-leela-bhansali-plays-to-the-gallery-with-padmaavat-30890">Padmaavat</a>&#39;

On January 25, the police took into custody 23 people for the stone pelting and charged them with rioting and attempt to murder.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;mob attackers were reportedly from the Rajput Karni Sena.

A&nbsp;special investigation team has been formed under the supervision of DCP South Ashol Bakshi to probe the case.

Also read: S<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-row-supreme-court-to-hear-contempt-plea-against-no-show-in-4-states-30717">upreme Court to hear contempt petition against 4 states for no-show</a>

Haryana BJP media coordinator&nbsp;Suraj Pal Amu who warned the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-padmaavat-is-released-the-country-will-fall-apart-suraj-pal-amu-29932"> country will fall if &#39;Padamaavat&#39;</a>&nbsp;g<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-padmaavat-is-released-the-country-will-fall-apart-suraj-pal-amu-29932">ets a release </a>was also arrested and is in judicial custody&nbsp;till January 29.

The national secretary of the Shree Karni Sena, Suraj Pal Amu,&nbsp;has also been arrested.

&quot;Padmaavat&quot;&nbsp;finally released on January 25 under heavy security.

In Haryana some movie halls decided not to show the movie, PVR cinemas of Gurugram&#39;s ambience mall was one of them.

However, the entire controversy worked in favour of the film as viewers came in big numbers to watch the film in curiosity behind the uproar.

Next week, the Supreme court will be hearing a case against Karni Sena for the ruckus they have created in different parts of the country after a contempt petition was filed against them.

 
&nbsp;

Karni Sena is protesting against the film since it started filming with claims that film presents distorted historical facts

Gurugram Police on Saturday detained Karni Sena chief Thakur Kushalpal in connection with the incidents of violence as a protest against the recently released 'Padmaavat'. #Gurugram Karni Sena Chief Thakur Kushalpal detained by police in connection of incidents of violence in the city #Padmaavat — ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2018 × Karni Sena is protesting against the film since it started filming with claims that the film presents distorted historical facts. Also read: Censor board chief Prasoon Joshi skips Zee Jaipur Literature Festival after 'Padmaavat' fallout On Wednesday, a mob of 60 people attacked a bus full of school kids and teachers in Gurugram in protest against the release of "Padmaavat". Also read: How Sanjay Leela Bhansali plays to the gallery with 'Padmaavat' On January 25, the police took into custody 23 people for the stone pelting and charged them with rioting and attempt to murder. The mob attackers were reportedly from the Rajput Karni Sena. A special investigation team has been formed under the supervision of DCP South Ashol Bakshi to probe the case. Also read: Supreme Court to hear contempt petition against 4 states for no-show Haryana BJP media coordinator Suraj Pal Amu who warned the country will fall if 'Padamaavat' gets a release was also arrested and is in judicial custody till January 29. The national secretary of the Shree Karni Sena, Suraj Pal Amu, has also been arrested. "Padmaavat" finally released on January 25 under heavy security. In Haryana some movie halls decided not to show the movie, PVR cinemas of Gurugram's ambience mall was one of them. However, the entire controversy worked in favour of the film as viewers came in big numbers to watch the film in curiosity behind the uproar. Next week, the Supreme court will be hearing a case against Karni Sena for the ruckus they have created in different parts of the country after a contempt petition was filed against them.

Padmaavat row: Karni Sena chief Thakur Kushalpal detained by Gurugram police

Most would believe that &quot;Padmaavat&quot;&nbsp;makers can now be at ease with the Indian Supreme Court <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lifting-of-padmaavat-ban-supreme-court-refuses-to-modify-earlier-order-30458" target="_blank">refusing to modify its earlier order</a> on the stay on the ban on the film but the fight isn&#39;t over yet.&nbsp;

In addition to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-protests-miscreants-vandalise-ticket-counter-in-uttar-pradesh-30442" target="_blank">threat </a>posed to the film from a fringe group, namely <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/janta-curfew-in-cinema-halls-if-padmaavat-is-screened-threatens-karni-sena-30418" target="_blank">Shri Rajput Karni Sena</a>, there is a new problem in the face of people from&nbsp;Padmaavat poet, Malik Muhammad Jayasi&rsquo;s village in Amethi in Uttar Pradesh&nbsp;demanding a profit share from the film&rsquo;s earning.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-here-are-the-first-reactions-on-the-film-30455" target="_blank">Also </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-here-are-the-first-reactions-on-the-film-30455" target="_blank">Read:</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-here-are-the-first-reactions-on-the-film-30455" target="_blank">&nbsp;Padmaavat: Here are the first reactions to the film&nbsp;</a>

They stake claim to the money as Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s film is based on the poem written by&nbsp;Malik Muhammad Jayasi.&nbsp;

As per a leading daily, a&nbsp;share from the earning has been demanded so that the restoration of the birthplace and research institute of Malik Muhammad Jayasi can be done.

On Monday, the local body, Nagar Palik Chairperson&nbsp;organised a program where he announced that Bhansali&#39;s film&rsquo;s earnings will come from the book by Jayasi and so the poet and his village has all the rights on it.

The Chairperson added that the village supports the film&#39;s release but expects a share in return.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, to ensure that fringe groups don&#39;t create havoc at the time of release, Bhansali has invited the Karni Sena to watch the movie and judge for itself.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The film is slated for a release on January 25 country-wide

Most would believe that "Padmaavat" makers can now be at ease with the Indian Supreme Court refusing to modify its earlier order on the stay on the ban on the film but the fight isn't over yet. In addition to the threat posed to the film from a fringe group, namely Shri Rajput Karni Sena, there is a new problem in the face of people from Padmaavat poet, Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s village in Amethi in Uttar Pradesh demanding a profit share from the film’s earning. Also Read: Padmaavat: Here are the first reactions to the film They stake claim to the money as Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film is based on the poem written by Malik Muhammad Jayasi. As per a leading daily, a share from the earning has been demanded so that the restoration of the birthplace and research institute of Malik Muhammad Jayasi can be done. On Monday, the local body, Nagar Palik Chairperson organised a program where he announced that Bhansali's film’s earnings will come from the book by Jayasi and so the poet and his village has all the rights on it. The Chairperson added that the village supports the film's release but expects a share in return. Meanwhile, to ensure that fringe groups don't create havoc at the time of release, Bhansali has invited the Karni Sena to watch the movie and judge for itself.

Villagers from 'Padmaavat' poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi's birthplace demand profit share

The film industry is in no mood to compromise on its &quot;creative freedom&quot; and fascination towards history, even as the controversy around Padmaavat&nbsp;is far from over. 
 
The Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed film, which was originally titled Padmavati, got mired in controversy as soon as the filmmaker started shooting for the project and things took an ugly turn after the first trailer of the movie was released last year. 
 
The unending protests, however, have not affected Bollywood, with celebs such as Ketan Mehta, Sidharth Malhotra and R Madhavan still vouching for period dramas. 
 
&quot;History is a treasure house of stories. We cannot preclude history from creative endeavours. I would like to make a historical film even today,&quot; Mehta told PTI. 
 
The director, who helmed Aamir Khan-starrer 2005 historical biographical drama Mangal Pandey: The Rising&nbsp;and 1993 biographical drama Sardar&nbsp;on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, said considering the wrath Bhansali and his team faced, he will be cautious while making any historical film in future. 
 
&quot;There would be various opinions on any subject. There is no question of censoring yourself even before you start creating something,&quot; he added. 
 
Mehta believes people have become oversensitive today and they need to &quot;liberate their mind&quot; as freedom of expression is a fundamental right. 
 
&quot;People have a right to see a film, just like they have a right to vote. There is a censor board that looks into the matter of clearing films and its sanctity should be retained,&quot; he said. 
 
Producer Kamal Jain, whose next film Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi&nbsp;featuring Kangana Ranaut in the title role, is based on the life of Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi, said cinema has unparallelled capacity to bring history to life. 
&quot;We have a long, respectable history and cinema is the biggest medium to bring it to the people.&quot; 
 
Jain added that while making a historical film, makers should do thorough research and stay true to the subject and even if they take cinematic liberties, they should ensure sentiments of people are not hurt. 
 
&quot;History has to be thoroughly researched. I spent almost six months on research and got a lot of historians on board who authenticated the film. 
 
&quot;You need to look at the perspective. You need to respect the sentiments of the people because at the end of the day cinema will affect somebody&#39;s sentiments,&quot; he said. 
 
Actor Sonu Sood, who played the character of Rajkumar Sujamal in Ashutosh Gowariker-directed Jodhaa Akbar, said chances of a historical drama facing protests are always high, but that should not stop artistes from doing their jobs. 
 
&quot;In today&#39;s times when we try to make historical films we have to make sure that all the references are right. But, even after that one can face opposition like we have seen in the case of Padmaavat&#39;,&quot; he said. 
 
The actor, who will now be seen playing a warrior in Manikarnika..., said working in a period drama is &quot;a great high for any actor&quot;. 
 
&quot;We might find ourselves in a situation where people are opposing it but ultimately periodical films are the ones which need to be made in today&#39;s times,&quot; he added. 
 
Sidharth shared similar views and said getting &quot;scared&quot; by the situation will only &quot;defeat the purpose of why we are in the business.&quot; 
 
The actor said people should not take movies too seriously as it is a form of entertainment and does not aim at starting a revolution. 
 
&quot;... Even though the films that we make (on history), we are not trying to change history. It is unfortunate that a film like Padmaavat&nbsp;has to go through this. 
 
&quot;The threats were uncalled for, we all felt angry when Bhansali and the actors received death threats. It is sad that something like this can happen openly,&quot; he added. 
 
Madhavan and Nimrat Kaur also expressed their desire to explore the genre. 
 
&quot;I don&#39;t think actors should be bound by politics in any way. The idea of being an actor and artiste is that you are a reflection of society and world and you bring forth stories to entertain the audience,&quot; Nimrat said. 
 
Madhavan believes it is still safe to do a period or historical film. 
 
&quot;I don&#39;t think people should get threatened. With what has happened (to Padmaavat&#39;)... It is not right. It should not happen and is not acceptable,&quot; he said. 
 
Featuring Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh, Padmaavat&nbsp;will hit the theatres on January 25.

The Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed film, which was originally titled Padmavati, got mired in controversy as soon as the filmmaker started shooting for the project

The film industry is in no mood to compromise on its "creative freedom" and fascination towards history, even as the controversy around Padmaavat is far from over. The Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed film, which was originally titled Padmavati, got mired in controversy as soon as the filmmaker started shooting for the project and things took an ugly turn after the first trailer of the movie was released last year. The unending protests, however, have not affected Bollywood, with celebs such as Ketan Mehta, Sidharth Malhotra and R Madhavan still vouching for period dramas. "History is a treasure house of stories. We cannot preclude history from creative endeavours. I would like to make a historical film even today," Mehta told PTI. The director, who helmed Aamir Khan-starrer 2005 historical biographical drama Mangal Pandey: The Rising and 1993 biographical drama Sardar on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, said considering the wrath Bhansali and his team faced, he will be cautious while making any historical film in future. "There would be various opinions on any subject. There is no question of censoring yourself even before you start creating something," he added. Mehta believes people have become oversensitive today and they need to "liberate their mind" as freedom of expression is a fundamental right. "People have a right to see a film, just like they have a right to vote. There is a censor board that looks into the matter of clearing films and its sanctity should be retained," he said. Producer Kamal Jain, whose next film Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi featuring Kangana Ranaut in the title role, is based on the life of Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi, said cinema has unparallelled capacity to bring history to life. "We have a long, respectable history and cinema is the biggest medium to bring it to the people." Jain added that while making a historical film, makers should do thorough research and stay true to the subject and even if they take cinematic liberties, they should ensure sentiments of people are not hurt. "History has to be thoroughly researched. I spent almost six months on research and got a lot of historians on board who authenticated the film. "You need to look at the perspective. You need to respect the sentiments of the people because at the end of the day cinema will affect somebody's sentiments," he said. Actor Sonu Sood, who played the character of Rajkumar Sujamal in Ashutosh Gowariker-directed Jodhaa Akbar, said chances of a historical drama facing protests are always high, but that should not stop artistes from doing their jobs. "In today's times when we try to make historical films we have to make sure that all the references are right. But, even after that one can face opposition like we have seen in the case of Padmaavat'," he said. The actor, who will now be seen playing a warrior in Manikarnika..., said working in a period drama is "a great high for any actor". "We might find ourselves in a situation where people are opposing it but ultimately periodical films are the ones which need to be made in today's times," he added. Sidharth shared similar views and said getting "scared" by the situation will only "defeat the purpose of why we are in the business." The actor said people should not take movies too seriously as it is a form of entertainment and does not aim at starting a revolution. "... Even though the films that we make (on history), we are not trying to change history. It is unfortunate that a film like Padmaavat has to go through this. "The threats were uncalled for, we all felt angry when Bhansali and the actors received death threats. It is sad that something like this can happen openly," he added. Madhavan and Nimrat Kaur also expressed their desire to explore the genre. "I don't think actors should be bound by politics in any way. The idea of being an actor and artiste is that you are a reflection of society and world and you bring forth stories to entertain the audience," Nimrat said. Madhavan believes it is still safe to do a period or historical film. "I don't think people should get threatened. With what has happened (to Padmaavat')... It is not right. It should not happen and is not acceptable," he said. Featuring Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh, Padmaavat will hit the theatres on January 25.

Bollywood game for period films even after 'Padmaavat' drama

It&#39;s been a ritual for Deepika Padukone for all these years. Before each of her film&#39;s release, Deepika visits Mumbai&#39;s Siddhivinayak Temple to seek blessings of Lord Ganesha. And on Tuesday, Deepika stepped out amid tight security to visit the temple and seek blessings for her upcoming film Padmaavat.&nbsp;

Clad in traditional attire, the 32-year-old took the blessings of Lord Ganesha for her film that has been plagued by controversies for a long time.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-here-are-the-first-reactions-on-the-film-30455">Also read: The first reviews of Padmaavat are out!</a>

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BeSLlqhgyKV/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Deepika padukone snapped as she arrives at #Siddhivinayak #temple to seek #blessings For #Padmavaat #movie #instalove #photooftheday #instadaily #paparazzi #instapic #manavmanglani @manav.manglani</a>

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Deepika Padukone leaves from Siddhivinayak temple amid high security <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a> <a href="https://t.co/3TgL0ePRAd">pic.twitter.com/3TgL0ePRAd</a>
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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-villagers-from-padmaavat-poet-malik-muhammad-jayasis-birthplace-demand-profit-share-30466">Also see:&nbsp;Villagers from &#39;Padmaavat&#39; poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi&#39;s birthplace demand profit share</a>

Starring Deepika, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor in lead roles, the flick has run into trouble time and again, as members of several Rajput factions have accused director Sanjay Leela Bhansali of distorting history.

The magnum-opus is based on 16th-century Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi`s epic poem Padmaavat.It is all set for a worldwide January 25 release in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil.&nbsp;

Padmaavat actress visited the temple on Tuesday morning.

It's been a ritual for Deepika Padukone for all these years. Before each of her film's release, Deepika visits Mumbai's Siddhivinayak Temple to seek blessings of Lord Ganesha. And on Tuesday, Deepika stepped out amid tight security to visit the temple and seek blessings for her upcoming film Padmaavat. Clad in traditional attire, the 32-year-old took the blessings of Lord Ganesha for her film that has been plagued by controversies for a long time. Also read: The first reviews of Padmaavat are out! Deepika padukone snapped as she arrives at #Siddhivinayak #temple to seek #blessings For #Padmavaat #movie #instalove #photooftheday #instadaily #paparazzi #instapic #manavmanglani @manav.manglani A post shared by Manav Manglani (@manav.manglani) on Jan 22, 2018 at 11:45pm PST × #WATCH Deepika Padukone leaves from Siddhivinayak temple amid high security #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/3TgL0ePRAd — ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2018 × Also see: Villagers from 'Padmaavat' poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi's birthplace demand profit share Starring Deepika, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor in lead roles, the flick has run into trouble time and again, as members of several Rajput factions have accused director Sanjay Leela Bhansali of distorting history. The magnum-opus is based on 16th-century Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi`s epic poem Padmaavat.It is all set for a worldwide January 25 release in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil.

Ahead of 'Padmaavat' release, Deepika Padukone visits Siddhivinayak Temple

In Sanjay Leela Bhansali&rsquo;s Padmaavat, the eyes do the talking. They speak of the havoc that Khilji is set to create in Chittor, they speak of the determination and grit that Ratan Singh has while fighting a barbaric army and they speak of love, pride and honour when Padmavati bids farewell to her husband. Bhansali&rsquo;s film scores because he makes the eyes speak. Amid the grandeur, the visually stunning frames- the three lead actors emote through their eyes and act out a known story set in the 13th century.

For a good part of 2017, the film has been in news for false news. Because when one watches the film, one can see that contrary to the claims made by protesting fringe groups and ignorant state governments, Padmaavat- if anything- upholds the honour of the Rajput community and celebrates the community&#39;s &#39;aan, baan and shaan&#39;.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-how-sanjay-leela-bhansali-plays-to-the-gallery-with-padmaavat-30890">Also see: How Sanjay Leela Bhansali plays to the gallery with </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-how-sanjay-leela-bhansali-plays-to-the-gallery-with-padmaavat-30890">Padmaavat</a>

Through scenes, dialogues and how the story is woven- the community&rsquo;s values, its valour, the way they deal with situations, and their loyalty is highlighted in more ways than one.

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Deepika Padukone in Padmaavat. (WION)
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Bhansali creates two striking worlds- one of Alauddin Khilji which is dark, grim and unkempt. The other is of Ratan Singh and Padmavati in Chittor- which is lit up, decorated and pristine.&nbsp; And these two worlds collide when Raghav Chetan, a former priest tells Khilji that he can truly be a Sultan of Hind if he has the most beautiful Padmavati by his side and a control over the Rajputs. And Khilji, thus, becomes obsessed with the idea of acquiring Padmavati. But the man who only knows the language of loot, plunder and ruthless killing doesn&rsquo;t understand the valour, pride and honour the Rajputs stand by. He also is unaware of the righteous Padmavati and her sharp brain who would never bow down to wishes of an invader.

Bhansali remains true to his style as he narrates age-old folklore of how Queen Padmavati opted to perform Sati instead of bowing to Khilji&rsquo;s wishes in the most visually stunning way. The film is mounted on a large scale and opulence is, many of the times, a bit overwhelming. But that&rsquo;s how Bhansali&rsquo;s films always are. Grand, visual extravaganzas with dramatic dialogues and backdrops and Padmaavat is just that. Each scene is elaborate, almost perfect and like a painting making it a treat for the eyes for the greater part of the film.

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Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor in a still from the film. (WION)
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The film&rsquo;s high point is Sudeep Chatterjee&rsquo;s splendid camera work. The ariel shots of the battle scene make you feel overwhelmed at the sheer magnanimity of the situation. The scenes where Padmavati and Ratan Singh romance are soft, intimate and make the viewer feel like an intruder, privy to the couple&rsquo;s intimate moments while scenes involving Khiljis are chaotic, dark and grey.

The story is known one but it is the actors who make the film come alive. With just a few lines, Deepika Padukone, dressed in the gorgeous costumes, looks stunning and emotes through her eyes. So does Shahid Kapoor, a formidable actor, who delivers a very restraint performance as Rawal Ratan Singh. But the film clearly belongs to Ranveer Singh as the menacing Alauddin Khilji. With a Khal Drogo-esque look, the actor creates mayhem in the lives of Ratan Singh and Padmavati. Bhansali creates a beast, who is childlike at times, maverick at others, and completely ruthless as a Sultan. And Singh transforms himself accordingly, creating a character that will remain well etched in the minds of the cinema lovers for years to come. In fact, the film is quite literally from his point of view, and his obsession with Padmavati. They could have named the film after his character, would have saved them a lot of trouble, really.

Strangely, while Ranveer and Deepika share no scene together, they do share a strange unspoken chemistry which seems missing between Shahid and the actress.

Ranveer&rsquo;s electric performance also saves the second half of the film, which drags to an extent. Because when he comes on screen, you can&rsquo;t look at anyone else. His powerful presence commands your attention. Aditi Rao Hydari, as Khilji&rsquo;s wife, also delivers a commendable performance, who is aware of her husband&rsquo;s ruthlessness and yet takes a few bold steps against him. There is Jim Sarbh as well, playing Khilji&rsquo;s manservant, a eunuch who is in love with Khilji and is a party to his plunder and ruthless killing. Sarbh shines in parts, hams in the rest.

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Ranveer Singh in a still from Padmaavat. (Twitter)
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Padmaavat is also the most crisp film that Bhansali has directed in a long time. He wastes no time in establishing the plot and the narrative moves pretty swiftly. They could have done away with two songs in the second half though, where the story drags massively.

Music always remains a high point in Bhansali&rsquo;s film but the Padmaavat songs aren&rsquo;t too memorable apart from the Ghoomar song which is visually stunning. Ek dil ek jaan, the romantic ballad is the only other song that stands out. Otherwise the musical is actually dismal.Padmaavat also has the usual trappings that every Bhansali film has. There will always be a holi sequence, with colours amply thrown in the air, there will always be a sequence of a huge group of women dressed in red to add more drama and he always has Ranveer in a solo song- even though the song makes the least sense in the narrative.

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8YaF2m7hCx0" width="560"></iframe>

Most people in this country will watch Padmaavat, I know. Ironically, Karni Sena has ensured that the film gets the audience in theaters. And most will not be disappointed. The story may be a very known one, some may also object at how it shows a woman&rsquo;s fate being decided by two men (if this is not patriarchy, then what is?) but everyone will agree that Bhansali&rsquo;s cinema is grand, spectacular and never really maligns the Rajputs. People will surely come out wondering what the fuss was all about in the first place. Above all, Padmaavat will reiterate the fact that Ranveer Singh can perform any role with absolute finesse.

Yes, they should have just called the film Khilji.

Rating: 2.5/5

Bhansali's film celebrates Rajput community's 'aan, baan and shaan' to the hilt.

In Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmaavat, the eyes do the talking. They speak of the havoc that Khilji is set to create in Chittor, they speak of the determination and grit that Ratan Singh has while fighting a barbaric army and they speak of love, pride and honour when Padmavati bids farewell to her husband. Bhansali’s film scores because he makes the eyes speak. Amid the grandeur, the visually stunning frames- the three lead actors emote through their eyes and act out a known story set in the 13th century. For a good part of 2017, the film has been in news for false news. Because when one watches the film, one can see that contrary to the claims made by protesting fringe groups and ignorant state governments, Padmaavat- if anything- upholds the honour of the Rajput community and celebrates the community's 'aan, baan and shaan'. Also see: How Sanjay Leela Bhansali plays to the gallery with Padmaavat Through scenes, dialogues and how the story is woven- the community’s values, its valour, the way they deal with situations, and their loyalty is highlighted in more ways than one. Deepika Padukone in Padmaavat. (WION) × Bhansali creates two striking worlds- one of Alauddin Khilji which is dark, grim and unkempt. The other is of Ratan Singh and Padmavati in Chittor- which is lit up, decorated and pristine. And these two worlds collide when Raghav Chetan, a former priest tells Khilji that he can truly be a Sultan of Hind if he has the most beautiful Padmavati by his side and a control over the Rajputs. And Khilji, thus, becomes obsessed with the idea of acquiring Padmavati. But the man who only knows the language of loot, plunder and ruthless killing doesn’t understand the valour, pride and honour the Rajputs stand by. He also is unaware of the righteous Padmavati and her sharp brain who would never bow down to wishes of an invader. Bhansali remains true to his style as he narrates age-old folklore of how Queen Padmavati opted to perform Sati instead of bowing to Khilji’s wishes in the most visually stunning way. The film is mounted on a large scale and opulence is, many of the times, a bit overwhelming. But that’s how Bhansali’s films always are. Grand, visual extravaganzas with dramatic dialogues and backdrops and Padmaavat is just that. Each scene is elaborate, almost perfect and like a painting making it a treat for the eyes for the greater part of the film. Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor in a still from the film. (WION) × The film’s high point is Sudeep Chatterjee’s splendid camera work. The ariel shots of the battle scene make you feel overwhelmed at the sheer magnanimity of the situation. The scenes where Padmavati and Ratan Singh romance are soft, intimate and make the viewer feel like an intruder, privy to the couple’s intimate moments while scenes involving Khiljis are chaotic, dark and grey. The story is known one but it is the actors who make the film come alive. With just a few lines, Deepika Padukone, dressed in the gorgeous costumes, looks stunning and emotes through her eyes. So does Shahid Kapoor, a formidable actor, who delivers a very restraint performance as Rawal Ratan Singh. But the film clearly belongs to Ranveer Singh as the menacing Alauddin Khilji. With a Khal Drogo-esque look, the actor creates mayhem in the lives of Ratan Singh and Padmavati. Bhansali creates a beast, who is childlike at times, maverick at others, and completely ruthless as a Sultan. And Singh transforms himself accordingly, creating a character that will remain well etched in the minds of the cinema lovers for years to come. In fact, the film is quite literally from his point of view, and his obsession with Padmavati. They could have named the film after his character, would have saved them a lot of trouble, really. Strangely, while Ranveer and Deepika share no scene together, they do share a strange unspoken chemistry which seems missing between Shahid and the actress. Ranveer’s electric performance also saves the second half of the film, which drags to an extent. Because when he comes on screen, you can’t look at anyone else. His powerful presence commands your attention. Aditi Rao Hydari, as Khilji’s wife, also delivers a commendable performance, who is aware of her husband’s ruthlessness and yet takes a few bold steps against him. There is Jim Sarbh as well, playing Khilji’s manservant, a eunuch who is in love with Khilji and is a party to his plunder and ruthless killing. Sarbh shines in parts, hams in the rest. Ranveer Singh in a still from Padmaavat. (Twitter) × Padmaavat is also the most crisp film that Bhansali has directed in a long time. He wastes no time in establishing the plot and the narrative moves pretty swiftly. They could have done away with two songs in the second half though, where the story drags massively. Music always remains a high point in Bhansali’s film but the Padmaavat songs aren’t too memorable apart from the Ghoomar song which is visually stunning. Ek dil ek jaan, the romantic ballad is the only other song that stands out. Otherwise the musical is actually dismal.Padmaavat also has the usual trappings that every Bhansali film has. There will always be a holi sequence, with colours amply thrown in the air, there will always be a sequence of a huge group of women dressed in red to add more drama and he always has Ranveer in a solo song- even though the song makes the least sense in the narrative. Most people in this country will watch Padmaavat, I know. Ironically, Karni Sena has ensured that the film gets the audience in theaters. And most will not be disappointed. The story may be a very known one, some may also object at how it shows a woman’s fate being decided by two men (if this is not patriarchy, then what is?) but everyone will agree that Bhansali’s cinema is grand, spectacular and never really maligns the Rajputs. People will surely come out wondering what the fuss was all about in the first place. Above all, Padmaavat will reiterate the fact that Ranveer Singh can perform any role with absolute finesse. Yes, they should have just called the film Khilji. Rating: 2.5/5

Padmaavat review: Ranveer Singh shines in Bhansali's visually grand historical saga

It&#39;s not easy to write a balanced review of a film when it has been in the public eye for some months, and for reasons that have little to do with the film and are more about sectarian sentiment.&nbsp; It&#39;s quite obvious which film I am referring to, Padmaavat, which is alleged to Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s magnum opus? &nbsp;

&nbsp;

A section of &lsquo;Rajputs&rsquo; has decided without seeing the film, that it insults their community.&nbsp; Others were either dragged or got into the act. The sundry politicians, the media, sections of the public, not to forget the judiciary all had to do something with the film.

&nbsp;

So at the risk of being trolled by any or all of them, here&#39;s my take on Padmaavat.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;Sans the extreme reactions from sections of the public in the name of Rajputana glory, &lsquo;Padmaavat&rsquo; would have been just another Bhansali extravaganza, complete with his trademark grand sets, opulent costumes and self-indulgent puffery.&nbsp; Frankly, there is nothing special in the film which is not obvious to the lay viewer.&nbsp; Of course, the 3-D experience is the game changer but it depends if you want all that in a movie.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;The film is 163 minutes long, which is quite a stretch given that the current Bollywood trend favours movies that are a crisp 90-100 minutes as has been the Hollywood practice for many years.&nbsp; Padmaavat lacks the popular &quot;three-act play&quot; touch, meaning there are at least two to three turning points in the film that keep the viewers engaged. Typically, the first 50 minutes of the film will tell you where the story is going and the possible end.&nbsp; But Padmaavat stretches that, going on and on about Rajput valour for nearly three hours.&nbsp; Sound, spectacle and impassioned dialogue about honour and chivalry among Rajputs cannot sustain for long.&nbsp; In fact, it&#39;s boring.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;The film has nothing against Rajput &quot;Aan Baan aur Shaan&quot;.&nbsp; It is just about principally obsessed Rajputs, their refusal to compromise on honour or the rules of war, and their readiness to die for that. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;An unpredictable performer Ranveer Singh as Alauddin Khilji wins your heart.&nbsp; He is a screen stopper.&nbsp; Deepika Padukone has done justice to the character of Padmavati.&nbsp; Her eyes convey the full gamut of emotions.&nbsp; Shahid Kapoor as the Rajput king Ratan Singh also leaves his mark.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;Which brings me back to the controversy surrounding the film.&nbsp; What on earth was the hue and cry all about?&nbsp; If anybody, it&#39;s the film producers and distributors who may have benefited from the protests and outright vandalism in the streets.&nbsp; Padmaavat reportedly cost Rs.200 crore to make, that money may well return with a handsome bonus.&nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;The film releases on January 25th.&nbsp; Theatres in many cities have reported full houses. But don&rsquo;t worry if you haven&#39;t yet managed a ticket.&nbsp; Wait a few days for reviews from the public, believe me, you may not have a problem with tickets thereafter. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

M rating: 2.5 stars out of 5.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sans the extreme reactions from sections of the public in the name of Rajputana glory, ‘Padmaavat’ would have been just another Bhansali extravaganza.

It's not easy to write a balanced review of a film when it has been in the public eye for some months, and for reasons that have little to do with the film and are more about sectarian sentiment. It's quite obvious which film I am referring to, Padmaavat, which is alleged to Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus? A section of ‘Rajputs’ has decided without seeing the film, that it insults their community. Others were either dragged or got into the act. The sundry politicians, the media, sections of the public, not to forget the judiciary all had to do something with the film. So at the risk of being trolled by any or all of them, here's my take on Padmaavat. Sans the extreme reactions from sections of the public in the name of Rajputana glory, ‘Padmaavat’ would have been just another Bhansali extravaganza, complete with his trademark grand sets, opulent costumes and self-indulgent puffery. Frankly, there is nothing special in the film which is not obvious to the lay viewer. Of course, the 3-D experience is the game changer but it depends if you want all that in a movie. The film is 163 minutes long, which is quite a stretch given that the current Bollywood trend favours movies that are a crisp 90-100 minutes as has been the Hollywood practice for many years. Padmaavat lacks the popular "three-act play" touch, meaning there are at least two to three turning points in the film that keep the viewers engaged. Typically, the first 50 minutes of the film will tell you where the story is going and the possible end. But Padmaavat stretches that, going on and on about Rajput valour for nearly three hours. Sound, spectacle and impassioned dialogue about honour and chivalry among Rajputs cannot sustain for long. In fact, it's boring. The film has nothing against Rajput "Aan Baan aur Shaan". It is just about principally obsessed Rajputs, their refusal to compromise on honour or the rules of war, and their readiness to die for that. An unpredictable performer Ranveer Singh as Alauddin Khilji wins your heart. He is a screen stopper. Deepika Padukone has done justice to the character of Padmavati. Her eyes convey the full gamut of emotions. Shahid Kapoor as the Rajput king Ratan Singh also leaves his mark. Which brings me back to the controversy surrounding the film. What on earth was the hue and cry all about? If anybody, it's the film producers and distributors who may have benefited from the protests and outright vandalism in the streets. Padmaavat reportedly cost Rs.200 crore to make, that money may well return with a handsome bonus. The film releases on January 25th. Theatres in many cities have reported full houses. But don’t worry if you haven't yet managed a ticket. Wait a few days for reviews from the public, believe me, you may not have a problem with tickets thereafter. M rating: 2.5 stars out of 5. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: There is nothing in Padmaavat to evoke violent protests

The highly controversial movie Padmaavat released Thursday under heavy security, however, the members of the Karni Sena continued to engage in non-violent&nbsp;protests.&nbsp;

Amidst the violent protest, the president of the&nbsp;Kshatriya community took a verbal attack on Deepika Padukone.&nbsp;

Kshatriya Mahasabha&nbsp;President Gajendra Singh said to award Rs 1 crore to someone who would chop off&nbsp;Deepika Padukone&#39;s ears and&nbsp;nose.&nbsp;

He said &quot; Kshatriya community&nbsp;will contribute&nbsp;and&nbsp;give&nbsp;the&nbsp;person&nbsp;a reward of Rs 1 Crore&nbsp;who chops off&nbsp;Deepika Padukone&#39;s ears and nose&quot;.

On the day of the release protesters flaunted swords, burnt tyres, staged bike rally to show their disapproval for the movie release.&nbsp;

Padmaavat was a no-show in four states. Cinema hall owners in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Goa have refused to screen the movie saying they fear violence.&nbsp;

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Kshatriya community will contribute &amp; give the person a reward of Rs 1 Crore who chops off Deepika Padukone&#39;s ears and nose: Gajendra Singh, President Kshatriya Mahasabha (24.1.2018) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a> <a href="https://t.co/OP9R4EmaG1">pic.twitter.com/OP9R4EmaG1</a>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/956460292954734593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He said 'Kshatriya community will contribute and give the person a reward of Rs 1 Crore who chops off Deepika Padukone's ears and nose'

The highly controversial movie Padmaavat released Thursday under heavy security, however, the members of the Karni Sena continued to engage in non-violent protests. Amidst the violent protest, the president of the Kshatriya community took a verbal attack on Deepika Padukone. Kshatriya Mahasabha President Gajendra Singh said to award Rs 1 crore to someone who would chop off Deepika Padukone's ears and nose. He said " Kshatriya community will contribute and give the person a reward of Rs 1 Crore who chops off Deepika Padukone's ears and nose". On the day of the release protesters flaunted swords, burnt tyres, staged bike rally to show their disapproval for the movie release. Padmaavat was a no-show in four states. Cinema hall owners in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Goa have refused to screen the movie saying they fear violence. Kshatriya community will contribute & give the person a reward of Rs 1 Crore who chops off Deepika Padukone's ears and nose: Gajendra Singh, President Kshatriya Mahasabha (24.1.2018) #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/OP9R4EmaG1 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 25, 2018 ×

Will award Rs 1 cr to someone who chops off Deepika Padukone's ears, nose: Kshatriya Mahasabha President

Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s Padmaavat finally opened today amid tight security and palpable tension but audiences streamed into theatres across the country to watch the film that has the nation agog. 
 
Initial <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-releases-protesters-brandish-swords-owners-say-movie-halls-full-30721">reports suggested </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-releases-protesters-brandish-swords-owners-say-movie-halls-full-30721">good</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-releases-protesters-brandish-swords-owners-say-movie-halls-full-30721"> business for the film,</a> which has been the focal point of protests by various Rajput groups, which allege that it distorts their history and defames their queen Padmavati. 
 
While the occupancy in Delhi was around 60 to 70 percent for the first show at 9 am, in Mumbai it was lower at 40-45 percent.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/padmaavat-releasing-in-pakistan-without-cuts-30744">Also see: Padmaavat to release in Pakistan without cuts</a> 
 
Shows later in the day, including late night, were almost packed. Given that it&#39;s a long weekend, trade analysts were hopeful that business would be good. 
 
&quot;The response has been positive so far. We are hopeful it will increase during the day and in the evening,&quot; Mumbai-based Nitin Datar, a member of the Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India, told PTI. 
 
Many of those who watched the film condemned the violence of the last few weeks, particularly the stoning of a school bus in Gurgaon yesterday, and said the film has nothing objectionable in it. 
 
In some halls, like the Satyam cineplex in west Delhi, the entire front row was occupied by uniformed security personnel. The hall also had bouncers. 
 
The Rs 150 crore Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed film is a period drama based on 16th century poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi&#39;s epic Padmavat. 
 
Deepika Padukone plays Rani Padmavati in the film, which also features Shahid Kapoor as Maha Rawal Ratan Singh and Ranveer Singh as Alauddin Khilji. 
 
A Rajput viewer, who requested anonymity, made it a point to watch the first show in Mumbai&#39;s Cinepolis and said it was an &quot;excellent&quot; effort by Bhansali and actually glorifies their culture. 
 
He also said there was nothing offensive in the movie, or in the Ghoomar&nbsp;song. 
 
&quot;I am a Rajput and it pains me to see why people are behaving the way they are over this film. The violence, the threats, all are unnecessary and sad. We don&#39;t and can never support that,&quot; he said. 
 
Chunky Mehta, who also watched the film in the same theatre, said it presents the Rajput community in a good light and it is a &quot;shame&quot; that some people are creating an unsafe atmosphere. 
 
&quot;It is a one time watch film. But any sensible person watching the film can say that there is nothing wrong or bad in the film,&quot; he added.

Also see: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-deepika-padukone-shares-photo-with-main-man-on-padmaavat-release-date-30724">Deepika </a>and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-ahead-of-padmaavat-release-ranveer-singh-writes-a-heartfelt-note-30722">Ranveer write heartfelt messages</a> ahead of Padmaavat release 
 
Dhruv Singh, who hails from Rajasthan, which has seen several violent protests, referred to the &quot;dream sequence&quot; between Padmavati and Khilji, which several groups had objected to despite Bhansali clarifying that there was no such scene.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-controversy-rajput-women-seek-presidents-permission-to-end-lives-30710">Also see:&nbsp;Rajput women ask President&#39;s permission to end lives</a>

&quot;There was not a single dream sequence in the film so I don&#39;t know what the fuss is all about. The attack on children, burning buses is not something we Rajputs endorse. It is shameful what&#39;s happening.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-review-ranveer-singh-shines-in-bhansalis-visually-grand-historical-saga-30568">Read Padmaavat review here</a> 
 
&quot;I would request people to not be scared and come out and watch the film. I hope the protests can finally stop,&quot; he said. 
 
Delhi audiences seemed to be in agreement.&nbsp;&quot;The movie is quite surreal. It has been shot beautifully. There is no dream sequence in the movie nor is there any scene featuring Ranveer and Deepika. The protests are wrong,&quot; Varun, a professional workng in MNC, said outside PVR Plaza. 
 
A young couple was also in the audience at the early morning show and had booked their tickets in advance. 
 
&quot;After watching the film we felt all this violence and protests are irrelevant. There is nothing offensive about the film,&quot; said the man, who asked not to be named. 
 
Priya, a college student, said Bhansali honours &quot;women power&quot; in his latest film. 
 
&quot;The way Bhansali has created Padmavati is beautiful. The female characters are really strong. I really liked Deepika in the film,&quot; she said. 
 
Banker Vineet, who was queuing up to go in, said he was not scared and would not miss the film just because of the unrest created by groups like the Karni Sena.&nbsp;&quot;I believe in the Constitution and I am not scared to watch this movie. I trust our police. After I see the film, I will also ask my friends to watch it as soon as possible,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

A Rajput viewer, who requested anonymity, made it a point to watch the first show in Mumbai's Cinepolis and said it was an "excellent" effort by Bhansali.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat finally opened today amid tight security and palpable tension but audiences streamed into theatres across the country to watch the film that has the nation agog. Initial reports suggested good business for the film, which has been the focal point of protests by various Rajput groups, which allege that it distorts their history and defames their queen Padmavati. While the occupancy in Delhi was around 60 to 70 percent for the first show at 9 am, in Mumbai it was lower at 40-45 percent. Also see: Padmaavat to release in Pakistan without cuts Shows later in the day, including late night, were almost packed. Given that it's a long weekend, trade analysts were hopeful that business would be good. "The response has been positive so far. We are hopeful it will increase during the day and in the evening," Mumbai-based Nitin Datar, a member of the Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India, told PTI. Many of those who watched the film condemned the violence of the last few weeks, particularly the stoning of a school bus in Gurgaon yesterday, and said the film has nothing objectionable in it. In some halls, like the Satyam cineplex in west Delhi, the entire front row was occupied by uniformed security personnel. The hall also had bouncers. The Rs 150 crore Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed film is a period drama based on 16th century poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi's epic Padmavat. Deepika Padukone plays Rani Padmavati in the film, which also features Shahid Kapoor as Maha Rawal Ratan Singh and Ranveer Singh as Alauddin Khilji. A Rajput viewer, who requested anonymity, made it a point to watch the first show in Mumbai's Cinepolis and said it was an "excellent" effort by Bhansali and actually glorifies their culture. He also said there was nothing offensive in the movie, or in the Ghoomar song. "I am a Rajput and it pains me to see why people are behaving the way they are over this film. The violence, the threats, all are unnecessary and sad. We don't and can never support that," he said. Chunky Mehta, who also watched the film in the same theatre, said it presents the Rajput community in a good light and it is a "shame" that some people are creating an unsafe atmosphere. "It is a one time watch film. But any sensible person watching the film can say that there is nothing wrong or bad in the film," he added. Also see: Deepika and Ranveer write heartfelt messages ahead of Padmaavat release Dhruv Singh, who hails from Rajasthan, which has seen several violent protests, referred to the "dream sequence" between Padmavati and Khilji, which several groups had objected to despite Bhansali clarifying that there was no such scene. Also see: Rajput women ask President's permission to end lives "There was not a single dream sequence in the film so I don't know what the fuss is all about. The attack on children, burning buses is not something we Rajputs endorse. It is shameful what's happening. Read Padmaavat review here "I would request people to not be scared and come out and watch the film. I hope the protests can finally stop," he said. Delhi audiences seemed to be in agreement. "The movie is quite surreal. It has been shot beautifully. There is no dream sequence in the movie nor is there any scene featuring Ranveer and Deepika. The protests are wrong," Varun, a professional workng in MNC, said outside PVR Plaza. A young couple was also in the audience at the early morning show and had booked their tickets in advance. "After watching the film we felt all this violence and protests are irrelevant. There is nothing offensive about the film," said the man, who asked not to be named. Priya, a college student, said Bhansali honours "women power" in his latest film. "The way Bhansali has created Padmavati is beautiful. The female characters are really strong. I really liked Deepika in the film," she said. Banker Vineet, who was queuing up to go in, said he was not scared and would not miss the film just because of the unrest created by groups like the Karni Sena. "I believe in the Constitution and I am not scared to watch this movie. I trust our police. After I see the film, I will also ask my friends to watch it as soon as possible," he said.

Padmaavat releases amid high security; viewers wonder what's the fuss about

Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s controversial Padmaavat released in theatres today amid tight security. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-out-today-no-show-in-4-big-states-30703">While four states</a>- Goa, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh - have decided not to release the film in their states, heavy security could be seen in almost every cinema hall in cities where the film released.&nbsp; 
 
Most morning shows saw 40-60% occupancy and trade analysts have predicted that the long weekend ahead will see more footfall.&nbsp; 
 
Incidentally, the first day also saw the film being live streamed on Facebook. A page on Facebook called the &#39;Jaaton Ka Adda&#39; streamed the entire movie on their Facebook, reported India Today.&nbsp; 
 
The live video was shared by nearly 1500 people and got 3.5 lakh views.&nbsp;The page, though, later deleted the video.&nbsp;&quot; Uploading again soon,&quot; said one post on the page.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-releases-amid-high-security-viewers-wonder-whats-the-fuss-about-30748">Also </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-releases-amid-high-security-viewers-wonder-whats-the-fuss-about-30748">see:</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-releases-amid-high-security-viewers-wonder-whats-the-fuss-about-30748">&nbsp;Padmaavat releases amid high security; viewers wonder what&#39;s the fuss about</a> 
 
Bhansali&#39;s Padmaavat has been mired in controversy since the time the film began shooting in January 2017. The film was earlier scheduled to release on December 1 but owing to protests and opposition from state governments and fringe groups, the film was cleared by CBFC for a January release.&nbsp;

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's controversial Padmaavat released in theatres today amid tight security.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's controversial Padmaavat released in theatres today amid tight security. While four states- Goa, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh - have decided not to release the film in their states, heavy security could be seen in almost every cinema hall in cities where the film released. Most morning shows saw 40-60% occupancy and trade analysts have predicted that the long weekend ahead will see more footfall. Incidentally, the first day also saw the film being live streamed on Facebook. A page on Facebook called the 'Jaaton Ka Adda' streamed the entire movie on their Facebook, reported India Today. The live video was shared by nearly 1500 people and got 3.5 lakh views. The page, though, later deleted the video. " Uploading again soon," said one post on the page. Also see: Padmaavat releases amid high security; viewers wonder what's the fuss about Bhansali's Padmaavat has been mired in controversy since the time the film began shooting in January 2017. The film was earlier scheduled to release on December 1 but owing to protests and opposition from state governments and fringe groups, the film was cleared by CBFC for a January release.

Padmaavat live-streamed on Facebook on the first day of its release

When Karni Sena threatened to behead Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Deepika Padukone most expected the stars along with Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Kapoor to speak out. But contrary to expectations, the film&#39;s cast maintained an eerie silence over the matter.&nbsp; 
 
In a recent interview, Ranveer revealed that when he first heard Karni Sena issuing threats to chop off Deepika&#39;s nose, he was angry and wanted to react but was asked not to. &quot;I was filled with rage. There&rsquo;s no doubt about that. I had a very strong urge to act out, to speak out, but I was given strict instructions not to. And I had to respect that because I was not at the forefront of this fight. It&rsquo;s the prerogative of the producers, of the director. If they were explicitly telling me that me saying something or doing something is going to complicate things further, I don&rsquo;t want to complicate their lives. I want to do my bit to make sure that this film gets made and it gets released. If this is what they are asking me to do, I have to abide by that.&rdquo; 
 
&nbsp;&ldquo;I could choose to act out destructively but I chose not to. I channeled it and I put all of it into my performance. Whatever you may feel after watching this performance is born out of having felt a certain way,&quot; the actor added. 
 
Karni Sena had been protesting against the film ever since the crew started shooting in early January 2017. Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali was thrashed and the sets were vandalised in Jaipur. Condemning the incident, Ranveer said, &quot;It&rsquo;s extremely disturbing. When I saw that, I was filled with rage. How dare you do that to somebody who I worship? How dare you go to my place of worship and do what you did? All of these feelings were like a tornado inside me, and I actually had to be calmed down by people around me. Now that I look back, when the film has released and is being celebrated, I think it was a good decision to channel it into my performance because that is my protest.&rdquo; 
Appaluding Bhansali&#39;s strength, Ranveer said, &quot;He took his time to come out of it, understandably. But hats off to the guy when he came back, it was like a mad man. The kind of rigour and energy he was filled with was like a man possessed.&rdquo;&nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;Eventually, these perpetrators have lost. The film has won, Mr Bhansali has won. It&rsquo;s a victory, the way this film is celebrated not just in our country but across the world. The kind of numbers it is posting is an indicator of widespread audience acceptance, approval and validation. I am very happy, especially for Mr Bhansali, because he has been through the most,&rdquo; the actor said.

Ranveer Singh spoke out for the first time about the protests around Padmaavat.

When Karni Sena threatened to behead Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Deepika Padukone most expected the stars along with Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Kapoor to speak out. But contrary to expectations, the film's cast maintained an eerie silence over the matter. In a recent interview, Ranveer revealed that when he first heard Karni Sena issuing threats to chop off Deepika's nose, he was angry and wanted to react but was asked not to. "I was filled with rage. There’s no doubt about that. I had a very strong urge to act out, to speak out, but I was given strict instructions not to. And I had to respect that because I was not at the forefront of this fight. It’s the prerogative of the producers, of the director. If they were explicitly telling me that me saying something or doing something is going to complicate things further, I don’t want to complicate their lives. I want to do my bit to make sure that this film gets made and it gets released. If this is what they are asking me to do, I have to abide by that.” “I could choose to act out destructively but I chose not to. I channeled it and I put all of it into my performance. Whatever you may feel after watching this performance is born out of having felt a certain way," the actor added. Karni Sena had been protesting against the film ever since the crew started shooting in early January 2017. Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali was thrashed and the sets were vandalised in Jaipur. Condemning the incident, Ranveer said, "It’s extremely disturbing. When I saw that, I was filled with rage. How dare you do that to somebody who I worship? How dare you go to my place of worship and do what you did? All of these feelings were like a tornado inside me, and I actually had to be calmed down by people around me. Now that I look back, when the film has released and is being celebrated, I think it was a good decision to channel it into my performance because that is my protest.” Appaluding Bhansali's strength, Ranveer said, "He took his time to come out of it, understandably. But hats off to the guy when he came back, it was like a mad man. The kind of rigour and energy he was filled with was like a man possessed.” “Eventually, these perpetrators have lost. The film has won, Mr Bhansali has won. It’s a victory, the way this film is celebrated not just in our country but across the world. The kind of numbers it is posting is an indicator of widespread audience acceptance, approval and validation. I am very happy, especially for Mr Bhansali, because he has been through the most,” the actor said.

Ranveer Singh on threats to Deepika Padukone: Had the urge to speak out but was asked not to

Even though Karni Sena has withdrawn its protest against Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s Padmaavat, the film did not release in theatres in Bhopal and Indore on Thursday. Members of the MP chapter of the fringe outfit watched the film late on Wednesday night and continued to oppose the film&#39;s content leading to protests.&nbsp; 
 
It was earlier decided that cinema halls would screen the film in theatres after the police assured cinema hall owners ample security for the film.&nbsp; 
 
In Bhopal, five cinema halls had agreed to screen the film but only in the evening. But after the cinema hall owners in Indore did not release the film, their counterparts in Bhopal also backed out.

The Karni Sena -- after over two years of protesting against the movie Padmaavat -- finally withdrew its protest on Friday, saying the movie glorifies Rajput valour.&nbsp;

Padmaavat starring Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh, released worldwide on January 25th. Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan did not screen the film due to threats from Karni Sena.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

It was earlier decided that cinema halls would screen the film in theatres after the police assured cinema hall owners ample security for the film.

Even though Karni Sena has withdrawn its protest against Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat, the film did not release in theatres in Bhopal and Indore on Thursday. Members of the MP chapter of the fringe outfit watched the film late on Wednesday night and continued to oppose the film's content leading to protests. It was earlier decided that cinema halls would screen the film in theatres after the police assured cinema hall owners ample security for the film. In Bhopal, five cinema halls had agreed to screen the film but only in the evening. But after the cinema hall owners in Indore did not release the film, their counterparts in Bhopal also backed out. The Karni Sena -- after over two years of protesting against the movie Padmaavat -- finally withdrew its protest on Friday, saying the movie glorifies Rajput valour. Padmaavat starring Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh, released worldwide on January 25th. Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan did not screen the film due to threats from Karni Sena.

Madhya Pradesh fails to release Padmaavat in theatres

They may be tight-lipped about it, but reports suggest that Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone are all set to walk down the aisle this year.&nbsp; 
 
The marriage rumours have been doing the rounds for the couple for some time now and sources close to the couple have stated that they are ready to take their relationship to the next level this year.&nbsp; 
 
According to reports, the couple is getting married by mid-2018 and it is going to be a destination wedding for the two. The families of the actors are yet to finalise on a venue, though sources state that it will be a beach wedding. 
&nbsp; 
&quot;Yes, Ranveer and Deepika are getting married this year and it is going to be a destination wedding. Both of them are beach bums and you can expect a beach wedding. It will be an intimate affair though, with just close family and friends in attendance,&quot;India.com quoted the source as saying. 
 
The couple ushered in 2018 in the Maldives recently.&nbsp; 
 
Deepika and Ranveer have never officially confirmed their relationship. But their PDA tells a different story altogether. The couple met on the sets of Ram Leela in 2013 and have been together since then.

The families are yet to zero in on the venue

They may be tight-lipped about it, but reports suggest that Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone are all set to walk down the aisle this year. The marriage rumours have been doing the rounds for the couple for some time now and sources close to the couple have stated that they are ready to take their relationship to the next level this year. According to reports, the couple is getting married by mid-2018 and it is going to be a destination wedding for the two. The families of the actors are yet to finalise on a venue, though sources state that it will be a beach wedding. "Yes, Ranveer and Deepika are getting married this year and it is going to be a destination wedding. Both of them are beach bums and you can expect a beach wedding. It will be an intimate affair though, with just close family and friends in attendance,"India.com quoted the source as saying. The couple ushered in 2018 in the Maldives recently. Deepika and Ranveer have never officially confirmed their relationship. But their PDA tells a different story altogether. The couple met on the sets of Ram Leela in 2013 and have been together since then.

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh set to have a beach wedding this year?

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-to-become-fastest-growing-major-economy-in-two-years-jaitley-32232" target="_blank">India to become fastest-growing major economy in two years: Jaitley</a>

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said Thursday that India would become the world&#39;s fastest-growing economy in two years.&nbsp;Jaitley, who was speaking in the Lok Sabha, was quoting from IMF data.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-ex-pm-khaleda-zia-jailed-for-graft-but-likely-to-be-freed-on-bail-pending-appeal-32223" target="_blank">Bangladesh: Ex-PM Khaleda Zia jailed for graft, but likely to be freed on bail pending appeal</a>

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and opposition leader Khaleda Zia was&nbsp; <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ex-bangladesh-pm-khaleda-zia-sentenced-to-5-years-in-graft-case-32203" target="_blank">jailed for five years for corruption</a>&nbsp;on Thursday as thousands of supporters took to the streets of the capital to protest her innocence.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/spice-jet-flight-suffers-tyre-burst-during-take-off-no-injuries-reported-32234" target="_blank">Spice Jet plane suffers tyre burst during </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/spice-jet-flight-suffers-tyre-burst-during-take-off-no-injuries-reported-32234" target="_blank">take</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/spice-jet-flight-suffers-tyre-burst-during-take-off-no-injuries-reported-32234" target="_blank"> off</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/spice-jet-flight-suffers-tyre-burst-during-take-off-no-injuries-reported-32234" target="_blank">, main Chennai Airport runway closed</a>

The suspected tyre burst was reported during the take-off of the flight. After which the plane was turned back and landed safely at Chennai airport.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/deepika-padukone-and-ranveer-singh-are-set-to-have-a-beach-wedding-this-year-32214" target="_blank">Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are set to have a beach wedding this year?</a>

They may be tight lip about it, but reports suggest that Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone are all set to walk down the aisle this year.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-postpones-ayodhya-dispute-hearing-to-march-14-32208" target="_blank">Supreme Court asks for English translations of documents, postpones Ayodhya dispute hearing to March 14</a>

The Supreme Court postponed Thursday the hearing in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute to March 14.

India to become fastest-growing major economy in two years: Jaitley Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said Thursday that India would become the world's fastest-growing economy in two years. Jaitley, who was speaking in the Lok Sabha, was quoting from IMF data. Bangladesh: Ex-PM Khaleda Zia jailed for graft, but likely to be freed on bail pending appeal Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and opposition leader Khaleda Zia was jailed for five years for corruption on Thursday as thousands of supporters took to the streets of the capital to protest her innocence. Spice Jet plane suffers tyre burst during take off, main Chennai Airport runway closed The suspected tyre burst was reported during the take-off of the flight. After which the plane was turned back and landed safely at Chennai airport. Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are set to have a beach wedding this year? They may be tight lip about it, but reports suggest that Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone are all set to walk down the aisle this year. Supreme Court asks for English translations of documents, postpones Ayodhya dispute hearing to March 14 The Supreme Court postponed Thursday the hearing in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute to March 14.

WION Evening News Brief, February 8, 2018

Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s period drama Padmaavat, which faced widespread protests before its release, has had an impressive run at the box office so far by earning over Rs 200 crore in two weeks.

The film got mired in a controversy after various Rajput groups alleged that it distorts history, a claim repeatedly denied by its director Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

According to the producer Viacom 18 Motion Pictures, the film has collected Rs 212.5 crore since its release on January 25.

The collection in the second weekend was Rs 46 crore. The film enjoyed a free run in its second week with no other major Bollywood film releasing.

The figures come even as several multiplex owners have shown reluctance to screen the film, fearing violent protests.

Theatre owners in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh are not screening the film.

Starring Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh, the film was released on January 25.

Reacting to the box office success of Padmaavat, Ranveer said, &quot;From playing one of the most challenging characters ever to notching my first 200 crore grosser, this film has already given me so many overwhelming, emotional and humbling memories,&quot; he said in a statement.&nbsp;

The film has made Rs 212.5 crore since its January 25 release

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's period drama Padmaavat, which faced widespread protests before its release, has had an impressive run at the box office so far by earning over Rs 200 crore in two weeks. The film got mired in a controversy after various Rajput groups alleged that it distorts history, a claim repeatedly denied by its director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. According to the producer Viacom 18 Motion Pictures, the film has collected Rs 212.5 crore since its release on January 25. The collection in the second weekend was Rs 46 crore. The film enjoyed a free run in its second week with no other major Bollywood film releasing. The figures come even as several multiplex owners have shown reluctance to screen the film, fearing violent protests. Theatre owners in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh are not screening the film. Starring Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh, the film was released on January 25. Reacting to the box office success of Padmaavat, Ranveer said, "From playing one of the most challenging characters ever to notching my first 200 crore grosser, this film has already given me so many overwhelming, emotional and humbling memories," he said in a statement.

Padmaavat continues impressive run, enters 200-crore club

Refuting earlier reports of Karni Sena withdrawing its protest against &#39;Padmaavat&#39;,&nbsp;Karni Sena leaders Lokendra Singh Kalvi and Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi on Saturday said they will continue their protest.&nbsp;

Kalvi heads Shree Rajput Karni Sena and Gogamedi is the chief of the other group with a similar name - Shree Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena.

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karni-sena-withdraws-protests-against-padmaavat-says-movie-glorifies-rajput-valour-31653"> Karni Sena withdraws protest against </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karni-sena-withdraws-protests-against-padmaavat-says-movie-glorifies-rajput-valour-31653">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karni-sena-withdraws-protests-against-padmaavat-says-movie-glorifies-rajput-valour-31653">, says movie glorifies Rajput valour</a>

&quot;There were two issues: one related to the&nbsp;faith and the other with history. The filmmaker has made changes with respect to the faith of the Rajput community but the distortion of historical facts cannot be denied,&quot; he told reporters at a separate press conference.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/never-felt-like-giving-up-sanjay-bhansali-on-padmaavat-31601">Never felt like giving up: Sanjay Bhansali on &#39;</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/never-felt-like-giving-up-sanjay-bhansali-on-padmaavat-31601">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/never-felt-like-giving-up-sanjay-bhansali-on-padmaavat-31601">&#39;</a>

Kalvi added that his group still opposed the film and the &quot;janta curfew&quot; imposed at movie theatres will continue.

On Friday, there were media reports saying that the Mumbai branch of &#39;Shree Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena&#39; had withdraw&nbsp;its protest citing that the movie glorifies Rajput valour.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-continues-its-dream-run-at-the-box-office-earns-rs-150-crores-31559">Shahid Kapoor on Ranveer Singh&#39;s performance in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-continues-its-dream-run-at-the-box-office-earns-rs-150-crores-31559">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-continues-its-dream-run-at-the-box-office-earns-rs-150-crores-31559">: Would have played Khilji differently&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</a> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

A few of Sena&#39;s members had watched the movie in Mumbai on Friday, after which the announcement was made.&nbsp;

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-knew-my-character-an-underdog-in-padmaavat-shahid-kapoor-31210"> Knew my character was an underdog in &#39; </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-knew-my-character-an-underdog-in-padmaavat-shahid-kapoor-31210">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-knew-my-character-an-underdog-in-padmaavat-shahid-kapoor-31210">&#39;: Shahid Kapoor</a>

Mumbai branch of Gogamedi&#39;s group sent a letter, signed by Mumbai leader Yogendra Singh, to the production of the film saying they were&nbsp;withdrawing the&nbsp;protest

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-continues-its-dream-run-at-the-box-office-earns-rs-150-crores-31559">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-continues-its-dream-run-at-the-box-office-earns-rs-150-crores-31559"> continues its dream run at the box office, earns Rs 150 crore</a>

However, Gogamedi later said on Saturday that no such direction was issued to the Mumbai Branch and that people who had their names and signs in the letter have been expelled.

News agency ANI reported Gogamedi as saying that the letter was being circulated on social media and misleading the public.&nbsp;

Kalvi added that his group still opposed the film and the 'janta curfew' imposed at movie theatres will continue

Refuting earlier reports of Karni Sena withdrawing its protest against 'Padmaavat', Karni Sena leaders Lokendra Singh Kalvi and Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi on Saturday said they will continue their protest. Kalvi heads Shree Rajput Karni Sena and Gogamedi is the chief of the other group with a similar name - Shree Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena. Also read: Karni Sena withdraws protest against Padmaavat, says movie glorifies Rajput valour "There were two issues: one related to the faith and the other with history. The filmmaker has made changes with respect to the faith of the Rajput community but the distortion of historical facts cannot be denied," he told reporters at a separate press conference. Also read: Never felt like giving up: Sanjay Bhansali on 'Padmaavat' Kalvi added that his group still opposed the film and the "janta curfew" imposed at movie theatres will continue. On Friday, there were media reports saying that the Mumbai branch of 'Shree Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena' had withdraw its protest citing that the movie glorifies Rajput valour. Also read: Shahid Kapoor on Ranveer Singh's performance in Padmaavat: Would have played Khilji differently A few of Sena's members had watched the movie in Mumbai on Friday, after which the announcement was made. Also read: Knew my character was an underdog in ' Padmaavat': Shahid Kapoor Mumbai branch of Gogamedi's group sent a letter, signed by Mumbai leader Yogendra Singh, to the production of the film saying they were withdrawing the protest Also read: Padmaavat continues its dream run at the box office, earns Rs 150 crore However, Gogamedi later said on Saturday that no such direction was issued to the Mumbai Branch and that people who had their names and signs in the letter have been expelled. News agency ANI reported Gogamedi as saying that the letter was being circulated on social media and misleading the public.

Protest against 'Padmaavat' will continue: Karni Sena leaders

Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s Padmaavat released on January 25 and has ever since raked in more than <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-continues-its-dream-run-at-the-box-office-earns-rs-150-crores-31559" target="_blank">Rs 150 crore at the box office</a>. The film has become such a hit among US and UK audiences, that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-watch-padmaavat-fever-strikes-san-francisco-as-women-watch-film-dressed-as-rani-sa-31316" target="_blank">women in San Francisco even dressed up like Deepika&#39;s character</a> in the film to go watch the movie in theatres.&nbsp;

While the movie has been in news for all the good and bad reasons alike, the song Ghoomar from the film has earned its own fair share of mixed reactions -- starting from Karni Sena&#39;s objection to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-deepika-padukones-midriff-gets-covered-in-the-new-version-of-ghoomar-song-30142" target="_blank">Deepika&#39;s bare midriff</a> in the song to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-reaches-nba-cheerleaders-dance-to-ghoomar-during-half-time-31293" target="_blank">NBA cheerleaders performing the song at halftime</a> in a match.&nbsp;

Now, figure skating champion Mayuri Bhandari has taken the song to another level. She performed the song while skating on ice and created her own version of dance sequences.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-this-mashup-of-ranveer-singhs-alauddin-khilji-dancing-to-psys-gangnam-style-is-just-perfect-31572" target="_blank">Also Watch:&nbsp;This mashup of Ranveer Singh&#39;s Alauddin Khilji dancing to Psy&#39;s Gangnam style is just perfect</a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-shahid-kapoor-on-ranveer-singhs-performance-in-padmaavat-would-have-played-khilji-differently-31536" target="_blank">Also </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-shahid-kapoor-on-ranveer-singhs-performance-in-padmaavat-would-have-played-khilji-differently-31536" target="_blank">Read:</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-shahid-kapoor-on-ranveer-singhs-performance-in-padmaavat-would-have-played-khilji-differently-31536" target="_blank">&nbsp;Shahid Kapoor on Ranveer Singh&#39;s performance in Padmaavat: Would have played Khilji differently</a>

Titled &#39;Ghoomar Dance on Ice&#39;, Mayuri&#39;s video on YouTube shows her twirling to the track on an ice rink. Wearing ice skates and a red costume, Mayuri is seen dancing effortlessly to Ghoomar in the video.

She captioned the video:&nbsp;&quot;In honour of the film Padmaavat&#39;s release, here is my ice skating tribute to the beautiful song Ghoomar! As a Rajasthani, I skate to this song with pride!&quot;

Watch her performance here:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dHR9oOZDVtc" width="970"></iframe>

Recently, actress Swara Bhaskar raised objections on the portrayal of Jauhar scene in the film which looked like the glorification of the banned practice.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-deepika-takes-a-dig-at-swara-says-you-probably-went-to-buy-popcorn-and-missed-disclaimers-31598" target="_blank">Also Read:&nbsp;Deepika takes a dig at Swara, says &#39;You probably went to buy popcorn and missed disclaimers&#39;</a>

&nbsp;

Deepika Padukone performed the hit song Ghoomar which has become one of the most popular song from the film 'Padmaavat'

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat released on January 25 and has ever since raked in more than Rs 150 crore at the box office. The film has become such a hit among US and UK audiences, that women in San Francisco even dressed up like Deepika's character in the film to go watch the movie in theatres. While the movie has been in news for all the good and bad reasons alike, the song Ghoomar from the film has earned its own fair share of mixed reactions -- starting from Karni Sena's objection to Deepika's bare midriff in the song to NBA cheerleaders performing the song at halftime in a match. Now, figure skating champion Mayuri Bhandari has taken the song to another level. She performed the song while skating on ice and created her own version of dance sequences. Also Watch: This mashup of Ranveer Singh's Alauddin Khilji dancing to Psy's Gangnam style is just perfect Also Read: Shahid Kapoor on Ranveer Singh's performance in Padmaavat: Would have played Khilji differently Titled 'Ghoomar Dance on Ice', Mayuri's video on YouTube shows her twirling to the track on an ice rink. Wearing ice skates and a red costume, Mayuri is seen dancing effortlessly to Ghoomar in the video. She captioned the video: "In honour of the film Padmaavat's release, here is my ice skating tribute to the beautiful song Ghoomar! As a Rajasthani, I skate to this song with pride!" Watch her performance here: Recently, actress Swara Bhaskar raised objections on the portrayal of Jauhar scene in the film which looked like the glorification of the banned practice. Also Read: Deepika takes a dig at Swara, says 'You probably went to buy popcorn and missed disclaimers'

Watch: Figure skating champion performs 'Ghoomar on ice' and it's jaw-dropping

Swara Bhaskar and her open letter to Padmaavat director Sanjay Leela Bhansali went viral after she used phrases like &quot;felt reduced to a vagina-only&quot; in context of feelings post watching the movie as a woman and a feminist.&nbsp;

This Swara wrote in the context of the entire film and especially the portrayal of the finale scene where Deepika Padukone (Rani Padmini) plunges herself into the fire to commit Jauhar&nbsp;so as to avoid being captured by a psychotic king Alauddin Khilji (as portrayed in the film).&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/swara-bhaskar-feels-like-reduced-to-vagina-after-watching-padmaavat-31009" target="_blank">Also Read: Swara Bhaskar&#39;s full letter</a>

Questioning Bhansali&#39;s conceptualisation of the film, Swara wrote: &quot;your act of thoughtlessly glorifying this misogynistic criminal practice is something you ought to answer for, Sir.&quot;&nbsp;

To this, Deepika who played the titular role in the film replied back saying that she (Swara) probably missed the disclaimer at the beginning of the film.

In an interview to a Mumbai-based daily, she said (referring to Swara), &quot;You probably went out to buy some popcorn and missed the initial disclaimers that come out.&quot;

She further added that the film &quot;was set in an era- in the 12th and 13th century when rituals (Jauhar) like this were practised.&quot;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-deepika-padukone-opens-up-about-the-jauhar-scene-and-the-controversy-around-it-31318" target="_blank">Also Read:&nbsp;Deepika Padukone opens up about the Jauhar scene and the controversy around it</a>

Earlier, Shahid Kapoor who played the role of Deepika&#39;s husband in the film also <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-shahid-kapoor-reacts-to-swara-bhaskars-open-letter-to-sanjay-leela-bhansali-31169" target="_blank">responded</a> to the letter. He said,&nbsp;&quot;Every practice happens for various reasons. Within this film, Padmavati believed she would want to go into the fire as opposed to handing herself over to a man who is so evil, that he is ready to kill the entire kingdom to achieve one woman.&quot;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-swara-bhaskar-on-padmaavat-letter-didnt-expect-so-much-chaos-just-because-i-used-a-word-which-starts-with-v-31326" target="_blank">Also </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-swara-bhaskar-on-padmaavat-letter-didnt-expect-so-much-chaos-just-because-i-used-a-word-which-starts-with-v-31326" target="_blank">Read:</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-swara-bhaskar-on-padmaavat-letter-didnt-expect-so-much-chaos-just-because-i-used-a-word-which-starts-with-v-31326" target="_blank">&nbsp;Swara Bhaskar on &#39;Padmaavat&#39; letter: Didn&#39;t expect so much chaos just because I used a word which starts with &#39;V</a>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Swara Bhaskar had earlier written an open-letter to 'Padmaavat' director Sanjay Leela Bhansali saying: 'your act of thoughtlessly glorifying this misogynistic criminal practice is something you ought to answer for, Sir'

Swara Bhaskar and her open letter to Padmaavat director Sanjay Leela Bhansali went viral after she used phrases like "felt reduced to a vagina-only" in context of feelings post watching the movie as a woman and a feminist. This Swara wrote in the context of the entire film and especially the portrayal of the finale scene where Deepika Padukone (Rani Padmini) plunges herself into the fire to commit Jauhar so as to avoid being captured by a psychotic king Alauddin Khilji (as portrayed in the film). Also Read: Swara Bhaskar's full letter Questioning Bhansali's conceptualisation of the film, Swara wrote: "your act of thoughtlessly glorifying this misogynistic criminal practice is something you ought to answer for, Sir." To this, Deepika who played the titular role in the film replied back saying that she (Swara) probably missed the disclaimer at the beginning of the film. In an interview to a Mumbai-based daily, she said (referring to Swara), "You probably went out to buy some popcorn and missed the initial disclaimers that come out." She further added that the film "was set in an era- in the 12th and 13th century when rituals (Jauhar) like this were practised." Also Read: Deepika Padukone opens up about the Jauhar scene and the controversy around it Earlier, Shahid Kapoor who played the role of Deepika's husband in the film also responded to the letter. He said, "Every practice happens for various reasons. Within this film, Padmavati believed she would want to go into the fire as opposed to handing herself over to a man who is so evil, that he is ready to kill the entire kingdom to achieve one woman." Also Read: Swara Bhaskar on 'Padmaavat' letter: Didn't expect so much chaos just because I used a word which starts with 'V

Deepika takes a dig at Swara, says 'You probably went to buy popcorn and missed disclaimers'

There is no stopping now. Padmaavat has fought hard and has clearly emerged as a winner. The film which released a week back has already earned Rs 150 crores and still running to packed theatres.&nbsp; 
 
Calling the film &#39;Unstoppable&#39;, trade analyst Taran Adarsh tweeted, &quot;#Padmaavat is UNSTOPPABLE... Crosses ₹ 150 cr mark... Wed [limited previews] 5 cr, Thu 19 cr, Fri 32 cr, Sat 27 cr, Sun 31 cr, Mon 15 cr, Tue 14 cr, Wed 12.50 cr. Total: ₹ 155.50 cr. India biz.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a> is UNSTOPPABLE... Crosses ₹ 150 cr mark... Wed [limited previews] 5 cr, Thu 19 cr, Fri 32 cr, Sat 27 cr, Sun 31 cr, Mon 15 cr, Tue 14 cr, Wed 12.50 cr. Total: ₹ 155.50 cr. India biz.
&mdash; taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) <a href="https://twitter.com/taran_adarsh/status/959024049497178112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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After much controversy, Padmaavat released worldwide on January 25th. Though some of the states refused to screen the film fearing violence and protest, the film has opened to packed theaters in most parts of the country.&nbsp; 
 
This is Sanjay Leela Bhansali-Deepika Padukone- Ranveer Singh&#39;s third film together and second Rs 100 crore film. The trio&#39;s Bajiaro Mastani also had crossed Rs 100 crore mark back in 2015.&nbsp;

In a week's time the film has already earned more than Rs 150 crores.

There is no stopping now. Padmaavat has fought hard and has clearly emerged as a winner. The film which released a week back has already earned Rs 150 crores and still running to packed theatres. Calling the film 'Unstoppable', trade analyst Taran Adarsh tweeted, "#Padmaavat is UNSTOPPABLE... Crosses ₹ 150 cr mark... Wed [limited previews] 5 cr, Thu 19 cr, Fri 32 cr, Sat 27 cr, Sun 31 cr, Mon 15 cr, Tue 14 cr, Wed 12.50 cr. Total: ₹ 155.50 cr. India biz. #Padmaavat is UNSTOPPABLE... Crosses ₹ 150 cr mark... Wed [limited previews] 5 cr, Thu 19 cr, Fri 32 cr, Sat 27 cr, Sun 31 cr, Mon 15 cr, Tue 14 cr, Wed 12.50 cr. Total: ₹ 155.50 cr. India biz. — taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) February 1, 2018 × After much controversy, Padmaavat released worldwide on January 25th. Though some of the states refused to screen the film fearing violence and protest, the film has opened to packed theaters in most parts of the country. This is Sanjay Leela Bhansali-Deepika Padukone- Ranveer Singh's third film together and second Rs 100 crore film. The trio's Bajiaro Mastani also had crossed Rs 100 crore mark back in 2015.

Padmaavat continues its dream run at the box office, earns Rs 150 crore

Compliments have been pouring in from all quarters for Ranveer Singh&#39;s performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s Padmaavat. The actor&#39;s portrayal of Alauddin Khilji is being termed by many as the defining performance of his career.&nbsp; 
 
While his co-stars, Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor, have been lauded for their performances as well, it is Ranveer who has hogged the maximum limelight for his role. Interestingly, Shahid himself has stated that Ratan Singh&#39;s character was not author-backed, unlike Ranveer&#39;s Khilji. 
 
When Shahid was asked what he felt about Ranveer&#39;s performance, his answer took some people by surprise.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Which actor would not wish to play a character like Khilji in a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film? You know, once on Koffee with Karan, Ranveer said he would have done my role in Kaminey&nbsp;better than me... I would have done Khilji differently,&quot; he said. 
 
When Shahid was prodded further on how he would have played the character, the actor took a safer route by answering it diplomatically. &quot;Firstly, I do not want to get into those details. Always remember, Sanjay Leela Bhansali is the hero of all his films and we actors come second,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;So whether it is the loud and larger-than-life character of Khilji or the subtleness of Ratan Singh, everything was governed by Sanjay Sir. So, this is his vision of his. What I just said about performing differently, is because we are two different actors and our style of acting is different,&quot; Shahid added. 
 
Bhansali&#39;s Padmaavat also stars Jim Sarbh, Aditi Rao Hydari and Raza Murad in prominent roles.&nbsp;

Compliments have been pouring in from all quarters for Ranveer Singh's performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat.

Compliments have been pouring in from all quarters for Ranveer Singh's performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat. The actor's portrayal of Alauddin Khilji is being termed by many as the defining performance of his career. While his co-stars, Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor, have been lauded for their performances as well, it is Ranveer who has hogged the maximum limelight for his role. Interestingly, Shahid himself has stated that Ratan Singh's character was not author-backed, unlike Ranveer's Khilji. When Shahid was asked what he felt about Ranveer's performance, his answer took some people by surprise. "Which actor would not wish to play a character like Khilji in a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film? You know, once on Koffee with Karan, Ranveer said he would have done my role in Kaminey better than me... I would have done Khilji differently," he said. When Shahid was prodded further on how he would have played the character, the actor took a safer route by answering it diplomatically. "Firstly, I do not want to get into those details. Always remember, Sanjay Leela Bhansali is the hero of all his films and we actors come second," he said. "So whether it is the loud and larger-than-life character of Khilji or the subtleness of Ratan Singh, everything was governed by Sanjay Sir. So, this is his vision of his. What I just said about performing differently, is because we are two different actors and our style of acting is different," Shahid added. Bhansali's Padmaavat also stars Jim Sarbh, Aditi Rao Hydari and Raza Murad in prominent roles.

Shahid Kapoor on Ranveer Singh's performance in Padmaavat: Would have played Khilji differently

As you alight from a taxi in a quiet Juhu bylane, your eyes darting left to right to spot where Sanjay Leela Bhansali&rsquo;s office could possibly be, a police jeep comes into your vision. And you know immediately that behind the intimidating brown gates is where the man is &ldquo;imprisoned.&rsquo;&rsquo;

When the gate slams shut, a name and reference check is done. And then, a dozen safari suit-clad men with walkie-talkies point you in the right direction. Finally, you are seated opposite SLB, who is dressed in his signature kurta-pyjama. His mop of grey hair and dark-rimmed glasses lend style to his carefully-built persona. He is celebrating the runaway success of his magnum opus with chocolate. Urging you to dig in, he indicates that he is ready to talk. And so, we ask:

Padmaavat continues to go through a lot of strife&hellip; 
Yes, but Padmaavat is blessed. There are creative angels who come and bless such films. There is some divine energy that says this is the way it should be. It is fascinating to go with the flow. If you are supposed to face the attacks or these kind of protests that we have gone through, it&rsquo;s a part of the film&rsquo;s destiny. All I can say is that it just makes you stronger and wants you to make the movie better. When your whole being is at stake and you feel that you are going to perish, you give the thing on hand your best shot. Then things unfold in a way. So, from January 27, 2017, when we were attacked in Jaipur to January 25 this year when the film released, it has been one whole year of strife. I cannot describe all that my team and I went through.&nbsp;

Why didn&rsquo;t you speak earlier? 
A lot of people said that I didn&rsquo;t answer or defend myself. I didn&rsquo;t come out in the open to speak or react. But my only reaction was to make the film better. If it hit the screen, which it seemed would be almost impossible at one point, that itself would have been a victory.At the cost of repeating myself, I must say that movies like Padmaavat are destined. How can the same set of people (actor, technicians) who have worked on this film and go to another film, are not able to achieve the same kind of results that this movie has? There is some divine energy. When a film reaches a theatre, that is the happiest journey for me because there is no greater joy than that final lap from the laboratory to the screen. That is what you live for. When the first frame is beamed on the screen, it is the most fascinating and satisfying moment for me even after all these years and so many films. It is a moment to die for.

Do you agree that you have achieved a cult status in Bollywood? 
I don&rsquo;t know who says what. All I know is that there&rsquo;s a madness that is growing within me. I constantly strive to say something bigger and better. There is a time when you evolve. You feel that you have understood your craft, signature and style of filmmaking. You know you are more adept at doing things and find that rhythm slowly over the years. That&rsquo;s what I think has happened to me. I found scale during my Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Devdas days. But the journey between Goliyon Ki Raas Leela Ram-Leela and Padmaavat taught me so many other aspects. It is very difficult to make a big-scale film. What people call, &lsquo;the big-screen experience&rsquo;, is hard to achieve.

All that I loved about music, drama; all that I have learnt from Raj Kapoor, K Asif or Kamal Amrohi, V Shantaram and Mehboob Khan, I started finding and putting it together. I have also deeply admired Ramesh Sippy (of Sholay fame). I&rsquo;m constantly imbibing the energies of these great men with vision and talking to them. So, I&rsquo;m discovering far more than the basic box-office collection.

You said Ram Leela was a learning curve... 
I started finding the rhythm of the shot for the first time during Ram Leela. I made sure the sur and the scale didn&rsquo;t go wrong. I found some joy in making Padmaavat irrespective of the problems that I encountered.

Is it right to say that you have been obsessed with your ideas long before your films went on floors? 
I took 12 years to make Bajirao Mastani. I waited nine years to make Ram Leela and I had to wait eight years from the time I did Padmavati, the opera on stage, in Paris to get to the film. I&rsquo;ve enjoyed making these movies so much. They were very challenging. How to put things into a big frame and how to spend money are things that I&rsquo;m obsessing about all the time. You know budgets become available to you but how you spend that money in the correct way is important. And I really don&rsquo;t care whether the films brought in the numbers at the box office or not. I never work with that fear.

One never hears of you taking a holiday... 
People say why don&rsquo;t you go on a holiday and I tell them I only want to go to the studio. I want to go to FilmCity and Mehboob Studios and sit over there. So often, when I&rsquo;m crossing Bandra, I make it a point to drive into the Mehboob Studio compound, sit there and just stare. That is the kind of love that I have for cinema.

That&rsquo;s why you have been labelled eccentric&hellip; 
(Laughs) They can call me what they want. If I&rsquo;m happy and I enjoy taking that detour into the studio compound and saluting the memory of Mehboob Khan, then let me be. Perhaps the energies of Mehboob saab will get into me and his soul will bless me. Who knows? I like doing that, so I do it. I go to V Shantaram&rsquo;s Rajkamal Studio in Parel for my mixing. And when I stroll in that place, I can feel his energy and soul. His trophies... the smell in that re-recording studio which has been exactly the same over the years. I had gone there first when I was remixing for Parinda (1989) because I was an assistant with Vidhu Vinod Chopra.

It does matter right that Padmaavat will cross the 150 crore mark today? 
It&rsquo;s so nice to know that the audience wants to see your work. A film without an audience makes no sense. When they say, &lsquo;We now understand your signature and style of filmmaking, so we come to see your film,&rsquo; it&rsquo;s a great high. Whether it has Ranveer (Singh) and Deepika (Padukone which is an added attraction), they come to see my film. I personally thank god for this blessing because even if I&rsquo;ve been cursed with all these innumerous problems &mdash; over the years which I have fought &mdash; inner demons and external problems &mdash; I&rsquo;ve also been blessed by God because he has said, &lsquo;Ok fine, you get a style and signature, you have an audience, you do not need anything more.&rsquo; Who puts in Rs 180 crore to make a film? It is easier said than done. I would say I&rsquo;m more blessed than I&rsquo;m cursed. Even though Padmaavat has gone through so many problems, today it is getting its due.

You have done three films with Aishwarya (Rai Bachchan) and three with Deepika. Is it time to look for a new muse? 
Deepika is so fabulous; she is such a jaan. I just love her. All her hard work and brilliance that she brings to the set is effortless. She does her preparation but there is none of the&mdash;I AM PREPARED FOR A ROLE&mdash;heaviness around her. It is done with so much silence. It&rsquo;s such a pleasure to work with someone who does what she is doing at that moment with absolute honesty. She&rsquo;s an actor who feels so honestly and simply, but her performances are detailed and nuanced. I&rsquo;m not done with her yet.

What about Ranveer Singh who seems to be your favourite? 
No other filmmaker understands Ranveer the way I do. Ranveer and I have a great chemistry and understanding. I know how to direct him and I&rsquo;m aware about his limitations and strengths. I know what to do with him. He&rsquo;s a very special actor. He has so much energy. I only feel he puts too much effort into &lsquo;I did my research and I went here and did that&rsquo;, all that I understand. For him to pursue his greatness, he has to be a little more effortless. He is fantastic. I am not done with him either.

Shahid was the new energy on your set? 
Shahid was a new energy on set because I hadn&rsquo;t worked with him before. It was interesting to see how a new actor works. He is a great-looking kid. He is extremely talented and so effortless. He is constantly wanting to become better. He would say, &lsquo;I&rsquo;m unhappy with that shot. Can I do this better?&rsquo; And I would tell him, &lsquo;Can you stop pushing yourself. And punishing yourself because I know what I want from you.&rsquo; It was great working with him. He gave Maharawal Ratan Singh such dignity and silence. It was a nuanced and delicate performance. I&rsquo;m so proud of what he has done in this film. Ranveer obviously had the author-backed role and he has come out with flying colours in it because of the range, but to play a straight and understated part, yet to make your presence felt is very difficult. Deepika and Shahid look so good together. I wish they do more films with each other.

Aren&rsquo;t you being too harsh on yourself by completely isolating yourself from the world? 
I&rsquo;m in a zone. I&rsquo;ve not met anyone. I only live for my films. I do not feel I&rsquo;m too harsh on myself. I&rsquo;m enjoying it immensely. Once I start a film, I&rsquo;m like that person who is sitting in a yagna completely consumed by the puja and the process. I&rsquo;m in that meditative state where I see nothing, but my film. Even if I&rsquo;ve been physically attacked or my set has been ransacked, my first reaction is, &lsquo;Oh god, that shot, which we had set up, was so beautiful! Where will I take it?&rsquo; The humiliation and the anger of what I went through became secondary in so many ways. My film mattered to me. I saw a film called Sant Tukaram so many years ago. When Tukaram was asked anything, he would say &lsquo;Vithal, Vithal.&rsquo; And you would wonder what he meant. Today, I understand what it means because for me it is only films. I have become Tukaram.

Doesn&rsquo;t all work and no play make you dull? 
The emotions that I may deprive myself of in terms of relationships don&rsquo;t matter. I live my life through my films. It is such a joy. Nothing distracts me. I just want to make bigger and better films. I&rsquo;m constantly asking myself, &lsquo;How do I evolve further?&rsquo; I&rsquo;ve done a lot of introspection to reach this stage. If a film worked, I&rsquo;ve never got up and said, &lsquo;Wow, my movie worked. Bro, let us have a party.&rsquo; For me, it is how do I get better. How do I get one more star from a reviewer? How do I become a better person and a better filmmaker? &nbsp;Which is why you are finding a slow growth in my films from Ram Leela to Padmaavat. The search for excellence doesn&rsquo;t die. It is getting more and more pronounced. And I&rsquo;m living it completely.

- By Meena Iyer

Sanjay Leela Bhansali opens up about Padmaavat, controversies, and why he can never go on a break.

As you alight from a taxi in a quiet Juhu bylane, your eyes darting left to right to spot where Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s office could possibly be, a police jeep comes into your vision. And you know immediately that behind the intimidating brown gates is where the man is “imprisoned.’’ When the gate slams shut, a name and reference check is done. And then, a dozen safari suit-clad men with walkie-talkies point you in the right direction. Finally, you are seated opposite SLB, who is dressed in his signature kurta-pyjama. His mop of grey hair and dark-rimmed glasses lend style to his carefully-built persona. He is celebrating the runaway success of his magnum opus with chocolate. Urging you to dig in, he indicates that he is ready to talk. And so, we ask: Padmaavat continues to go through a lot of strife… Yes, but Padmaavat is blessed. There are creative angels who come and bless such films. There is some divine energy that says this is the way it should be. It is fascinating to go with the flow. If you are supposed to face the attacks or these kind of protests that we have gone through, it’s a part of the film’s destiny. All I can say is that it just makes you stronger and wants you to make the movie better. When your whole being is at stake and you feel that you are going to perish, you give the thing on hand your best shot. Then things unfold in a way. So, from January 27, 2017, when we were attacked in Jaipur to January 25 this year when the film released, it has been one whole year of strife. I cannot describe all that my team and I went through. Why didn’t you speak earlier? A lot of people said that I didn’t answer or defend myself. I didn’t come out in the open to speak or react. But my only reaction was to make the film better. If it hit the screen, which it seemed would be almost impossible at one point, that itself would have been a victory.At the cost of repeating myself, I must say that movies like Padmaavat are destined. How can the same set of people (actor, technicians) who have worked on this film and go to another film, are not able to achieve the same kind of results that this movie has? There is some divine energy. When a film reaches a theatre, that is the happiest journey for me because there is no greater joy than that final lap from the laboratory to the screen. That is what you live for. When the first frame is beamed on the screen, it is the most fascinating and satisfying moment for me even after all these years and so many films. It is a moment to die for. Do you agree that you have achieved a cult status in Bollywood? I don’t know who says what. All I know is that there’s a madness that is growing within me. I constantly strive to say something bigger and better. There is a time when you evolve. You feel that you have understood your craft, signature and style of filmmaking. You know you are more adept at doing things and find that rhythm slowly over the years. That’s what I think has happened to me. I found scale during my Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Devdas days. But the journey between Goliyon Ki Raas Leela Ram-Leela and Padmaavat taught me so many other aspects. It is very difficult to make a big-scale film. What people call, ‘the big-screen experience’, is hard to achieve. All that I loved about music, drama; all that I have learnt from Raj Kapoor, K Asif or Kamal Amrohi, V Shantaram and Mehboob Khan, I started finding and putting it together. I have also deeply admired Ramesh Sippy (of Sholay fame). I’m constantly imbibing the energies of these great men with vision and talking to them. So, I’m discovering far more than the basic box-office collection. You said Ram Leela was a learning curve... I started finding the rhythm of the shot for the first time during Ram Leela. I made sure the sur and the scale didn’t go wrong. I found some joy in making Padmaavat irrespective of the problems that I encountered. Is it right to say that you have been obsessed with your ideas long before your films went on floors? I took 12 years to make Bajirao Mastani. I waited nine years to make Ram Leela and I had to wait eight years from the time I did Padmavati, the opera on stage, in Paris to get to the film. I’ve enjoyed making these movies so much. They were very challenging. How to put things into a big frame and how to spend money are things that I’m obsessing about all the time. You know budgets become available to you but how you spend that money in the correct way is important. And I really don’t care whether the films brought in the numbers at the box office or not. I never work with that fear. One never hears of you taking a holiday... People say why don’t you go on a holiday and I tell them I only want to go to the studio. I want to go to FilmCity and Mehboob Studios and sit over there. So often, when I’m crossing Bandra, I make it a point to drive into the Mehboob Studio compound, sit there and just stare. That is the kind of love that I have for cinema. That’s why you have been labelled eccentric… (Laughs) They can call me what they want. If I’m happy and I enjoy taking that detour into the studio compound and saluting the memory of Mehboob Khan, then let me be. Perhaps the energies of Mehboob saab will get into me and his soul will bless me. Who knows? I like doing that, so I do it. I go to V Shantaram’s Rajkamal Studio in Parel for my mixing. And when I stroll in that place, I can feel his energy and soul. His trophies... the smell in that re-recording studio which has been exactly the same over the years. I had gone there first when I was remixing for Parinda (1989) because I was an assistant with Vidhu Vinod Chopra. It does matter right that Padmaavat will cross the 150 crore mark today? It’s so nice to know that the audience wants to see your work. A film without an audience makes no sense. When they say, ‘We now understand your signature and style of filmmaking, so we come to see your film,’ it’s a great high. Whether it has Ranveer (Singh) and Deepika (Padukone which is an added attraction), they come to see my film. I personally thank god for this blessing because even if I’ve been cursed with all these innumerous problems — over the years which I have fought — inner demons and external problems — I’ve also been blessed by God because he has said, ‘Ok fine, you get a style and signature, you have an audience, you do not need anything more.’ Who puts in Rs 180 crore to make a film? It is easier said than done. I would say I’m more blessed than I’m cursed. Even though Padmaavat has gone through so many problems, today it is getting its due. You have done three films with Aishwarya (Rai Bachchan) and three with Deepika. Is it time to look for a new muse? Deepika is so fabulous; she is such a jaan. I just love her. All her hard work and brilliance that she brings to the set is effortless. She does her preparation but there is none of the—I AM PREPARED FOR A ROLE—heaviness around her. It is done with so much silence. It’s such a pleasure to work with someone who does what she is doing at that moment with absolute honesty. She’s an actor who feels so honestly and simply, but her performances are detailed and nuanced. I’m not done with her yet. What about Ranveer Singh who seems to be your favourite? No other filmmaker understands Ranveer the way I do. Ranveer and I have a great chemistry and understanding. I know how to direct him and I’m aware about his limitations and strengths. I know what to do with him. He’s a very special actor. He has so much energy. I only feel he puts too much effort into ‘I did my research and I went here and did that’, all that I understand. For him to pursue his greatness, he has to be a little more effortless. He is fantastic. I am not done with him either. Shahid was the new energy on your set? Shahid was a new energy on set because I hadn’t worked with him before. It was interesting to see how a new actor works. He is a great-looking kid. He is extremely talented and so effortless. He is constantly wanting to become better. He would say, ‘I’m unhappy with that shot. Can I do this better?’ And I would tell him, ‘Can you stop pushing yourself. And punishing yourself because I know what I want from you.’ It was great working with him. He gave Maharawal Ratan Singh such dignity and silence. It was a nuanced and delicate performance. I’m so proud of what he has done in this film. Ranveer obviously had the author-backed role and he has come out with flying colours in it because of the range, but to play a straight and understated part, yet to make your presence felt is very difficult. Deepika and Shahid look so good together. I wish they do more films with each other. Aren’t you being too harsh on yourself by completely isolating yourself from the world? I’m in a zone. I’ve not met anyone. I only live for my films. I do not feel I’m too harsh on myself. I’m enjoying it immensely. Once I start a film, I’m like that person who is sitting in a yagna completely consumed by the puja and the process. I’m in that meditative state where I see nothing, but my film. Even if I’ve been physically attacked or my set has been ransacked, my first reaction is, ‘Oh god, that shot, which we had set up, was so beautiful! Where will I take it?’ The humiliation and the anger of what I went through became secondary in so many ways. My film mattered to me. I saw a film called Sant Tukaram so many years ago. When Tukaram was asked anything, he would say ‘Vithal, Vithal.’ And you would wonder what he meant. Today, I understand what it means because for me it is only films. I have become Tukaram. Doesn’t all work and no play make you dull? The emotions that I may deprive myself of in terms of relationships don’t matter. I live my life through my films. It is such a joy. Nothing distracts me. I just want to make bigger and better films. I’m constantly asking myself, ‘How do I evolve further?’ I’ve done a lot of introspection to reach this stage. If a film worked, I’ve never got up and said, ‘Wow, my movie worked. Bro, let us have a party.’ For me, it is how do I get better. How do I get one more star from a reviewer? How do I become a better person and a better filmmaker? Which is why you are finding a slow growth in my films from Ram Leela to Padmaavat. The search for excellence doesn’t die. It is getting more and more pronounced. And I’m living it completely. - By Meena Iyer

Sanjay Leela Bhansali on Padmaavat: Cannot describe all that my team and I went through

Shahid Kapoor believes playing Maha Rawal Ratan Singh was the biggest risk of his career as people did not know much about the character&#39;s journey but he is glad that &quot;the hero&quot; of &quot;Padmaavat&quot; is rightfully getting his due. 
 
The 36-year-old actor said there were many people who questioned him for taking up the role, as Padmavati (Deepika Padukone) and Sultan Alauddin Khilji (Ranveer Singh) were already popular. 
 
&quot;It was one of the biggest risks of my career to take a role like this where for one-and-a-half years nobody knew what it is... So many people had told me why are you doing this film. I knew my character is an underdog in the film, I&#39;m happy that the hero of the film is getting so much love. 
 
&quot;Out of the three characters, people know a lot about Padmavati, about Alauddin Khilji, but nobody knows about Rawal Ratan Singh. Now you know his journey was also so spectacular,&quot; Shahid said in a group interview. 
 
The actor said he felt &quot;validated&quot; with the praise that the film, which released after delays and controversies, has received. 
 
&quot;Everyone is talking about it being the top grosser but it&#39;s a great film. We have come a long way, journey of a year and a half... There was a point we were wondering will it be able to release properly. It&#39;s been a turbulent and emotionally draining journey. 
 
&quot;... I feel validated that the film has come out and people have said so many beautiful things about it,&quot; Shahid said. 
 
&quot;Padmaavat&quot;, earlier titled &quot;Padmavati&quot;, was in the eye of the storm as several Rajput groups and politicians were up in arms against the film over an alleged dream sequence between Khilji and Padmavati, a claim repeatedly denied by the director and the team. 
 
The film was stuck with the censor board for a while and had to miss its December 1 release last year. 
 
It arrived in the theatres on January 25, minus the &#39;i&#39; in the title, and several disclaimers and modifications.&nbsp;

The 36-year-old actor said there were many people who questioned him for taking up the role

Shahid Kapoor believes playing Maha Rawal Ratan Singh was the biggest risk of his career as people did not know much about the character's journey but he is glad that "the hero" of "Padmaavat" is rightfully getting his due. The 36-year-old actor said there were many people who questioned him for taking up the role, as Padmavati (Deepika Padukone) and Sultan Alauddin Khilji (Ranveer Singh) were already popular. "It was one of the biggest risks of my career to take a role like this where for one-and-a-half years nobody knew what it is... So many people had told me why are you doing this film. I knew my character is an underdog in the film, I'm happy that the hero of the film is getting so much love. "Out of the three characters, people know a lot about Padmavati, about Alauddin Khilji, but nobody knows about Rawal Ratan Singh. Now you know his journey was also so spectacular," Shahid said in a group interview. The actor said he felt "validated" with the praise that the film, which released after delays and controversies, has received. "Everyone is talking about it being the top grosser but it's a great film. We have come a long way, journey of a year and a half... There was a point we were wondering will it be able to release properly. It's been a turbulent and emotionally draining journey. "... I feel validated that the film has come out and people have said so many beautiful things about it," Shahid said. "Padmaavat", earlier titled "Padmavati", was in the eye of the storm as several Rajput groups and politicians were up in arms against the film over an alleged dream sequence between Khilji and Padmavati, a claim repeatedly denied by the director and the team. The film was stuck with the censor board for a while and had to miss its December 1 release last year. It arrived in the theatres on January 25, minus the 'i' in the title, and several disclaimers and modifications.

Knew my character was an underdog in 'Padmaavat': Shahid Kapoor

Actor Shahid Kapoor on Tuesday said that that cast and crew of Padmaavat&nbsp;had to be &quot;politically correct&quot; as the film was embroiled in a prolonged controversy and that they had to keep a lot of &quot;emotions&quot; in check. 
 
The actor, who played Maha Rawal Ratan Singh in the Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed period drama, said the team had to endure a lot in &quot;these past one-and-a-half years&quot;. 
 
&quot;We missed out on a lot of things. We had to make lots of sacrifices. We had to learn to keep a lot of emotions in our hearts for one-and-a-half years in check. 
 
&quot;We had to be politically correct. The film had to go through a lot. But, today we feel vindicated,&quot; Shahid told reporters on the sidelines of the Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2018. 
 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-shahid-kapoor-and-wife-mira-turn-showstoppers-for-anita-dongre-on-the-first-day-of-lakme-fashion-week-see-pics-31384">The actor&#39;s appearance as the showstopper, along with wife Mira Rajput who walked the ramp for the first time</a>, for designer Anita Dongre&#39;s collection Songs of Summer&nbsp;was a well-kept surprise. 
 
Shahid also quipped that the controversy surrounding the film had assumed such large proportions in the media that they did not need to promote the movie. 
 
The film, which is based on 16th Century poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi&#39;s Padmaavat, got mired in controversy after various Rajput groups, including the Karni Sena, alleged that it distorts history, a claim repeatedly denied by Bhansali. 
 
Historians are divided on whether Padmavati actually existed. 
 
The film starring Deepika Padukone, Shahid, and Ranveer Singh was released on January 25 after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) cleared it last month with a &#39;U/A&#39; certificate and five modifications, including title change from Padmavati&nbsp;to Padmaavat. 
 
Shahid rued the film was not released in some parts of the country such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Goa, but he was glad that it was being loved wherever it had released. 
 
&quot;We are very, very happy and grateful. This country has always supported good films and that&#39;s what has happened. The love and result has been more than what I expected,&quot; he said. 
 
Mira said Padmaavat&nbsp;is one of Shahid&#39;s career-best performances. 
 
&quot;To play a character that does not have the support of many words is when your acting talent must really shine through. Shahid did just that with so much ease and you can see it onscreen,&quot; she said.&nbsp;

The actor was speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing Lakme Fashion Week.

Actor Shahid Kapoor on Tuesday said that that cast and crew of Padmaavat had to be "politically correct" as the film was embroiled in a prolonged controversy and that they had to keep a lot of "emotions" in check. The actor, who played Maha Rawal Ratan Singh in the Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed period drama, said the team had to endure a lot in "these past one-and-a-half years". "We missed out on a lot of things. We had to make lots of sacrifices. We had to learn to keep a lot of emotions in our hearts for one-and-a-half years in check. "We had to be politically correct. The film had to go through a lot. But, today we feel vindicated," Shahid told reporters on the sidelines of the Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2018. The actor's appearance as the showstopper, along with wife Mira Rajput who walked the ramp for the first time, for designer Anita Dongre's collection Songs of Summer was a well-kept surprise. Shahid also quipped that the controversy surrounding the film had assumed such large proportions in the media that they did not need to promote the movie. The film, which is based on 16th Century poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi's Padmaavat, got mired in controversy after various Rajput groups, including the Karni Sena, alleged that it distorts history, a claim repeatedly denied by Bhansali. Historians are divided on whether Padmavati actually existed. The film starring Deepika Padukone, Shahid, and Ranveer Singh was released on January 25 after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) cleared it last month with a 'U/A' certificate and five modifications, including title change from Padmavati to Padmaavat. Shahid rued the film was not released in some parts of the country such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Goa, but he was glad that it was being loved wherever it had released. "We are very, very happy and grateful. This country has always supported good films and that's what has happened. The love and result has been more than what I expected," he said. Mira said Padmaavat is one of Shahid's career-best performances. "To play a character that does not have the support of many words is when your acting talent must really shine through. Shahid did just that with so much ease and you can see it onscreen," she said.

Padmaavat cast and crew had to be 'politically correct' and keep emotions in check, reveals Shahid Kapoor

Ever since Swara Bhasker wrote an<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/swara-bhaskar-feels-like-reduced-to-vagina-after-watching-padmaavat-31009"> open letter to Sanjay Leela Bhansali over his depiction of the Jauhar scene in Padmaavat,</a> the actress has been receiving praises and criticism alike. While many agree with her point that Bhansali has glorified the Jauhar scene in the film, there are others who have criticised her for her opinion.&nbsp; 
 
After indulging in war of words with the trolls on micro-blogging site Twitter for the actress&nbsp;has now said that she did not &quot;expect so much chaos just because of a word that starts with `V`.&quot; 
 
While attending an event, when asked about her open letter, Swara said, &quot;Everybody has right to express an opinion. I kept my views in a very polite manner and had no wrong intentions. I put forward a few legitimate questions. I didn`t expect so much chaos just because I used a word which starts with `V`.&quot; 
 
She added, &quot;If people don`t agree with me, it`s alright as it is a democratic country. I had no idea that this would create such a mayhem and that people who are not connected to the film at all will get upset.&quot;Bhasker wrote a thought-provoking letter to Sanjay Leela Bhansali after watching Padmaavat. 
 
A part her letter read, &quot;You may be wondering why the hell I am going on and on thus about vaginas. Because Sir, that`s what I felt like at the end of your magnum opus. I felt like a vagina. I felt reduced to a vagina-only.&quot; 
The letter went viral and Swara continues to fight a spirited battle against those abusing her on social media - and there are many. 
 
While Padmaavat&nbsp;director Sanjay Leela Bhansali has not responded to the open letter, actor <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-shahid-kapoor-reacts-to-swara-bhaskars-open-letter-to-sanjay-leela-bhansali-31169">Shahid Kapoor, who plays the role of Maharawal Ratan Singh in the movie said</a>, &quot;I haven`t read it yet. We have been busy with other things, but I think this isn`t the right time. It has been a tough battle for us to be able to bring forth the film to the audience. It feels great to receive support from the entire industry but it feels odd that someone said something on a personal level. That`s OK though as everyone has the right to say what they want but I haven`t read it yet.&quot; 
 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-deepika-padukone-opens-up-about-the-jauhar-scene-and-the-controversy-around-it-31318">The film&#39;s leading lady, Deepika Padukone, in an interview has stated that the film does not endorse the practice of Jauhar </a>and that it should be seen in the context of the period in which it is set in. 
 
Meanwhile, Padmaavat&nbsp;continues to roar at the box-office as the movie crossed the Rs. 120 crores in five days of its release.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Ever since Swara Bhasker wrote an open letter to Sanjay Leela Bhansali over his depiction of the Jauhar scene in Padmaavat, the actress has been receiving praises and criticism alike.

Ever since Swara Bhasker wrote an open letter to Sanjay Leela Bhansali over his depiction of the Jauhar scene in Padmaavat, the actress has been receiving praises and criticism alike. While many agree with her point that Bhansali has glorified the Jauhar scene in the film, there are others who have criticised her for her opinion. After indulging in war of words with the trolls on micro-blogging site Twitter for the actress has now said that she did not "expect so much chaos just because of a word that starts with `V`." While attending an event, when asked about her open letter, Swara said, "Everybody has right to express an opinion. I kept my views in a very polite manner and had no wrong intentions. I put forward a few legitimate questions. I didn`t expect so much chaos just because I used a word which starts with `V`." She added, "If people don`t agree with me, it`s alright as it is a democratic country. I had no idea that this would create such a mayhem and that people who are not connected to the film at all will get upset."Bhasker wrote a thought-provoking letter to Sanjay Leela Bhansali after watching Padmaavat. A part her letter read, "You may be wondering why the hell I am going on and on thus about vaginas. Because Sir, that`s what I felt like at the end of your magnum opus. I felt like a vagina. I felt reduced to a vagina-only." The letter went viral and Swara continues to fight a spirited battle against those abusing her on social media - and there are many. While Padmaavat director Sanjay Leela Bhansali has not responded to the open letter, actor Shahid Kapoor, who plays the role of Maharawal Ratan Singh in the movie said, "I haven`t read it yet. We have been busy with other things, but I think this isn`t the right time. It has been a tough battle for us to be able to bring forth the film to the audience. It feels great to receive support from the entire industry but it feels odd that someone said something on a personal level. That`s OK though as everyone has the right to say what they want but I haven`t read it yet." The film's leading lady, Deepika Padukone, in an interview has stated that the film does not endorse the practice of Jauhar and that it should be seen in the context of the period in which it is set in. Meanwhile, Padmaavat continues to roar at the box-office as the movie crossed the Rs. 120 crores in five days of its release.

Swara Bhaskar on 'Padmaavat' letter: Didn't expect so much chaos just because I used a word which starts with 'V'

A lot of reactions around Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s film Padmaavat has been coming ever since the magnum opus hit the big screens on January 25th. While most have appreciated the performances and the scale of the film, many have raised objections on how Bhansali has glamorized the Jauhar scene. 
 
Among the many voices, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/swara-bhaskar-feels-like-reduced-to-vagina-after-watching-padmaavat-31009">actress Swara Bhaskar&#39;s open letter for Bhansali has made the most impact.&nbsp;</a>Swara wrote that how the Jauhar scene glorified a medieval practice that should be condemned at all cost.&nbsp; 
 
Padmaavat&#39;s leading man <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-shahid-kapoor-reacts-to-swara-bhaskars-open-letter-to-sanjay-leela-bhansali-31169">Shahid, on Wednesday, had reacted </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-shahid-kapoor-reacts-to-swara-bhaskars-open-letter-to-sanjay-leela-bhansali-31169">on</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-shahid-kapoor-reacts-to-swara-bhaskars-open-letter-to-sanjay-leela-bhansali-31169"> the letter. </a>Shahid said she was entitled to her opinion but added that it felt odd to him that she had taken it personally.&nbsp; 
 
Now the film&#39;s leading lady, Deepika Padukone, who features in the said scene, has spoken about the scene. While speaking to DNA, Deepika said neither does she or the film&#39;s director endorse the practice of Jauhar and that the scene should be seen in the context of the period&nbsp;it is set in.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;You must see the scene/practice in context to the period in which it was shown. And when you do that, you will realise, it&rsquo;s so powerful. You do not feel like she is doing anything wrong. You want her to embrace the flames because she is going to be united with the man she loves, &quot; DNA quoted her as saying.&nbsp; 
 
The actress also mentioned that how it was a difficult scene to enact as it was shot in the summers and she was wearing heavy jewellery and costume. &quot; We shot it in peak summer at Film City in Mumbai. I cannot tell you how challenging it was. After every single take, I would go up to my van, have a shower, get ready for my scene and go back. With my heavy costume and jewellery, the heat was oppressive. It was such a difficult thing to execute.&quot;&nbsp; 
The actress also mentioned that while there has been criticism, the scene has also been receiving standing ovation in theatres.&nbsp; 
 
&quot; When I saw the scene during the cast and crew screening, Sanjay sir, Ranveer (Singh) and I, who were sitting together, started bawling. Everyone stood up and clapped. We are part of this film, we know the story, we have been through the journey, yet it moved us. Then, Janhvi (Sridevi&rsquo;s daughter), who had gone for a screening, told me that people there were standing and clapping, &quot; Deepika said.&nbsp; 
 
The actress has earned praise for her portrayal and she is clear that she doesn&#39;t want to play any more historical characters. &quot;I do not think you can ever move on from a character like Padmavati. You feel a sense of relief and when you start moving on to other films, it takes a long time. Next week, I start preparing for my new movie, so I do not have the luxury of letting Padmavati possess me completely, but I know she is someone who will always be within me,&quot; the actress said.&nbsp;

The actress said neither she nor Bhansali endorses the practice of Jauhar.

A lot of reactions around Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film Padmaavat has been coming ever since the magnum opus hit the big screens on January 25th. While most have appreciated the performances and the scale of the film, many have raised objections on how Bhansali has glamorized the Jauhar scene. Among the many voices, actress Swara Bhaskar's open letter for Bhansali has made the most impact. Swara wrote that how the Jauhar scene glorified a medieval practice that should be condemned at all cost. Padmaavat's leading man Shahid, on Wednesday, had reacted on the letter. Shahid said she was entitled to her opinion but added that it felt odd to him that she had taken it personally. Now the film's leading lady, Deepika Padukone, who features in the said scene, has spoken about the scene. While speaking to DNA, Deepika said neither does she or the film's director endorse the practice of Jauhar and that the scene should be seen in the context of the period it is set in. "You must see the scene/practice in context to the period in which it was shown. And when you do that, you will realise, it’s so powerful. You do not feel like she is doing anything wrong. You want her to embrace the flames because she is going to be united with the man she loves, " DNA quoted her as saying. The actress also mentioned that how it was a difficult scene to enact as it was shot in the summers and she was wearing heavy jewellery and costume. " We shot it in peak summer at Film City in Mumbai. I cannot tell you how challenging it was. After every single take, I would go up to my van, have a shower, get ready for my scene and go back. With my heavy costume and jewellery, the heat was oppressive. It was such a difficult thing to execute." The actress also mentioned that while there has been criticism, the scene has also been receiving standing ovation in theatres. " When I saw the scene during the cast and crew screening, Sanjay sir, Ranveer (Singh) and I, who were sitting together, started bawling. Everyone stood up and clapped. We are part of this film, we know the story, we have been through the journey, yet it moved us. Then, Janhvi (Sridevi’s daughter), who had gone for a screening, told me that people there were standing and clapping, " Deepika said. The actress has earned praise for her portrayal and she is clear that she doesn't want to play any more historical characters. "I do not think you can ever move on from a character like Padmavati. You feel a sense of relief and when you start moving on to other films, it takes a long time. Next week, I start preparing for my new movie, so I do not have the luxury of letting Padmavati possess me completely, but I know she is someone who will always be within me," the actress said.

Padmaavat: Deepika Padukone opens up about the Jauhar scene and the controversy around it

Establishing itself as a box-office record-breaker, Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s epic film Padmaavat&nbsp;has already earned Rs 114 crores&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-earns-rs-114-crores-within-the-first-four-days-of-its-release-31092" target="_blank">within the first four days of its release in India</a>&nbsp;while <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-is-a-hit-in-the-us-running-houseful-in-theatres-31122" target="_blank">running&nbsp;to its full capacity in several theatres across the United States</a> in both standard formats as well as IMAX 3D.&nbsp;

A hit among the desi crowd as well as foreigners in the US, the glorification of Rajput culture&nbsp;has struck a chord with people who identify with Indian culture and its heritage.&nbsp;

Trade analyst Komal Nahta on January 30 shared a video where Indian&nbsp;families came to watch Padmaavat dressed in Rajput finery. In the video, women can be seen decked up as Rani Sa Deepika Padukone in lehengas and jewellery while also doing the Ghoomar dance before the show began.&nbsp;

Nahta tweeted and captioned it: &quot;San Francisco Bay Area families bought a whole show of the movie theatre (in Sunnyvale, California) to see Padmaavat and there was a dress code &ndash; &ldquo;Everyone should dress like Padmavati. And before the show, there was this dancing&rdquo;.

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San Francisco Bay Area families bought a whole show of the movie theater (in Sunnyvale, California) to see Padmaavat and there was a dress code - &quot;Every one should dress like Padmavati.&quot; And before the show there was this dancing ???????? <a href="https://t.co/PKkEdbLXGx">pic.twitter.com/PKkEdbLXGx</a>
&mdash; Komal Nahta (@KomalNahta) <a href="https://twitter.com/KomalNahta/status/958360109272444928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The film was the highest single-day grosser in North America earning 1.8 million dollars on Saturday i.e. January 27th. It is also doing well in Australia and New Zealand.

On January 28, during the halftime of an NBA game,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-reaches-nba-cheerleaders-dance-to-ghoomar-during-half-time-31293" target="_blank"> cheerleaders performed on the Ghoomar song to a cheering crowd</a>. The video of their dance gone viral and the audience can be seen cheering the dancers. The match was&nbsp; 
between Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat.

Watch the song video here:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6cKErCWrb44" width="970"></iframe>

Trade analyst Komal Nahta tweeted a video of San Francisco where women came dressed in Rajput attire to watch the film

Establishing itself as a box-office record-breaker, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's epic film Padmaavat has already earned Rs 114 crores within the first four days of its release in India while running to its full capacity in several theatres across the United States in both standard formats as well as IMAX 3D. A hit among the desi crowd as well as foreigners in the US, the glorification of Rajput culture has struck a chord with people who identify with Indian culture and its heritage. Trade analyst Komal Nahta on January 30 shared a video where Indian families came to watch Padmaavat dressed in Rajput finery. In the video, women can be seen decked up as Rani Sa Deepika Padukone in lehengas and jewellery while also doing the Ghoomar dance before the show began. Nahta tweeted and captioned it: "San Francisco Bay Area families bought a whole show of the movie theatre (in Sunnyvale, California) to see Padmaavat and there was a dress code – “Everyone should dress like Padmavati. And before the show, there was this dancing”. San Francisco Bay Area families bought a whole show of the movie theater (in Sunnyvale, California) to see Padmaavat and there was a dress code - "Every one should dress like Padmavati." And before the show there was this dancing ???????? pic.twitter.com/PKkEdbLXGx — Komal Nahta (@KomalNahta) January 30, 2018 × The film was the highest single-day grosser in North America earning 1.8 million dollars on Saturday i.e. January 27th. It is also doing well in Australia and New Zealand. On January 28, during the halftime of an NBA game, cheerleaders performed on the Ghoomar song to a cheering crowd. The video of their dance gone viral and the audience can be seen cheering the dancers. The match was between Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat. Watch the song video here:

Watch: 'Padmaavat' fever strikes San Francisco as women watch film dressed as Rani Sa

Padmaavat is clearly making an impact worldwide. While the film is running to packed theaters in most parts of the country, the film is being lapped up by the international audience as well.&nbsp; 
 
On 28th January, during the halftime of an NBA game, cheerleaders performed on the Ghoomar song to a cheering crowd. The video of their dance gone viral and the audience can be seen cheering the dancers. The match was&nbsp; 
between&nbsp;Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat. 
 
Here, have a look.

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GYt5XWwu9JQ" width="560"></iframe>

The film and the song have been mired in controversy for a long time. A <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/madhya-pradesh-student-injured-as-rajput-karni-sena-vandalise-school-for-padmaavat-performance-29634">school in Madhya Pradesh was vandalized </a>a few weeks back because the students danced to the popular song. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-mulayam-singh-yadavs-daughter-in-law-aparna-dances-on-ghoomar-song-from-padmavati-draws-criticism-from-fringe-groups-25461">Mulayam Singh Yadav&#39;s daughter in law </a>was called a &#39;Nachaniya&#39; the Karni Sena when she had danced at her brother&#39;s wedding on the same song. Incidentally, the song had to be&nbsp;modified after the CBFC gave certification. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-deepika-padukones-midriff-gets-covered-in-the-new-version-of-ghoomar-song-30142">Deepika Padukone&#39;s midriff was covered </a>via VFX as former royals opposed the earlier version of the song.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

On 28th January, during the halftime of an NBA game, cheerleaders performed on the Ghoomar song to a cheering crowd.

Padmaavat is clearly making an impact worldwide. While the film is running to packed theaters in most parts of the country, the film is being lapped up by the international audience as well. On 28th January, during the halftime of an NBA game, cheerleaders performed on the Ghoomar song to a cheering crowd. The video of their dance gone viral and the audience can be seen cheering the dancers. The match was between Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat. Here, have a look. The film and the song have been mired in controversy for a long time. A school in Madhya Pradesh was vandalized a few weeks back because the students danced to the popular song. Mulayam Singh Yadav's daughter in law was called a 'Nachaniya' the Karni Sena when she had danced at her brother's wedding on the same song. Incidentally, the song had to be modified after the CBFC gave certification. Deepika Padukone's midriff was covered via VFX as former royals opposed the earlier version of the song.

Padmaavat reaches NBA: Cheerleaders dance to Ghoomar song during half-time

The trio has impressed the critics and audiences alike. While Padmavaat may not have had Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, and Ranveer Singh sharing any frame together, fans of the stars had expected the three actors to at least be promoting the film together.&nbsp; 
 
Controversies around the film made the makers cancel all promotional activities around the film and thus no one got a glimpse of the three actors in the same frame. Now that the film has released and running to packed theaters, the three actors are seen speaking about the film.&nbsp; 
 
At a special screening that took place on Wednesday, the cast and crew came together to celebrate the film. Photos of Deepika, Ranveer, and Shahid cutting a celebratory cake is doing the rounds of the internet.&nbsp;

Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the film&#39;s director, can also be seen in the photos.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Beia3Bunl9k/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">New pics! Deepika Padukone and team #Padmaavat post the film screening last week ❤????????... -- #slb #shahidkapoor #deepveer #life #deepikapadukone #ranveersingh</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/deepveer_life/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Shilan ????</a> (@deepveer_life) on <time datetime="2018-01-29T15:06:57+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jan 29, 2018 at 7:06am PST</time>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BeibsBvn40Z/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Since the announcement of the film ive dreamed of a pic for the three main actors and we finally have one, truly a wonderful film with an extraordinary cast ❤????????... -- #slb #shahidkapoor #deepveer #life #deepikapadukone #ranveersingh</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/deepveer_life/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Shilan ????</a> (@deepveer_life) on <time datetime="2018-01-29T15:14:11+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jan 29, 2018 at 7:14am PST</time>
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Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor with Sanjay Leela Bhansali at the special screening Padmaavat ❤️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Deepveer?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Deepveer</a> <a href="https://t.co/49mCIGTUXv">pic.twitter.com/49mCIGTUXv</a>
&mdash; Deepveer ♡ (@deepveerfanclub) <a href="https://twitter.com/deepveerfanclub/status/958009096258637824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Padmaavat released in theaters on 25th January and has been consistently doing well at the box office. The film has already crossed the Rs 100 crore mark.&nbsp;

The three actors were clicked together for the first time since the shooting of the film began.

The trio has impressed the critics and audiences alike. While Padmavaat may not have had Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, and Ranveer Singh sharing any frame together, fans of the stars had expected the three actors to at least be promoting the film together. Controversies around the film made the makers cancel all promotional activities around the film and thus no one got a glimpse of the three actors in the same frame. Now that the film has released and running to packed theaters, the three actors are seen speaking about the film. At a special screening that took place on Wednesday, the cast and crew came together to celebrate the film. Photos of Deepika, Ranveer, and Shahid cutting a celebratory cake is doing the rounds of the internet. Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the film's director, can also be seen in the photos. New pics! Deepika Padukone and team #Padmaavat post the film screening last week ❤????????... -- #slb #shahidkapoor #deepveer #life #deepikapadukone #ranveersingh A post shared by Shilan ???? (@deepveer_life) on Jan 29, 2018 at 7:06am PST × Since the announcement of the film ive dreamed of a pic for the three main actors and we finally have one, truly a wonderful film with an extraordinary cast ❤????????... -- #slb #shahidkapoor #deepveer #life #deepikapadukone #ranveersingh A post shared by Shilan ???? (@deepveer_life) on Jan 29, 2018 at 7:14am PST × Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor with Sanjay Leela Bhansali at the special screening Padmaavat ❤️ #Deepveer pic.twitter.com/49mCIGTUXv — Deepveer ♡ (@deepveerfanclub) January 29, 2018 × Padmaavat released in theaters on 25th January and has been consistently doing well at the box office. The film has already crossed the Rs 100 crore mark.

Finally, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor come together to celebrate Padmaavat success; See pics

It doesnt take much for veteran Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan to make someone happy.&nbsp;

Most recent example is that of Ranveer Singh, who got a surprise on Monday when he received a heartfelt handwritten letter from the legenadary actor praising him on account of his pwoerful acting display in &quot;Padmaavat&quot;.&nbsp;

The epic movie hit theatres on January 25 and has ever since its release, earned Ranveer his fair share of accolades.&nbsp;

Film critics and viewers alike have enjoyed his acting on th big screen.&nbsp;

On getting the letter, Ranveer felt overwhelemed by the gesture and thus called the latter his &#39;award&#39;. He took to Twitter to share a picture of the note and a bouquet that senior actor sent him after watching the film.&nbsp;

Ranveer wrote: &quot;Mujhe mera award mil gaya (I have got my award) @SrBachchan.&quot;

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Mujhe mera award mil gaya ????????????<a href="https://twitter.com/SrBachchan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SrBachchan</a> <a href="https://t.co/zlo9B6G2od">pic.twitter.com/zlo9B6G2od</a>
&mdash; Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/RanveerOfficial/status/958062973775380480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Amitabh Bachchan also praised Ranveer and sent a handwritten note in 2015, after watching &quot;Bajirao Mastani&quot;.

In &quot;Padmaavat&quot;, Ranveer Singh was seen alongwith&nbsp;Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Jim Sarbh, Aditi Rao Hydari and Raza Murad.

The veteran actor wrote a heartfelt handwritten letter praising Ranveer Singh's acting in 'Padmaavat'

It doesnt take much for veteran Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan to make someone happy. Most recent example is that of Ranveer Singh, who got a surprise on Monday when he received a heartfelt handwritten letter from the legenadary actor praising him on account of his pwoerful acting display in "Padmaavat". The epic movie hit theatres on January 25 and has ever since its release, earned Ranveer his fair share of accolades. Film critics and viewers alike have enjoyed his acting on th big screen. On getting the letter, Ranveer felt overwhelemed by the gesture and thus called the latter his 'award'. He took to Twitter to share a picture of the note and a bouquet that senior actor sent him after watching the film. Ranveer wrote: "Mujhe mera award mil gaya (I have got my award) @SrBachchan." Mujhe mera award mil gaya ????????????@SrBachchan pic.twitter.com/zlo9B6G2od — Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) January 29, 2018 × Amitabh Bachchan also praised Ranveer and sent a handwritten note in 2015, after watching "Bajirao Mastani". In "Padmaavat", Ranveer Singh was seen alongwith Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Jim Sarbh, Aditi Rao Hydari and Raza Murad.

Ranveer Singh says letter from Amitabh Bachchan is his 'award'

Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi on Monday said he hoped to collaborate with Deepika Padukone in future after they missed the chance to work in his debut Indian film Beyond the Clouds. 
 
In 2016, pictures of Deepika on the sets of the film had gone viral, prompting many to speculate that the Padmaavat&nbsp;actor was doing a look test for Majidi&#39;s film. 
 
The director, however, said the team did not invite the actor for an audition. 
 
&quot;I must also mention special thanks to Deepika for being extremely humble. We actually didn&#39;t invite her for casting, we just wanted to put her in the situation to get a feeling of the film. And she was quite humble,&quot; Majidi said. 
 
&quot;For different reasons, the collaboration couldn&#39;t happen. But in future, I hope there is an opportunity where we can work together.&quot; 
 
The filmmaker was speaking today at the trailer launch of his film, Beyond The Clouds, which was also attended by music composer, AR Rahman, and lead actors Ishaan Khatter and Malavika Mohanan.&nbsp;Beyond the Clouds&nbsp;marks the Bollywood debut of both Ishaan and Malavika.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-watch-beyond-the-clouds-trailer-ishan-khatter-will-surprise-you-with-his-intense-act-31114">Watch the trailer of&nbsp;Beyond The Clouds here.</a> 
 
When asked if there ever was a temptation to work with big stars in his Indian feature film, Majidi said that he has always worked with actors who suit the roles. 
 
&quot;I&#39;ve worked with professional actors in some of my films, but the subject and storyline of this film demanded newer faces. I know that in the Indian cinema industry it&#39;s important to have famous faces,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;I would like to do that. Maybe in future, there would be a possibility to have these faces but it&#39;s important for me to choose the right person who is going to play this real character.&quot; 
 
Majidi, best known for international classics such as Children of Heaven&nbsp;and The Song of Sparrows, joked that he was more famous in India than in Iran. 
 
He said he was waiting to make an Indian film as he is in awe of Satyajit Ray&#39;s work and finds many cultural similarities between India and Iran. 
 
The film is scheduled to be released on March 23.&nbsp;

In 2016, pictures of Deepika on the sets of the film had gone viral, prompting many to speculate that the Padmaavat actor was doing a look test for Majidi's film.

Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi on Monday said he hoped to collaborate with Deepika Padukone in future after they missed the chance to work in his debut Indian film Beyond the Clouds. In 2016, pictures of Deepika on the sets of the film had gone viral, prompting many to speculate that the Padmaavat actor was doing a look test for Majidi's film. The director, however, said the team did not invite the actor for an audition. "I must also mention special thanks to Deepika for being extremely humble. We actually didn't invite her for casting, we just wanted to put her in the situation to get a feeling of the film. And she was quite humble," Majidi said. "For different reasons, the collaboration couldn't happen. But in future, I hope there is an opportunity where we can work together." The filmmaker was speaking today at the trailer launch of his film, Beyond The Clouds, which was also attended by music composer, AR Rahman, and lead actors Ishaan Khatter and Malavika Mohanan. Beyond the Clouds marks the Bollywood debut of both Ishaan and Malavika. Watch the trailer of Beyond The Clouds here. When asked if there ever was a temptation to work with big stars in his Indian feature film, Majidi said that he has always worked with actors who suit the roles. "I've worked with professional actors in some of my films, but the subject and storyline of this film demanded newer faces. I know that in the Indian cinema industry it's important to have famous faces," he said. "I would like to do that. Maybe in future, there would be a possibility to have these faces but it's important for me to choose the right person who is going to play this real character." Majidi, best known for international classics such as Children of Heaven and The Song of Sparrows, joked that he was more famous in India than in Iran. He said he was waiting to make an Indian film as he is in awe of Satyajit Ray's work and finds many cultural similarities between India and Iran. The film is scheduled to be released on March 23.

Didn't invite Deepika Padukone for casting in 'Beyond The Clouds', says Majid Majidi