'Shamshera', starring Ranbir Kapoor, Vaani Kapoor and Sanjay Dutt, releases in cinemas today. In several media interactions, Ranbir has made some interesting revelations about the film and talked about his experience of working with director Karan Malhotra. Let’s take a quick look.
Ranbir was not the first choice for Shamshera?
The actor revealed that he was initially offered the role of only Balli as director Karan Malhotra and producer Aditya Chopra were not convinced that he could play both the father and son.
Ranbir said it took a lot of look tests and auditions to convince the filmmakers that he can portray both the roles.
This is the first time he will be playing a dual role.
‘Shamshera’ was a challenging film
Ranbir confessed that 'Shamshera' has been a challenging film for him not just physically but also mentally. The one thing he felt he lacked as an actor was angst. Ranbir said that he's a fun-loving guy and not an angry person.
Giving credit to director Karan Malhotra, he said he wouldn't have managed to pull off the role without his direction and confidence.
"The emotions were up there. I was talking to God and saying, ‘I am working hard. Give it back to me’. I went through those days and I am glad I did. Without a director like Karan, I would not have been able to do this (role)," he said.
Ranbir added that 'Shamshera' is a step forward to doing larger-than-life characters.
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Physical transformation
In a video released by the makers of the film, Ranbir Kapoor mentioned that there was a particular body shape and presentation that Karan clearly wanted from his character. He stated that this film was toughest for him physically as it's easy for him to lose weight but putting it on is harder.
'Shamshera is a period drama, so there was a particular body shape and presentation that Karan very clearly wanted from this part. Physically, this film has been, by far, the toughest film for me because I am a very thin guy; that’s my genetic build. So, losing weight is very easy for me but putting it on is harder. It was tough physically and mentally while playing two characters and trying to match Karan’s imagination and his vision of them. It has definitely been the toughest film of my career,' he said.
Rishi warned it wouldn’t be an easy ride
In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Ranbir revealed that his father Rishi Kapoor had warned him about director Karan Malhotra’s methods. He told him that Karan is a hard taskmaster and demands multiple takes.
Rishi had worked with Karan in ‘Agneepath’ remake, and had portrayed the role of villainous Rauf Lala.
Ranbir further added that working on this film was a nightmare as they were all covered in dust and shooting in peak summer in Mumbai wearing woollen clothes.
2.5 hours to get into the main look
Ranbir confessed that it used to take him 2.5 hours every day to get into the main look. However, the real makeup and hair used to happen on sets when Karan used to throw a pile of dust on his face.
Trained for horse riding
The actor trained for a month for horse riding before the principal photography. He is now confident that he can ride a horse in any terrain.
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