Siddharth–Garima, the creative minds behind hits like Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, Padmaavat, and Kabir Singh, have come together for a bold new film, Saale Aashiq, a progressive love story about rebels. In an interview with IANS, they discussed the film’s long gestation, the dynamic between its lead actors, and their experience collaborating with renowned director Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
The Story Behind Saale Aashiq’s Creation
Siddharth revealed that Saale Aashiq’s story began more than a decade ago, with the duo exploring themes of love, rebellion, and societal pressure. The film, which spans a 10-12 year journey, focuses on a tragic love story, culminating in an honor killing. According to Garima, the story’s uniqueness posed a challenge in its saleability at first, as producers were reluctant due to the changing trends in Hindi cinema. However, as times evolved, the opportunity to tell such a brave story materialized, allowing the film to take shape.
Tahir Raj Bhasin’s New Role
The film’s male lead, Tahir Raj Bhasin, takes on a role unlike anything he’s done before, with Siddharth and Garima highlighting how the character offers a fresh perspective on his acting abilities. They emphasized his dynamic pairing with actress Mithila Palkar, as they fight for love in a world that seeks to tear them apart.
The Influence of Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Reflecting on their time working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the duo shared valuable insights from the iconic director. Siddharth praised Bhansali for his mastery of storytelling, noting that Bhansali taught them the importance of staying true to the essence of a story. Garima recalled how Bhansali’s direction for Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela included a trip to Gujarat to immerse themselves in the culture, gaining invaluable perspective that later influenced the film’s narrative. This experience has since become a guiding principle for the duo in all their projects.
Authenticity in Filmmaking
Garima further explained their commitment to authenticity in their storytelling, revealing that they now always make it a point to visit the location where their story is set before filming. This practice helps them absorb the local culture and enriches their film’s portrayal.
Saale Aashiq is currently available for viewing on Sony Max.
