Priyanka and Deepika get emotional at ‘Bajirao’ event

Actress Deepika Padukone says her Bajirao Mastani co-star Priyanka Chopra was her first friend in Bollywood.

“Priyanka is the first film person I ever met, when I had not even joined the industry. She was already a star even back then. She was the first friend that I made when I came in,” Padukone said in Mumbai at the trailer launch of Bajirao Mastani. Chopra, who is abroad, tuned into the event via video conference.

The Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed film about 18th century Indian warrior Peshwa Bajirao and his two wives, is set to release in the UAE on December 17. The film stars Ranveer Singh as Bajirao, Padukone as Mastani and Chopra as Kashi Bai.

“We were so comfortable while shooting that it troubled a few people because it went against what a lot of people thought it would be. People expected there to be a lot of tension. But it was completely different,” Padukone added.

Padukone and Chopra’s chemistry is visible in the song Pinga.

There have been direct comparisons to the iconic Dola Re song from the film Devdas, also directed by Bhansali. The track featured Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Madhuri Dixit Nene.

But both Padukone and Chopra dismissed the comparisons, saying Pinga is a song in which their characters decide to forget their differences and celebrate womanhood and the love they have for their husband, Bajirao.

There was also no conflict between the two actresses regarding who looked or danced better.

“In fact, Sanjay sir would keep joking with us that ‘Why can’t you guys just fight?’. It was great fun. We’ve watched each other’s back when we were shooting this song. If there were steps that I found difficult, she would encourage me, and vice versa,” Padukone said.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better partner to do that,” she added.

Both Padukone and Chopra got emotional and teary-eyed.

“I am overwhelmed. It’s not a movie, it’s an experience. I might break down. It’s an amazing feeling. We have given our sweat, blood, tears, passion. Lot of hard work,” Padukone added.

“While we were doing Ram Leela, we felt it is a big film. It was so difficult. Ram Leela was a rehearsal for us,” she said, referring to the 2013 film, also directed by Bhansali, that featured her and Singh.

Bhansali came on the stage and hugged the 29-year-old actress.

“I am in a confused state. It’s an emotional moment. It’s a film made out of passion. A lot of talented people are part of it. There is a feeling of emptiness, sadness, [because] for 12 years we were working on it,” Bhansali said.

Chopra, who was sad she could not be at the event, was grateful to be part of the film.

“I am not there. I am missing being there. It’s a story that needed to be told. I am thankful to Sanjay Leela Bhansali for giving me this opportunity. It is the love story of Bajirao and Mastani and I am happy I got to be an instrument in it,” said Chopra with tears in her eyes.

Singh, who plays Bajirao, was all praise for 52-year-old Bhansali, known for the grandeur of his films’ sets and larger-than-life characters.

“He is one of the finest filmmakers of Indian cinema. He is creatively brilliant. It’s a special film. His passion inspires me,” the 30-year-old actor said.