After working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali on three immensely successful films – Goliyon Ki Raasleela: Ramleela (2013), Bajirao Mastani (2015) and Padmaavat (2018) – Ranveer Singh might join hands with the celebrated filmmaker once again.
According to reports, Bhansali has offered the role of Baiju Bawra to Singh. As far as the actor for the role of Tansen is concerned, we hear that superstar Ajay Devgn was earlier in talks with the filmmaker but now he has turned down the offer. Bhansali will direct Baiju Bawra after completing his next Gangubai Kathiawadi, featuring Alia Bhatt in the title role.
“While Gangubai Kathiawadi is more of a dark, emotional, action drama of the world of brothels, crime, dons and rich men who visit the world of brothels, Baiju Bawra is a pure musical and a dramatized version of the story of the uniquely talented singer Baiju Bawra. It’s to Bhansali’s credit that he is choosing to direct two projects in stark contrast to the other. And the filmmaker has offered the lead and title role of the young Baiju Bawra to Ranveer Singh. Who else can play the passionate, emotional, deeply vengeful and yet intensely romantic Baiju than Ranveer? SLB and Ranveer have definitely met and the filmmaker has offered the young actor the role of Baiju Bawra. The movie won’t start before next year and by then Ranveer would have completed his other films,” a source tells an entertainment portal.
The source goes on to add, “Baiju Bawra is about a young and extremely talented dhrupad singer-composer by the same name, who challenged composer, musician and Hindustani classical vocalist Tansen, to a singing duel, to avenge the death of his musician father, at the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar. When Tansen’s sentries tries to stop Baiju’s father from singing, and he dies in the struggle, he makes the young Baiju promise to take revenge against Tansen. If Ranveer gives his nod to the movie, it will be again another challenging role for him as he will need some training and knowledge as a singer and musician. It will be interesting to see who plays his romantic interest – will it be Deepika Padukone or Priyanka Chopra? Priyanka holds an edge as she is an internationally acclaimed singer in her own right.”
Meanwhile, Ranveer Singh is awaiting the release of his next film ’83. Also featuring Deepika Padukone in a brief role, the movie chronicles Indian cricket team’s unprecedented victory against West Indies in the 1983 World Cup tournament. Directed by Kabir Khan, ’83 releases on 10th April, 2020.
