Padmaavat makers hire ocean liner to celebrate the success of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus while it heads towards Rs 300-crore mark at box office
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; February 20, 2018)

After the trouble the makers went through to ensure Padmaavat reaches the audience, it is time for Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone to pop the bubbly. With the magnum opus racing past the Rs 275-crore mark at the box office, mid-day has learnt that the makers have planned a grand bash for the weekend to celebrate the success. The team has zeroed in on February 24 since it also marks Bhansali's 56th birthday. Given the director's love for everything grand, the bash too will be just as special - it will be held aboard an ocean liner.

Says a source from the production team, "The team did not want a run-of-the-mill party at a five star. So they zeroed in on the Ark Deck Bar, the floating restaurant that has an open-air bar deck, a sit-down restaurant and private dining areas. It not only offers stunning view as it sails off the coast into the sea, but will also give the stars privacy from the paparazzi." He adds that the do was initially scheduled for February 21 but was later pushed to Saturday to coincide with the auteur's birthday.

While Bhansali, Singh and Padukone will celebrate their third consecutive success, Maharawal Ratan Singh aka Shahid Kapoor will be conspicuous by his absence. "Shahid won't be present as he's shooting in Tehri for Batti Gul Meter Chalu. A guest list of about 150 people has been drawn up that includes other Bollywood stars as well. The Ark is just a boat ride away from the Sea Link jetty. Everyone including Deepika and Ranveer will be ferried across." The source adds that an extensive menu comprising European, Indian, Italian and pan-Asian cuisine will be laid out. When contacted, Bhansali's team refused to comment.