As Sanjay Leela Bhansali's dream project Bajirao Mastani finally hits the theatres, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone tell us that it is a surreal feeling. “The fact that it landed in our laps, we shot for it and now it is releasing... it feels like a dream come true. It has been emotionally demanding and we've given our souls to it. While shooting, I often reached a saturation point and gave up. But each time I found strength to keep going. Today, I am short of words,“ says the actress.

Ranveer, who worked really hard to essay the role of Peshwa Bajirao, says, “I wanted to go deep down into the rabbit hole and create a spitting image of Bhansali's vision. When people watch the film, they will only see Bajirao. I've eliminated every trace of Ranveer.“

Both Deepika and Ranveer feel that the movie is Indian cinema's most ambitious work of art. “As a lover of Hindi cinema, I think a Bhansali film is an event! This movie promises a visual spectacle like no other, but at its core, it's a heart-wrenching drama that will hopefully be considered a classic romance,“ says Ranveer.

The film never loses sight of its mass appeal. With powerful performances by its cast that also includes Priyanka Chopra, Tanvi Azmi and Milind Soman, this is a film for keeps, concede both Bajirao and his Mastani. “We want it to be a memorable film as well as a mainstream entertainer. This movie is our chance to be remembered and leave a legacy behind,“ Ranveer signs off.

Produced by Eros International and Bhansali Productions, the film releases today.