Since the time Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Inshallah has been shelved, there were a number of speculations as to what his next project will be. Some time back, Bhansali put all rumours to rest by announcing his next period drama, Baiju Bawra, expected to release in Diwali 2021. Now, according to a report by PeepingMoon, Ranveer Singh will essay the titular role in the film. He will play classical music singer Baiju that veteran actor Bharat Bhushan had made famous in 1952.
Ajay Devgn too is reportedly in talks with Bhansali for Baiju Bawra. He has been approached to play the antagonist Tansen, the famed musician in Mughal emperor Akbar’s court who was suspected to have murdered Baiju’s father
This will be Ranveer and Bhansali’s fourth collaboration, after Padmaavat, Bajirao Mastani and Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela. Not just Ranveer, Ajay Devgn too is reportedly in talks with Bhansali. He has been approached to play the antagonist Tansen, the famed musician in Mughal emperor Akbar’s court who was suspected to have murdered Baiju’s father. Baiju challenges Tansen to a musical duel to avenge his father’s killing.
While official confirmations are awaited, it was earlier rumoured that Bhansali had approached both Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan to star in the remake of the 1952 classic Baiju Bawra. Directed by Vijay Bhatt, the original film starred Meena Kumari.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali also has another film, Gangubai Kathiawadi, scheduled to release on Diwali 2020. The film, which stars Alia Bhatt, is based on the life of one of the top madams of Mumbai’s red-light district Kamathipura. She had been sold into prostitution by her boyfriend and turned one of its biggest supporters. However, she harboured a soft corner for young women forced into the trade.
(Inputs: Peeping Moon)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)