Even as we were still counting the number of awards Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani has bagged so far, there came the biggest recognition in the country. The film scored seven National Awards across categories. The occasion naturally called for a big bash and Bhansali did not disappoint.
A suburban restaurant in Mumbai was the venue for this success party that saw a massive turnout that included Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Rekha, Sonam Kapoor to name just a few.
Bhansali said at the party, “This is my first National Award as a director and it is really very special to me. My mother always prayed for me to get one. Her prayers have been answered.” He was not the first to know of his own win. “I was getting calls from unknown numbers. I happened to answer one such call and was asked to give a comment on winning the National Award. I was completely surprised. Then my mother just screamed in joy. Her happiness means a lot to me,” he added.
Of course his leading man Ranveer Singh was by his side throughout the party. The actor made an entry in a Bajirao Mastani tee and we hear that his excitement knew no bounds. A source told us “Ranveer was everywhere meeting everyone, giving hugs and kisses to the guests. He was just very excited to be there. He even danced to his hit track Malhari on the bar counter!” His co-stars Priyanka Chopra and Deepika had to give the party a miss as both are shooting oversees for their respective Hollywood projects.
SLB’s old friend Aishwarya who was at another event early in the evening, made it to the bash. A source said, “When Aishwarya walked in, she was amazed to see SLB burning the dance floor with a few guests. The actress was there for around 15-20 minutes and made it a point to meet all the guests. She also greeted Sanjay’s sister Bela, who was playing the gracious host.”
Shah Rukh Khan
Shah Rukh Khan, who locked horns with Bhansali last December with his film Dilwale, also showed up, thereby indicating all’s well between the two. An insider said, “Shah Rukh had a great time on the dance floor where he shook a leg to his own chartbusters, right from Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhein to Chammak Challo.”
