MUMBAI: It has been 18 years since Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor debuted in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 2007 romantic drama Saawariya.
Before becoming leading actors, both worked behind the camera as Assistant Directors on Bhansali’s critically acclaimed film Black (2005). Salman Khan shared that Bhansali treated them like any other assistants, despite being the children of Rishi Kapoor and Anil Kapoor.
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Ranbir recalled studying visual arts abroad when he first watched Devdas, instantly becoming a fan of Bhansali. After returning to India post-graduation, he visited Bhansali’s office and submitted his resume to be an AD.
Bhansali remembered telling him, “But you’re an actor,” yet Ranbir insisted he wanted real filmmaking experience before facing the camera.
For the film’s leading lady, Bhansali envisioned a classically beautiful face reminiscent of icons like Madhubala and Rekha. He saw that potential in Sonam Kapoor. Sonam shared that she weighed 86 kilos when Bhansali told her, “Sona bachcha, you’re my heroine.”
The filmmaker said he would have cast her regardless, but she slowly began working on herself, losing weight over two and a half years.
Bhansali said Black became the perfect learning space for both actors.
They understood his style, temperament, and creative demands. He revealed that from the very first moment, he knew they had the makings of stars—actors who could be shaped into something remarkable.
Even though they were celebrity kids, Bhansali ensured they earned their place through discipline, training, and experience, ultimately leading to their grand debut in Saawariya.
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