Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; October 30, 2015)

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s heroine hunt for his first Marathi film has come to an end. Sneha Chauvan, who won the second season of Marathi reality show Jhakaas Heroine, has bagged the lead role opposite Swapnil Joshi.

Sneha, who studied acting at Anupam Kher and Jackie Shroff ’s academies, says, “It’s a dream come true to have been signed for a film with Swapnil Joshi, Bhansali sir and Swapna Waghmare Joshi (director).” Although the reality show trained her for the glamour world, Sneha confesses that she was nervous on the first day of shoot. She recalls, “I was the youngest member in the team and sharing screen space with Swapnil intimidated me. But, he and Swapna ma’am made me feel comfortable. They would rehearse every scene and help me improvise before the final take. They have been supportive and motivating.”

Has the newcomer met Bhansali yet? “Not yet, but I am looking forward to it. He is busy wrapping up the shoot of Bajirao Mastani and will meet us soon. The film has the Bhansali touch; the sets are grand and artistic and a lot of attention has been paid to the music,” she adds.