Bhansali heaps praise on Zohra Sehgal

Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who earlier directed Zohra in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, says that he could think of no one except her for the role in Saawariya.

What do you say when a 94-year-old living legend comes together with the 24-year-old scion of very distinguished family?

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"Well, first of all you look at them together and wonder who's got more energy," said Sanjay Leela Bhansai.

He brings the tireless Zohra Sehgal and debutant Ranbir Kapoor together in his eagerly awaited love story Saawariya. The most interesting aspect is the fact that nearly 75 years ago she started her career with Ranbir's great grandfather Prithiviraj Kapoor in Prithvi Theatres.

"She has known four generations of the Kapoors... from Prithviraj Kapoor to Raj Kapoor to Rishi Kapoor and now Ranbir. It's unheard of in showbiz," Bhansali told IANS.

The unanimous verdict on Bhansali's breathtaking set - no one can match Zohra's energy level.

Bhansali, who six years ago directed Zohra in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, could think of no one except her for a particular role in Saawariya.

"It had to be Zohraji and no one else. There was a kind of hesitation within me - after all Zohraji is 94. But all our doubts were dispelled once she came on the sets. To call Zohraji a livewire would be an understatement. "