Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; October 4, 2017)

Within hours of Ranveer Singh’s look as Alauddin Khilji from Padmavati being released, fans went on an overdrive drawing similarities between his avatar and that of Khal Drogo, a popular character from Game Of Thrones. Of course, knowing Singh, one can rest assured that his prep for the portrayal of the 13th century ruler went well beyond his long hair and bulkedup body.

We hear Singh, in his bid to do justice to the role of the ambitious and obsessive Sultan, curated a special playlist that helped him align with his dark character. A source says, “His spot boy would accompany him while he traveled to the set and got into his attire, all the while holding a speaker that belted out the tracks.” Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Singh would bond over this dark music, which included the works of Vangelis, Ramin Djawadi, John Williams, Hans Zimmer, Clint Mansell, Kunkie XL and James Newton Howard.

On his unique approach to the character, Singh says, “I’m sensitive to the emotions embedded in music. I feel music has the power to cue my emotions on a subconscious level. It is an integral part of my acting process and I use it extensively to mould my character.”