Generation leap

What do you say when a 94-year old living legend Zohra Sehgal comes together with a 24-year-old scion of a distinguished family, Ranbir Kapoor? They both are being cast in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Saanwariya.
Zohra Sehgal had started her career nearly seventy-five years ago with Ranbir’s great grandfather Prithiviraj Kapoor in Prithvi Theatre. "She has known four generations of the Kapoors from great grandfather Prithviraj Kapoor to grandfather Raj Kapoor to father Rishi Kapoor and now his son Ranbir. It’s unheard-of in showbiz," says Sanjay. As for the film, Bhansali says, "Well, first of all you look at them together and wonder who’s got more energy.
Everyone present on the Saanwariya set agree that no one can match Zohra Sehgal’s energy level. Sanjay who had worked with Zohra Sehgal in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam six years ago could think of no one except her for a particular role in Saanwariya. "It had to be Zohraji and no one else. Initially I was hesitant as to cast Zohraji. After all she is 94. But all our doubts were dispelled once she came on the sets. To call Zohraji a live-wire would be an understatement. She’s the life and soul on the sets. I dread the day when her shooting would be over. Zohraji has the most amazing memory. She remembers every single incident from her life. On the sets she comes up with the most amazing suggestions. Her enthusiasm gets to all of us."