Bajirao Mastani is an Indian historical romance film produced and directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The film narrates the story of the the Maratha warrior - Peshwa (Prime Minister) Baji Rao I of the Maratha Empire and his second wife Mastani. Ranveer Singhand Deepika Padukone portray the titular protagonists, and Priyanka Chopra plays Bajirao's first wife Kashibai. The film is scheduled to be released on 18 December 2015. A teaser for the film was released on 16 July 2015, six months prior to the release as a promotional strategy.
Casting
Ranveer Singh as Baji Rao I, the Second hereditary Peshwa of the Maratha Empire, from 1720 until his death
Deepika Padukone as Mastani
Priyanka Chopra as Kashibai, Baji Rao's first wife
Tanvi Azmi as Radhabai, Bajirao's mother.
Sukhada Khandkekar as Anubai, Baji Rao's sister
Anuja Gokhale as Bhiubai, Baji Rao's sisterVaibbhav Tatwawdi as Chimaji Appa, Baji Rao's younger brother
Mahesh Manjrekar as the Maratha Emperor 'Chhatrapati Shahuji Raje Bhonsle' (Son of Chhatrapati Sambhaji and Grandson ofChhatrapati Shivaji).
Milind SomanAyush Tandon
Sanjay Mishra
Posters Of Bajirao Mastani
Details
The film was first announced in 2003. Sanjay Leela Bhansali initially wanted to cast Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai (his lead pair from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam) for the titular roles, but could not cast them together after their highly publicised break-up. In July 2003, there were reports that Bhansali had cast Khan and Kareena Kapoor as the lead pair with Rani Mukerji playing Baji Rao's first wife. During his appearance on season 1 of the popular talk show Koffee with Karan, Bhansali stated that he scrapped the casting of Khan and Kapoor after the pair signed other films together as he wanted to be the first director to showcase their pairing. Bhansali shelved Bajirao Mastani and went on to direct Black (2005), Saawariya (2007), Guzaarish (2010), and Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013). Throughout these ten years, media speculation continued about the production and casting of Bajirao Mastani. Several actors were rumoured to be linked to the project including Shahrukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, Hrithik Roshan, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif.In July 2014, it was confirmed that Bhansali had revived the project with Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone (the lead pair of Bhansali's Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela) playing the titular roles and Priyanka Chopra playing Bajirao's first wife, Kashibai. Both Singh and Padukone will undergo extensive preparation for their roles. Bhansali has reportedly approached Daksha Sheth to train the pair in Kalaripayattu, an ancient Indian martial art. Sheth will also train Padukone in the dance style of Kathak. Singh will be required to learn Marathi, learn horseback riding, and shave his head for the role. In addition, the role of Baji Rao will require Singh to gain weight to build his physique. In preparation for her role of Kashibai, Chopra took a 15-day coaching course and she will also be undergoing language training in a dialect of Marathi spoken during the time of the ascension of the Peshwas.
In September 2014, it was confirmed that Tanvi Azmi was cast for the role of Bajirao's mother. Other actresses reportedly considered for this role were Shabana Azmi, Dimple Kapadia, and Supriya Pathak. Tanvi has gone completely bald for her role. In November 2014, the actresses for the roles of Bajirao's sisters were finalised with Sukhada Khandkekar cast as Anubai and Anuja Gokhale as Bhiubai. Mahesh Manjrekar has been cast to play Maratha Emperor Chhattrapati Shahu in the film. The film's costumes will be designed by Anju Modi, It was announced in January 2015 that actor Vaibhav Tatwawadi was chosen to play Bajirao's younger brother, Chimaji Appa. Sonal Dighe, she will be acting as Ranveer Singh's secretary.
