Ranbir reveals SLB wanted to remake ‘Balika Badhu’ with him and Alia

Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt will be seen for the first time on the big screen in Ayan Mukerji’s ‘Dragon’. But, recently while talking to a leading daily, Ranbir revealed that when he was 20 and Alia was 12 or may be younger, they had done a photoshoot for Sanjay Leela Bhansali as the director wanted to remake ‘Balika Badhu’ with them. For those who do not know, this was a 1967 movie starring Sachin Pilgaonkar and Rajni Sharma, with the theme of child marriage against the backdrop of Indian freedom struggle. It was based on a Bengali novel by Bimal Kar.

When Ranbir was asked if he is excited to work with Alia, the actor said, “Absolutely! Actually, not many people know this but Alia and I had done a photoshoot together for Sanjay Leela Bhansali when I was 20 years old and she was about 12 or even younger; I don’t know exactly how old she was. Sanjay sir wanted to make his version of ‘Balika Badhu’ with us so hamne ek full photo shoot kiya tha (we had done a complete photo shoot), so I am connected to her since then. She is a fine actor, very unassuming about her success and talent. Plus, she is very evolved, cool and chilled out, so I am looking forward to the film.”

“I think I can create a distinct creative partnership with Alia. I hope our energies come together because the whole film depends a lot on our relationship. And as actors, we both have an opportunity, and I hope we can make the best use of it. I don’t think I could have asked for a better film to work in with her,” he added. (Also Read: Ranbir reacts to Rishi Kapoor lashing out at Anurag Basu)

Talking about ‘Dragon’, the actor stated, “Well, it’s not really a superhero film because the word ‘superhero’ comes with a preconceived notion about it. The film is, as Ayan puts it, ‘a magical romantic fairy tale set in contemporary times.’ It’s got a great cast too with Alia Bhatt and Amitji (Amitabh Bachchan) in the film. Other superb actors are also being cast in it. It’s a film that has been written in a trilogy format so there will be three parts, which Ayan will make over a period of eight years. It’s also very exciting and risky at the same time because it’s something that has never been tried before.”

Well, we are already quite excited for ‘Dragon’. But, somehow we can’t help but think, what if that legendary story was brought to screen again by SLB, starring these two? After all, he did successfully re-adapt ‘Devdas’.

Murtuza Iqbal

‘Eat Sleep Bollywood Repeat’ is his life Mantra. Dance is his first love and Rani Mukerji is his eternal crush. He is someone who loves being himself, and as for the ones who don’t agree, his reply? “Talk to my hand!”