For Bajirao Mastani, Deepika Padukone is pouring her heart and soul. From learning war-fare skills to Indian dance forms, Dippy had to learn it all to perfect her role. For the special song, choreographed by Pandit Birju Maharaj Deepika had a Madhubala moment on the sets. Here’s how..
The solo number, titled “Mohe Rang Do Lal”, is actually an adaptation of one of Birju Maharaj’s performance. It is inspired by Awadhi-Brijwasi thumri performance by the ace dancer, “Balma re chunaria maiko lal”. For this Deepika had to undergo rigid training in order to get the forms and hand gestures right. It took a few days to shoot the song, instead of scheduled 8 days.
"Mastani is a warrior and a lover and Sanjay wanted a fiery traditional Kathak recital with her dressed from head to toe in red,” the veteran dancer told Mumbai Mirror.
For the song, in addition with dance moves, our Mastani had to display varied emotions. Upon Panditji’s suggestion, Deepika imagined herself as Madhubala dancing for Kishore Kumar in Jhumroo.
"I told Deepika to think of Ranveer (Singh), who is her on screen lover, as her Kishore and like Madhubala had danced to his tunes in Jhumroo, she should dance the same way for her Bajirao," Birju Maharaj was quoted.
After the completion of the song, Birju Maharaj has become very fond of Deepika and speaks highly of her.