Mumbai set for lavish premiere of 'Saawariya'

Mumbai, Nov 6 (IANS) All roads in Mumbai Wednesday evening will lead to the premiere of Sony Pictures' first Hindi presentation "Saawariya" at the IMAX multiplex in Mumbai.

A launch vehicle of two star kids - yesteryear stars Neetu and Rishi Kapoor's son Ranbir and Anil Kapoor's daughter Sonam - the film is directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali who is known for his grandeur and opulence. It also stars Salman Khan and Rani Mukerji.

The guest list reads like the who's who of the film industry, from the whole Kapoor clan, both Ranbir's and Sonam family, to Amitabh Bachchan's family. They're all going to be there tomorrow.

On Monday morning, Bhansali and his two protégées paid Amitabh a personal visit to invite him for the event. The Bollywood icon had played a pivotal role in Bhansali's last movie "Black" and had won a National Award for his performance.

"We've been trying to invite everyone personally. For me a premiere is as sacred as a daughter's wedding. The personal touch is absolutely imperative," Bhansali told IANS.

"I haven't been getting much sleep. Not because I'm nervous about the film. There's an anxiety, yes, but only because I've attempted something entirely different this time, as I've tried to do each time.

"The anxiety this time is more about the responsibility that weighs on my shoulders. This is Sony Pictures' first Hindi venture. They need to prove themselves. And in some strange way, so do I. Every time I make a film it is scrutinised closely," added Bhansali whose work includes "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam", "Devdas" and "Black".

But despite the anxiety, the director is at peace.

"I've never felt calmer about any of my works. There was an anxiety about 'Devdas' because it was a very expensive film made under very trying circumstances. 'Black' was a gamble because it was without song and serious in theme. With 'Saawariya' I can say I've never had better producers, never created a film under calmer circumstances."

Practically everyone whom Bhansali has invited has agreed to be at the premiere.

"Except Waheedaji (Rehman), one of my favourites. I remember she was one of the first guests to arrive at the premiere of 'Black'. Unfortunately, she's in Bangalore and can't come. Otherwise, everyone I love is going to be there."

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Saawariya