Actor Chhaya Kadam is enjoying a remarkable phase in her career, marked by notable performances in critically acclaimed films. She recently garnered praise for her roles in Payal Kapadia’s Grand Prix-winning film “All We Imagine As Light,” Kiran Rao’s “Laapataa Ladies,” and Kunal Kemmu’s “Madgaon Express.” In a recent interview, Chhaya opened up about her experience working with renowned director Sanjay Leela Bhansali on “Gangubai Kathiawadi.”
Bhansali’s Perfectionism and On-Set Temperament
In a chat with Zoom, Chhaya shared insights into Bhansali’s meticulous approach to filmmaking. Known for his perfectionism, Bhansali pays attention to even the smallest details. Chhaya acknowledged that while his on-set temperament is often discussed, his commitment to his vision justifies his reactions. She mentioned, “If he has thought so much about his film, and if we come in the end and ruin it, then how will it be okay for him?”
Navigating Initial Challenges
Chhaya recounted her initial challenges on Bhansali’s set. Witnessing his occasional outbursts, she realized the importance of aligning with his vision. “I saw some things there… when he got upset. I thought ‘This is not how it works’ and ‘I haven’t worked on such a set before’. But afterwards, we just spoke once and everything was clear after that. Post that, it was smooth sailing,” she said, emphasizing that open communication eased the process.
Creative Freedom on Set
One of the standout aspects of working with Bhansali, according to Chhaya, was the creative freedom he offered his actors. She recalled an instance during a dance sequence where Bhansali allowed her to choreograph for her character, Rashmibai. The choreographer’s steps didn’t convince Bhansali, prompting him to ask Chhaya how her character would perform. “I showed it to him. He really liked it. He gives a lot of freedom. People only talk about his anger but getting this kind of freedom is also very important,” she shared.
Bhansali’s Ongoing Projects
Sanjay Leela Bhansali continues to make waves in the industry. Following the release of his first web series, “Heeramandi,” on Netflix, he is currently working on his next feature film, “Love & War,” starring Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, and Ranbir Kapoor. His commitment to his craft and ability to extract stellar performances from his actors remains unparalleled.