In love with Sanjay Leela Bhansali: Ranveer Singh

Ranveer Singh is one of the few present generation B'town actors to make it on his steam, without any filmy connections. Ever since his debut in the 2010 blockbuster 'Band Bajaa Baraat', the star has captured the hearts of women everywhere. His follow-up roles in 'Ladies v/s Ricky Bahl' and 'Lootera', further cemented his position as a heartthrob.

The first look of his upcoming film 'Ramleela', directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, once again has his female fans screaming in delight.

Recuperating from a recent attack of dengue, he says, "I'm still slightly ill, it will take a while to recover completely ."

'Ramleela' is the current talk of the town, and Ranveer elaborates on his role, "I play a girl-crazy, and philandering guy called Ram. But he is also passionate about what he does, and when he loves, he loves whole heartedly. He falls head over heels in love with Leela."

Going by the promos and the film's tagline, "Goliyon ki raasleela", it appears to be a Romeo and Juliet type tragic love story.

"I cannot disclose whether the story is happy or sad," Ranveer replies, adding, "It is inspired by Romeo and Juliet, but very broadly. Sanjay's Ram is a unique character so I went by Sanjay's version of it and not by Shakespeare's Romeo to prepare for the role."

Sanjay is known to be a hard taskmaster and is very temperamental. How was the experience of working with him?

"I am completely in love with him," Ranveer gushes, adding, "He demands a lot out of his actors. Like Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose had said 'Tum mujhe khoon do, main tumhe azaadi doonga', Sanjay says, "You put in a lot of effort and I will turn it into something extraordinary."

He goes on, "One day, Sanjay turned to me and said 'I don't know who Ram is. You give me something new and unexpected every day'. At times, I would return home and not have the energy to remove my make-up. Working with him is very demanding as he extracts the best from you."

Speaking of 'Ramleela,' one can't miss the chemistry between Ranveer and co-star and alleged girlfriend Deepika Padukone.

Ranveer is all praises for his on screen 'Leela': "We got to know each other during the workshop before filming. I hardly knew her before that, so the workshop helped us build the required rapport. During the initial days itself, I realised that she was going to be an easy person. She has had a tremendous year with her movies, but success has made her even more grounded."

When it comes to Anushka Sharma, he clears the air once and for all, "I never dated Anushka but I'm happy that we are seen as an exciting onscreen couple. She has taught me so much as an actor. She will always be special to me."