As Saawariya turns 17, we remember when Ranbir Kapoor almost quit the film, feeling “tortured” by director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Despite this, Ranbir later praised Bhansali as a “true teacher” who shaped his acting journey.
The film, which debuted on November 9, 2007, marked the Bollywood entry of both Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor. Directed and produced by Bhansali, Saawariya holds a unique place in cinema. In a 2016 interview on No Filter Neha, Ranbir shared his intense experience on set, revealing that Bhansali’s demanding style pushed him to his limits. He described feeling “physically and emotionally overwhelmed,” and even considered quitting after months of challenging work.
What Ranbir Faced on Saawariya Set?
Ranbir recalled, “After a point, it got so heavy, and I felt so tortured that I wanted to quit. About 10 or 11 months in, I thought, ‘I can’t do this; it’s too much.’” His sensitive nature made the process harder, and Bhansali, who understood him deeply, continued to push his boundaries.
Despite the hardships, Ranbir admitted that Bhansali shaped his approach to acting. He called Bhansali “a true teacher” and credited him with teaching him about acting and emotions. Saawariya wasn’t just Ranbir’s debut; it also launched Sonam Kapoor, daughter of actor Anil Kapoor, into Bollywood.
Released in 2007, Saawariya faced tough competition from Om Shanti Om, a blockbuster that released simultaneously. The film featured an ensemble cast, including talents like Zohra Sehgal, Begum Para, Vibha Chibber, Atheya Chaudhri, and Kenny Desai. Salman Khan also made an extended guest appearance, adding star appeal to the project.
Meanwhile, Ranbir Kapoor is set to reunite with Sanjay Leela Bhansali for the upcoming film *Love & War*. Announced in January, the highly anticipated project will feature Ranbir alongside Vicky Kaushal and Alia Bhatt in lead roles. As fans await this collaboration, *Saawariya* remains a significant chapter in Ranbir’s career, showcasing his dedication and growth as an actor under Bhansali’s intense mentorship.
