Even if he is not directing Malaal, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s stamp on the film is evident, especially in the care taken with production value, and with the projection of the actors.

Bhansali, the perfectionist that he is, wanted to make sure that the two newcomers in his production were completely ready to face the camera before they were directed by Mahesh Hadawale.

A source very close to the project says, “When Meezaan Jaffrey and Sharmin Segal were signed for Malaal, they were treated with the same care as Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor were in Saawariya. It didn’t matter to SLB that Sharmin was his niece, both Meezaan and Sharmin got full and equal attention before Hadewale took charge as the director.”

The director himself says, “I wouldn’t have cast Meezaan or Sharmin if I didn’t see the spark, that ‘It Factor’ in them. They are both immensely talented. That’s why they are in the film.”