Mumbai: Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Raslele Ram-Leela (2013) came out as a major success, which strengthens the position of Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh as one of Bollywood’s most beloved on-screen couples. While Deepika’s performance as Leela won the heart, many people do not know that Priyanka Chopra was initially considered for the lead role. Now, Priyanka’s mother, Madhu Chopra has opened about how her daughter only worked only one dance number in the film.

In a conversation with Lehran Retro, Madhu Chopra shared how Priyanka’s participation in Ram Leela changed unexpectedly. He remembered, “I don’t remember more than that time. I just know that she went to her (Bhansali’s) office next door, while I was with my patients in my clinic. When she came back, she said, ‘I am doing only a song in Ram Leela.’

Asked Priyanka why she was no longer playing the lead role, Madhu revealed that the actress just said, “I think it’s better.” This suggests that this decision may stem from the discussion between Priyanka and the filmmaker.

Despite the role change, Priyanka and Bhansali maintained a professional relationship. He later offered him the lead role in Mary Kom (2014), a decision he initially hesitant.

Madhu Chopra also emphasized that Priyanka is never serious. “She does not keep that revenge attitude. He did the film (Mary Kom) as Sanjay asked him. Omung (Kumar, director) was involved, and she stayed with Mary Kom for a while to understand everything, ”she said.

Bhansali and Priyanka again collaborated in Bajirao Mastani (2015), where they played the first wife of Ranveer Singh Bajirao Kashibai. According to Madhu, this role was particularly challenging.

“Kashibai was very difficult because there were tight shots, and it was all on the face. The expressions were everything. Sanjay is not an easy director, and aims to keep him satisfied with performance. During that time, she was not distracted and she would not even talk in her vanity van, ”Madhu remembered.