Director Imtiaz Ali revealed the intense two-night shoot for the Tamasha cafe scene with Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor. He detailed managing Deepika’s emotional arc, even cutting great shots to preserve her performance. Ali lauded the actors’ improvisation, calling the scene ‘cruel’ due to Ved’s internal conflict and Tara’s inability to let go, creating palpable tension.
Imtiaz Ali recently spilled some beans on Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor’s intense cafe scene in Tamasha. He also revealed that the scene was shot over two nights.
Managing Deepika’s emotions
In conversation with Pinkvilla, Imtiaz said, “There’s a point where Tara would start crying. To bring her back to the point where she was not crying, and then take her back again over that bridge of breaking down had to be negotiated.” The director said that even some great shots had to be cut so Deepika could perform the scene without completely breaking down.
Praise for the actors’ improvisation
Imtiaz Ali praised Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone for their skill in handling complex emotions. He said, “You need actors like Deepika and Ranbir for such scenes. They improvised and added small details that made the scene what it became.”
Cruelty and emotional tension
He described the scene as “cruel” because Ved knows how he’s treating Tara but can’t control himself, showing the two sides of his personality. At the same time, Tara can’t let go, heightening the emotional tension.The scene is set in a public café in Delhi, just before the song Agar Tum Saath Ho, which adds to its raw, exposed feel. Imtiaz Ali described Ved’s behavior as a mix of self-mockery and vulnerability, showing both his awareness of Tara and his own flaws. Tara senses his need for help, but Ved doesn’t seek sympathy, making the interaction tense and emotionally charged.
