Actor Ranveer Singh and actress Deepika Padukone today launched the first song “Gajanana” from their upcoming film “Bajirao Mastani” amid much fanfare.
Keeping in line with the massive scale of the period drama, the aarti was unveiled with a huge human formation of a mosaic image of Lord Ganesha. Over 5000 students from across the country gathered to create the formation.
National Award-winning singer Sukhwinder Singh, who has lent vocals to the song, crooned the aarti to mark the beginning of the launch.
Ranveer and Deepika had a tough time flying down to the venue here, but finally managed.
Ranveer, 30, was seen playing dhol and interacting with the crowd at Shivaji Sports Complex, Balewadi Stadium.
Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali stated he could not think of a better way to begin the promotional campaign of the film than launching the aarti.
“We could think of no better way to flag off the campaign, than with the launch of the Gajanan aarti, which is an auspicious way to start our journey.
“Working on this film, has been among other things, a very spiritual journey for me as a filmmaker. The Gajanan aarti is uplifting and truly signifies that,” Bhansali said in a statement.
Dressed casually, Deepika and Ranveer looked enthusiastic about the launch that had a celebratory vibe to it.
The “Ram-Leela” couple updated fans about their “Mission Balewadi” through a series of tweets.
“Our chopper couldn’t land into Pune & we had to turn back! Stupid clouds! Hmph! @deepikapadukone #Gajanana #BajiraoMastani,” the “Gunday” actor tweeted along with a picture of him and Deepika making sad face.
“Unfortunately due to bad weather we’ve had to turn back! but we are on our way and we are going to make this happen! #BajiraoMastani #Gajanana,” tweet from the 29-year-old actress followed.
Ranveer was highly impressed with the energy of the crowd.
“What mad energy in Pune! Well worth the adventurous journey! Mission Bhalewadi is a success! Agent D, you deserve a medal! @deepikapadukone,” he wrote post launch.
“Bajirao Mastani” features Ranveer as the Peshwa Baji Rao, Priyanka Chopra as his first wife Kashi Bai and Deepika as Mughal princess Mastani.
The film is slated for December 18 release. It will clash at the box office with the much-anticipated Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol-starrer “Dilwale”.