17 Years Of Saawariya: When Ranbir Kapoor almost quit the film after feeling ‘tortured’ by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, says, ‘He was a true teacher’

17 Years Of Saawariya: When Ranbir Kapoor almost quit the film after feeling ‘tortured’ by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, says, ‘He was a true teacher’

As a lifestyle expert with a keen eye for cinematic history and the human experiences that shape it, I find myself in awe of Ranbir Kapoor’s journey through the tumultuous world of Bollywood. His candid confession about feeling ‘tortured’ during the filming of Saawariya serves as a testament to his resilience and dedication to his craft. It’s fascinating to see how an artist can emerge from such challenging circumstances, not only surviving but thriving.


17 years ago today, on November 9, I can’t help but reflect upon the timeless masterpiece that is Saawariya. This iconic film, which marked the Bollywood debuts of Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor, will forever hold a unique place in cinematic history, thanks to the visionary direction and production of Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

In a 2016 episode of No Filter Neha, Ranbir Kapoor shared his challenging experience while making Saawariya. He spoke candidly about feeling tormented during filming, as the director, known for his rigorous methods, pushed him to his limits. He remembered instances where he was overwhelmed physically and emotionally, considering leaving the project after enduring months of grueling work.

He expressed that after some time, it became incredibly burdensome and torturous for him, causing him to leave the film production. He estimates that he was around 10 or 11 months into his job when he felt compelled to say, “I can’t continue; it’s affecting me too much.

The Animal actor admitted that his sensitive and emotional nature made the process even harder, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali, understanding him deeply, pushed his boundaries further, which ultimately became too much for him to handle.

Regarding the obstacles he’s faced, he openly admitted that the way he approaches acting has been significantly influenced by his collaborations with Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He gratefully attributed his learning to the filmmaker, expressing, “In essence, he was my mentor. He taught me all aspects of acting, including emotions and other related skills.

Not only was Saawariya Ranbir Kapoor’s initial foray into Bollywood, but it also served as the first on-screen appearance for Sonam Kapoor, Anil Kapoor’s esteemed daughter. This movie premiered in 2007, where it encountered stiff rivalry at the box office, squaring off against the megahit Om Shanti Om.

The ensemble cast included talented actors like Zohra Sehgal, Begum Para, Vibha Chibber, Atheya Chaudhri, and Kenny Desai, contributing to the film’s rich and diverse portrayal of characters. The movie also featured Salman Khan in an extended guest role, adding star power to the project.

Currently, Ranbir Kapoor is gearing up to collaborate once more with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali for the eagerly awaited film titled Love & War. This project was unveiled back in January, and it will star Ranbir alongside Vicky Kaushal and Alia Bhatt in significant roles.

The highly-anticipated movie, “Love & War,” is set to hit theaters on March 20, 2026, with another intriguing partnership between the actor and director in store.

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2024-11-09 12:56