Sanjay Leela Bhansali Remembers Zohra Sehgal: A Timeless Talent

A Tribute to Zohra Sehgal

Sanjay Leela Bhansali had the unique privilege of collaborating with the legendary Zohra Sehgal in two of his acclaimed films, 'Hum…Dil De Chuke Sanam' and 'Saawariya.'

Reflecting on their time together, Bhansali shared, 'Working with Zohraji in both films will stay with me forever. She was truly a miraculous woman, a legend in every sense. Just look at her versatility! In 'Hum…Dil De Chuke Sanam,' she donned a traditional Gujarati Ghagra-choli, while in 'Saawariya,' she wore a Catholic dress.'

The director described his experience with Zohra Sehgal as timeless, stating, 'Just like her spirit. Despite a decade between our films, she showed no signs of aging—no extra wrinkles or grey hair! At 94, she was still vibrant and full of life, with a keen understanding of the camera that made us all feel like novices.'

Bhansali reminisced about picking Zohra up from the airport for 'Saawariya' alongside Ranbir Kapoor. 'She looked at Ranbir and said, 'Do you know I’ve acted with your great-grandfather Prithviraj Kapoor and your grandfather Raj Kapoor? You’re the third generation of Kapoors I’m working with.' She even brought along photos with Prithviraj Saab and Raj Saab to show Ranbir. From day one, she insisted on calling him 'Ranbir Raj.' Despite being the oldest on set, her energy was contagious. While we were exhausted by evening, she would cheerfully suggest, 'Let’s have a glass of wine before we get back to work.' She relished her role in 'Saawariya,' especially since it allowed her to wear stylish Western attire and crimson lipstick, which she adored.

Bhansali also praised Zohraji’s remarkable memory at 94. 'Do you recall the scene in 'Saawariya' where she insisted on singing an English song? It was a song from her past that she remembered vividly. Her memory was astonishing! At 94, she not only recalled her own lines but also every dialogue from 'Saawariya' and 'Hum…Dil De Chuke Sanam.' I remember when I first picked her up from the airport; she recited all her lines and those of the other characters, warning me not to change a single word. If anyone forgot their lines on set, she was quick to remind them. Zohraji’s enthusiasm was infectious, and the magnetism in her eyes remains with me.'

Bhansali had long desired to work with Zohra Sehgal before 'Hum…Dil De Chuke Sanam.' 'She began her career with Uday Shankar’s dance troupe and participated in his ballet 'Kalpana.' I hold Uday Shankarji in high regard, so for me, Zohraji represented a cherished legacy. I wanted her to portray Aishwarya Rai’s blind yet lively grandmother in 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.' When she agreed, I was overjoyed. Even at 84, she brought the energy of a 19-year-old to the set. I recall an instance when an assistant asked her to react to the characters, and she retorted, 'How can I LOOK at someone when I’m blind?' She remained in character throughout. The Bhavai song 'Suno suno,' which she performed with Aishwarya and the Gujju family, was completed in just one take.'

Bhansali described Zohra Sehgal as positively temperamental. 'While some actors assert their importance, she would express her frustration at incompetence or mediocrity on set. At 84, she was so strong that when she playfully pulled Salman and Aishwarya’s ears, they turned red and whispered to me to ask her to ease up. But I didn’t have the courage to correct her. No one could dictate to Zohraji. She was a free spirit. I often saw her with her granddaughter on set, but she needed no assistance. Once during 'Saawariya,' she had relatives visiting from Pakistan, and she laughed and celebrated like a young star with her friends.'

According to Bhansali, Zohra Sehgal had the ability to create a unique universe for each character without needing extensive background. 'I had hoped to complete a trilogy with Zohra Sehgal by making one more film with her. I wished she would outlive us all. I believe I’m the only contemporary director fortunate enough to have worked with her on two films, both of which were enriched by her presence. Everything else will eventually fade away.'