Sanjay Leela Bhansali has been making love to multiple projects so far but the one closest to his heart remains unrequited. Bajirao Mastani has been in the maverick filmmaker’s mind since a long time and though Bhansali is riding high on the success of Ramleela still, his perfect epic casting for his dream project hasn’t worked out quite to his satisfaction yet.
Though multiple reliable sources affirmed that Deepika Padukone is the top choice for the role of Mastani, finding the correct man to play her Bajirao is quite a task.
Koimoi collates for the top actors we think will fit the bill as Bajirao in Bhansali’s Magnum Opus.
Hrithik Roshan
Hrithik Roshan
The actor played a difficult role in the Bhansali’s Guzaarish that is often hailed as his most intense performance till date. Hrithik and Sanjay shared an amazing rapport post the film wowed audiences with its unusual premise and overwhelmed all. Hrithik’s hold over historical characters was proved after Aushutosh Gowarikar’s Jodha Akbar that had the audiences going gaga despite being a typical period film. Hrithik isn’t in top form when it comes to health lags and the failure of his marriage, which was the primary reason why he walked out of Karan Johar’s Shuddhi. There is a good chance he won’t agree on Bajirao either given the rush for Bang Bang right now, but oh this handsome man opposite the ravishing Deepika Padukone would have been the dream choice for this film.
Shah Rukh Khan
Shah Rukh Khan
He is obviously regal in every sense of the term. You ain’t call him King Khan without a reason. The actor who is currently busy shooting with Deepika Padukone on Farah Khan’s Happy New Year was another magnificent choice for the role. Though SRK isn’t his best in period dramas, but the actor’s experience and flawless acting abilities, along with his rapport with Bhansali from Devdas, all make him quite an instant pick for the role of Bajirao.
Ajay Devgn
Ajay Devgn
It is a natural assumption that men out of history have the pitch perfect build. And amongst the valuable actors whose build and acting are both equally commendable, Ajay Devgn scores well. The actor’s association with Bajirao from Singham is quite memorable but to play the lead in the Bhansali’s period drama is just another cup of tea. Obnoxiously expensive sets defies the realistic vein Devgn mostly belongs to, playing the dynamic ‘Rao’ won’t exactly be a cakewalk for the actor.
Ranveer Singh
Ranveer Singh
And finally, the industry’s new dark horse is making a mark everywhere with his fantastic impromptu acting. He is energetic and outlandish in equal measures but when it comes to acting he doesn’t hit a false note anywhere. Playing Bajirao with the zest and freshness that is required for the role, perhaps Singh will be quite the right choice for it. Bajirao had served as the Peshwa (Prime Minister) to the fourth Maratha Chhatrapati Shahu for almost two decades from 1720 till 1740. It is primarily because of Bajirao that the Maratha kingdom acquired newer glory under his able leadership. Can Ranveer translate the same caliber? In all likelihood, Yes. The actor has won hearts in the industry solely on his potential and gives every role of his something vivacious and keen. If Bhansali intends on not making Bajirao a staple, Ranveer’s zealous passion might bring out newer hues of a character that is way more than just a name! His chemistry with Deepika will be just another crowd puller.
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