Alia Bhatt wraps the shoot of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Gangubai Kathiawadi, says 'I walk out of this set as a different person'

By Tanmayi Savadi

on June 27, 2021 11:40:58 AM

Alia Bhatt took us into the dark and raw world of Gangubai Kathiawadi, a brothel madam from Mumbai's red-light area Kamathipura, with a teaser on February 24. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Gangubai Kathiawadi also stars Ajay Devgn and Shantanu Maheshwari in important roles. Originally scheduled to release in September 2020, the biopic got pushed ahead due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, after sailing through numerous storms, the shoot of Gangubai Kathiawadi has been completed.

Alia, who plays the titular role, penned a note for the team and said despite multiple obstacles, she will be taking away a 'gigantic life-changing experience'. "We started shooting Gangubai on the 8th of December 2019 .. and we wrapped the film now 2 years later! This film and set has been through two lockdowns.. two cyclones.. director and actor getting covid during the making!!! the troubles the set has faced is another film altogether! But through all that and more.. what I take away is the gigantic life-changing experience! " she wrote.

Alia added, "Being directed by sir has been a dream all my life, but I don’t think anything would have prepared me for the journey I was on for these two years.. I walk out of this set a diff person today! I love you sir! Thank you for being you .. there is truly NO ONE like you. When a film ends a part of you ends with it! Today I’ve lost a part of me.. Gangu I love you! You will be missed."

The actress thanked the team of Gangubai Kathiawadi, her friends and family. "Special mention to my crew! my family and my friends for these two years . Without you nothing would have been possible! Love you guys!!!" she concluded.

The shoot of Gangubai Kathiawadi wrapped with a Garba song, choreographed by National Award-winner Kruti Mahesh. Kruti is the one who choreographed Ghoomar for Padmaavat featuring Deepika Padukone. Sharing a picture with Alia, Sanjay, and others, Kruti wrote, "Gangubai ... A Full Power Journey ... and an Overwhelming Experience !!! Some of the Best Memories of my Life... Thank You #SanjayLeelaBhansali Sir."