Bollywood filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s experience with extravagant productions like “Devdas” and “Saawariya” came in handy while directing an opera in Paris. ‘Padmavati’,  is Bhansali’s rendition of a 1923 opera ballet written by Albert Roussel, received a standing ovation at its premiere at the Theatre du Chatelet.

There had been enough problems for the first Indian to direct an opera in Paris, including a cast that could barely understand English. Bhansali was forced to use a translator.

‘Padmavati’, the story of a Rajasthani woman fighting for her love and her pride, will be staged five more times in March.

Bhansali hasn’t directed any film since the box-office debacle of “Saawariya” last year.

“I don’t know if I can say that I’m on a break,” he said. “It was so tiring for the past months…my mind has never gone through so much of creative exercise.”

Categories: Features, Padmavati
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