Deepika Padukone has never gone over the top: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

“Mastani is someone what Madhubala and Meena Kumari did in their heydays. Deepika has never ever gone over the top. No woman has ever looked so beautiful on the Indian screen in the longest time. It’s a dear character to me,” Bhanslai told IANS.

Also read: Deepika’s Bajirao Mastani Vs SRK’s Dilwale: Day-wise breakup from December 18 till now

“…deep down my favourite character is Mastani. I would take Deepika’s performance till the last breath of my life. It’s that dear to me,” he added.

Also starring Ranveer Singh and Priyanka Chopra, “Bajirao Mastani” has kept cash register ringing.

Also read: Bajirao Mastani box office collections: Deepika Padukone’s movie earns Rs 126.05 cr

Asked whether he is happy with the box office report of the film, which released on December 18, Bhansali said: “I just wanted to make a beautiful film, be honest and truthful towards something which I have lived for 12 years.”

In pics: Bajirao Mastani box office collections: Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh’s movie collects Rs. 126.05 cr in India

“It was my tribute to Mughal-e-Azam and that was all I was thinking of while making this film. I was not thinking of the box office collection…I am offering something that is different.”