As Bajirao Mastani completes a glorious decade on December 18, 2025, the film stands tall as one of the finest examples of cinematic grandeur in Indian cinema. Visionary filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali has time and again taken Indian storytelling to global heights with his opulent visuals, emotionally rich narratives, and classical soul. Often compared to legendary masters like Guru Dutt for his poetic intensity and Raj Kapoor for his larger-than-life romanticism, Bhansali once again proved his unmatched command over cinema with Bajirao Mastani—a film that remains timeless even after ten years. Here are 10 interesting and lesser-known facts about this modern classic:
1. A Dream Project Decades in the Making: Bajirao Mastani was one of Bhansali’s long-cherished dream projects. He had conceived the idea years before it finally went on floors, waiting patiently for the perfect cast and scale to do justice to the epic love story.
2. Ranveer Singh’s Career-Defining Transformation: Ranveer Singh underwent a dramatic physical and emotional transformation to portray Peshwa Bajirao. From rigorous sword training to adopting the fierce intensity of a Maratha warrior, the role is widely regarded as one of his finest performances.
3. Deepika Padukone’s Grace as Mastani: Deepika Padukone brought elegance, strength, and vulnerability to Mastani. Her portrayal of the warrior princess was a perfect blend of beauty and resilience, making Mastani one of the most iconic female characters in Bhansali’s cinema.
4. Priyanka Chopra’s Powerful Turn as Kashibai: Priyanka Chopra received immense acclaim for her nuanced performance as Kashibai. Her emotional depth, especially in songs like Deewani Mastani and Pinga, added layers of complexity to the film’s central conflict.
5. The Film Famously Clashed with Dilwale:Upon release in 2015, Bajirao Mastani clashed at the box office with Shah Rukh Khan–Kajol starrer Dilwale. Despite the competition, Bhansali’s epic emerged as a massive critical and commercial success.
6. Grand Sets Built from Scratch:True to Bhansali’s style, most of the film’s palaces, courts, and battlefields were intricately constructed sets. The attention to detail helped recreate the Maratha era with breathtaking authenticity.
7. ‘Deewani Mastani’ Took Months to Shoot:The visually stunning song Deewani Mastani was shot over several days and required extensive choreography, lighting precision, and elaborate costumes—making it one of the most ambitious song sequences in modern Hindi cinema.
8. Bhansali the Composer Struck Gold Again:Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s music played a crucial role in the film’s emotional resonance. Songs like Malhari, Pinga, and Mohe Rang Do Laal became chartbusters and are still celebrated a decade later.
9. A National Award-Winning Film:Bajirao Mastani swept multiple major awards, including National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards, cementing its place as one of the most decorated films of the decade.
10. Global Recognition for Indian Cinema:The film was widely appreciated internationally for its visual storytelling and classical aesthetics. Bajirao Mastani further strengthened Bhansali’s reputation as a filmmaker who presents Indian culture with global appeal.
Ten years on, Bajirao Mastani remains more than just a film—it is a cinematic experience. With its unforgettable performances, soul-stirring music, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s unmatched vision, the film continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike, proving why Bhansali is often spoken of in the same breath as cinema’s greatest legends.
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