'The unit of RamLeela gifted me chaddis'-Ranveer

Crew members of Bhansali's film had a special gift for the actor on the last day of the shoot " floral underwear. Here's why

MUMBAI MIRROR; September 2, 2013

Finally, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Ram Leela is complete.
Yes. I am done with Ram Leela. The film was shot for 197 days with about eight days of patchwork still remaining. I have shot for 140 days"enough time to finish three films (laughs).

Tell us about your last day on the sets.
We shot at Film City for 12 hours and after that we had a wrap-up party. Priyanka Chopra was also present. Her special song-and-dance number winded up too. We cut a nice, big cake and after that, I gave a small speech and struggled to hold my tears back. When you shoot a film for such a long time, it becomes a part of you. You don't want it to end. Working with Bhansali has given me many fond memories. His art and craft transports me to a different plane.

What happened after your speech?
Initially it was quite emotional. But then I got my groove back and it wasn't long before we were all shaking a leg. I even coaxed Bhansali to join us. He has never danced in his life! We made him dance to Ramji ki chaal"the song that introduces me in the film.

Go on...
And the unit gifted me chaddis.

Chaddis?
Well, kind of chaddis. I have a scene in the film where I wear one of those. You may call them floral boxers, if you prefer a fancy name!

Are you in Priyanka's song as well?
Yes. But I didn't get the chance to dance properly. I wanted to, but they stopped me saying: Bahut naach liya aapne iss picture mein'. So yeah, I am in the song, but my character (unlike me) is not in the mental state to break into a dance at that point in the film.

Did you miss Aishwarya Rai, who was supposed to do the song earlier?
Not really. I wasn't in Mumbai when the speculation about her doing a song in Ram Leela started doing the rounds. When I came back, I was told that Priyanka was doing it.

What do you think of Bhansali? Now that the shoot is over, perhaps you can be a bit candid...
He is one of the most creative directors in Bollywood. It's a bit of an exaggeration to call him temperamental'.