Rang Rasiya: Lesser known facts

Randeep Hooda is known for stretching his limits with each role he does. After playing a Haryanvi kidnapper in Highway, he will now be seen as a painter in the contemporary film Rang Rasiya. Stepping into the shoes of artist Raja Ravi Varma who brought gods to life with his first ever visuals of the Hindu deities, Randeep looks impressive and convincing. Know more about the much talked about film which is expected to ruffle a few feathers on the silver screen.

Rang Rasiya’s release has been delayed since 2008 when it was screened at the London Film Festival. But what led to the delay of such a contemporary film was the Censor Board's objection with certain bold scenes that involved paint and nudity. A look at its posters gives an idea about its controversial topic based on the life of the painter and his muse who went on to create the iconic paintings that are worshipped as gods even today.

Actress Nandana Sen was selected to play the muse of the painter Raja Ravi Varma in the film. A glimpse of the painter’s works at his house convinced Ketan Mehta that she was perfect for the role of Sugandha. With the child-woman personality, Nandana Sen went on to become the face of the goddess which the painter created for generations. She had to understand the character of Sugandha and how she tilted her hip and played with her hands to bring out the beauty to the core.

Since Rang Rasiya was a sensitive film, long delayed and Nandana was now a married woman settled abroad, the promotions of the film took some time to pick up. Soon after the announcement of the film’s release date, the actress obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the filmmaker to let her clear the release of the promotional material so as to avoid hurting her image, revealed a source. The director had to wait for her return to India so that she clears the film’s stills ahead of the film’s promotions.

Ketan Mehta was very much impressed by Randeep Hooda’s performances in the film D and Risk and chose him for the role of the painter. Known for his excellent acting skills, Randeep has played two age groups in the film – a 60-year-old and then a 20-year-old which was shot by him within 10 days. The perfectionist actor learnt the basics of painting in order to do justice to the role. Since he turns the legendary painter whose art gave faces to the Hindu deities, he did not leave any stone unturned in syncing into the character.

Nandana Sen is the daughter of Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen and is married to Penguin CEO John Makinson. Since the film got delayed by several years, Nandana got married to the publishing giant and moved to New York. She returned to India recently listening of the film’s release to take up the promotions. Nandana told Times Of India, “Rang Rasiya focuses on art and freedom, not sex and nudity. It is an important and exceptional film. I am proud to be a part of it”.

Ketan Mehta of Mangal Pandey fame is known for picking up untouched topics for his cinematic works. The two time National Award winner’s other famous works include Smita Patil’s Mirch Masala, Holi and Shah Rukh Khan’s Maya Memsaab. Not many are aware of the fact that popular television series Captain Vyom was also his creation. A single glimpse of his filmography is enough to drop hints about his upcoming flick. With his film Rang Rasiya, Ketan will show the life of the painter who himself visualized the gods on paper. This one is another golden feather from the celebrated director’s hat.