By Sumita Sheth

Marketed as a “visual splendor and tender story” Sony Pictures’ first Indian Co-Production Saawariya is meant as a salute to the golden, olden days of Raj Kapoor’s movies. Directed by one of India's best known and acclaimed directors, Sanjay Leela Bhansali (called SLB affectionately), the movie’s colors, sets, costumes and entire feel is very much like the ‘great romantic movies.’

While Ranbir Kapoor plays the part that his grandfather (Raj Kapoor) usually reserved for the females in his movies, aka barely draped in sheer or wet, titillating clothing, one can easily tell from the promos that the movie was shot by SLB - something about the colors and scenery is highly reminiscent of Devdas.

As Raj Kapoor did with Bobby, SLB has also cast absolute newcomers, Ranbir Kapoor (son of Rishi Kapoor) and Sonam Kapoor (daughter of Anil Kapoor) alongside Indian superstars Rani Mukherjee and Salman Khan.

Saawairya opened on Diwali night, November 9th, along with Om Shanti Om, and there was talk of how the budgets of a Hollywood movie would overwhelm the home-grown Bollywood fare of Farah, Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan. From the promotions I have seen so far, SONY pictures has definitely done their best to flood the desi markets with Saawariya. No stone was unturned and apparently not a publicity dollar was left unspent. Thus, I soon found the originally mediocre-sounding theme song of Saawariya growing on me, so that I could probably now hum it in my sleep (yes, that does show you just how MUCH television I watch...but that's fodder for another story!). The movie promises to be a treat, quite different fare from its main competition, but definite epic fare.

OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS:

“SAAWARIYA is a timeless story of two young star-crossed lovers whose passions almost consume their will to the brink of self-destruction. In this eternal tale of an ode to romance, stand two lonely souls whose childlike innocence and candor only obscures their inner turmoil, anger, anxiety and desperate wait for love. An artist, a free spirit, an idealist and dreamer, Raj, is certain that he has found his ultimate dream when he arrives at a quaint picturesque town. A place surrounded by mountains, shrouded in mist and enveloped in beauty, mythical enough to be a painter’s vision or a poet’s memory. However, destiny paints a different picture for Raj…

One silent bright and starry night, he spots a mysterious girl draped in black, standing alone at a bridge. This chance encounter introduces him to Sakina, a shy and quiet, melancholic and enigmatic girl who continues to intrigue him. Thus follows the beginning of a new friendship, where Raj with his most charming ways and an undying spirit tries to win Sakina’s heart. Raj is unable to accept her haunting past and their friendship pulls him into a whirlwind of desire, madness and romance.

Through Raj and Sakina’s journey together, we are reminded of the fragility of the human heart. In the couple’s anguish and test of faith, is revealed the power of unconditional love through a thousand layers of tumultuous emotions. {Based on the story of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s ‘White Nights’.}”

Watch the SAAWARIYA trailer here.

About Ranbir Kapoor

While growing up were you a big fan of your father?
Yes, absolutely. But there was a point when I didn’t know that he was an actor because we were always shielded from the set. I would have to say that Zamaane Ko Dikhana Hai is my favorite Rishi Kapoor film. Not many people have seen the film but comedic timing of it is excellent.

Your father was a great dancer and an actor. He was an all-round entertainer. Is that something you have picked up from him?
I don’t know if I am as good as him. I also don’t know if I can live up to those expectations and can even be compared to him. Maybe I have a style of my own. I don’t think he had a style of acting which can be copied. A lot of people say I sound like him and smile like him. I think I have learnt more from him off screen. He is passionate about the entire field of cinema be it songs, acting, drama or dancing. I also admire his great love for the family including his brothers, sisters and parents.

How does it feel to be from the Kapoor Clan? Do you feel it’s a heavy burden to shoulder?
It’s definitely feels great to be a part of Kapoor Clan. I know people expect a lot from me and I am confident that I will live up to their expectations. It’s obvious that people will compare me to my dad and granddad. I don’t see it as a burden and I look forward to the responsibility it involves. I am happy to put up with their expectations and hopefully I can meet them….I would love to achieve as much as my grandfather Raj Kapoor did. That's how ambitious I am. But my favorite actor is my dad. I loved him in Mera Naam Joker, Bobby, Prem Rog and Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai. He's passionate about everything. Even when he's just playing on the computer, he's constantly drumming out a tune. I wish I could do that. My dad and R D Burman were buddies. Dad has a great treasure-chest of musical anecdotes about RD.

About Sonam Kapoor

Were there any advantages to being the child of a film star when you first started out in the business?
The reason I got to work with Mr. Bhanshali in the first place was because I am my father's daughter, but he never treated me like a kid of a star, he treated me as an individual and I respect him & love him for that. People on the set were also totally professional and quite nonchalant about our backgrounds, and we never expected any special privileges. But I do feel very privileged to be Anil Kapoor’s daughter. My mother has always told me to give people the benefit of the doubt, but also not to see them with rose tinted glasses.

How do you find Mr Bhansali as a person and as a director?
Sir is very sensitive, passionate and larger than life; he lives every minute of the day to the fullest. He IS his films, and therefore his body of work reflects the beauty of his spirit and his soul. He is my favorite director and the best filmmaker in the entire country. I never expected him to pick me as the heroine for this film. Working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali for the past four years was like going to college and getting an education.

How many Anil Kapoor films you have seen and what are your favorites?
I've seen all of them, and my favorites are Pukar, Lamhe, Mr.India, Woh saat din, Parinda, Tezaab, I love all of them actually.

Tell us about the grueling weight loss program you had to embark on for the part. You had weighted around 80 kgs before, if I am not mistaken.
My weight loss is thanks to my two trainers Sherveer and Monisha who constantly monitor my weight; they are amazing at their job, and it’s also thanks to the positive, healthy atmosphere at home.