But Kajol missed Tanhaji trailer launch for Nysa’s PTA meeting
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 20, 2019)

Raising a toast to his century run, Ajay Devgn unveiled the trailer of his period drama, Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, on Tuesday. The actor-producer was caught unawares when told it was International Men’s Day, but instantly turned and wished his co-star and the film’s antagonist, Saif Ali Khan. Their dosti dates back by 20 years to their first film together, Kachche Dhaage (1999). Ajay looked even more stumped when asked what qualities of a man they are proud to possess, as did the rest of his army. Among the standard responses like ‘humility’, ‘politeness’ and ‘respecting women’, Saif’s “I get my arms waxed” was received with a roar of laughter.

Incidentally, the first query Saif faced was, “How is Taimur doing?” Taking it in his stride, the Nawab quipped, “He is doing amazing.” When asked for wife Kareena Kapoor’s reaction, he revealed that his wife is a big admirer of Ajay and so, is happy they are working together. Also, having never watched a 3D film, he was excited to be a part of one.

Ajay, on his part, explained wife Kajol’s absence saying she was in Singapore to attend a meeting for daughter Nysa. He was, however, able to rope in close friend and frequent collaborator, Rohit Shetty, as a surprise guest. The director informed that for over three decades, Ajay had been nurturing this dream of bringing a story to the screen as a visual spectacle. “The dream has spanned across two generations and I’m so proud it has finally been fulfilled,” he said emotionally. An overwhelmed Ajay added, “I wanted to create something on par with western technology and show them that we can do it in half their budget.”

When questioned on the release date–January 10–given that the first week of the year is not seen as particularly viable, Rohit countered, “Simmba came on December 28 and Uri on January 11, and both became successful.”

Also present at the event were director Om Raut and producer Bhushan Kumar. The former revealed that his research had included literature, specially paintings of that time. “The War of Sinhagad was an integral part of the Maratha history,” he pointed out. Saif, who stood out in his green suit among the men in black, revealed that his research included reading an Amar Chitra Katha comic.

Meanwhile, Sharad Kelkar, when asked how it felt to portray the role of Shivaji, corrected the journalist, saying, “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.” He then went on to inform that it was a huge responsibility and what one will see on screen is a culmination of the director’s vision and his own perception of the warrior-king. He then went on to share an anecdote from his first day in character, “A little kid came to me and asked if I was the same person whose statue is there outside the airport. That made my day!”

Towards the end, a fan confided that he skipped his school exam to watch Kachche Dhaage in 1999. He had failed, but since that day he had been a die-hard Ajay fan for his intense eyes. While Ajay was left blushing, Rohit had the last word, “Why are you making us conscious about our age by telling us this story?”