Priyanka Chopra is reminiscing about her experience filming the song "Ram Chahe Leela" from Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 2013 film, Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela. In a recent Instagram post, the actress shared a clip from the song and reflected on the "complicated decision" it was to take on the project.
Chopra wrote in her Instagram caption that Sanjay Leela Bhansali, as a filmmaker, has always inspired her. She spoke of his creative mind, his nostalgic stories shared over incredible food, and their conversations about art, music, and dance, referencing the beauty of the past and the promise of the future. According to Chopra, when Bhansali played the song for her, she knew she was meant to be a part of it.
She lauded the team behind the song, mentioning Sanjay Sir's guidance, Ravi Varman's cinematography, and Vishnu Deva's magic. She reminisced about rehearsing with Vishnu Deva during lunch breaks to perfect the dance sequences. She said that it brings back such great memories.
"Ram Chahe Leela" is composed by Bhansali, with lyrics by Siddharth-Garima and vocals by Bhoomi Trivedi. The song, choreographed by Vishnu Deva, features Priyanka in a white saree, dancing amidst a group of dancers, portraying the impossible love story of Ram and Leela in the film's second half.
In a past interview, Priyanka's mother, Dr. Madhu Chopra, revealed that Priyanka was initially considered for the lead role in Ram Leela but was later replaced by Deepika Padukone. Despite this, Priyanka agreed to do the song "Ram Chahe Leela". Madhu Chopra said that Priyanka held no ill feelings towards Bhansali, who later cast her as Kashibai in Bajirao Mastani. She added that Priyanka might have made a well-considered decision and that they might have had some lovely discussions that she agreed for something like this because they are still friends.
Priyanka's mother also recalled how playing Kashibai in Bajirao Mastani was a challenging experience for Priyanka. She said that Sanjay Leela Bhansali is not an easy director, and to keep him pleased in the sense that he is satisfied with the performance, that was the target. She said that Priyanka was very focused and there were no distractions; she would not even talk inside her van during that time.
Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, starring Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone, is an Indian adaptation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The film revolves around two lovers from feuding gangster families. Ram Leela was a box-office success, becoming the sixth highest-grossing Hindi film of 2013.
Priyanka Chopra's other collaborations with Bhansali include Mary Kom (2014), where he served as producer and editor, and Bajirao Mastani, where she played Kashibai. Priyanka is set to star in Season 2 of Citadel, which has been delayed to spring 2026. She is also set to headline SS Rajamouli's upcoming film SSMB29, marking her first on-screen pairing with Tollywood star Mahesh Babu.
