Ahead of Gangubai Kathiawadi's release, the makers hosted a special screening of the film in Mumbai on Wednesday night. The film's lead actor Alia Bhatt showed up at the screening in a white outfit and she was not alone. Alia arrived at the screening with Deepika Padukone. The actresses were pictured twinning in white as they made their way into the theatre. Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone frequently trend for their Instagram exchanges. Last year, Alia-Ranbir and Deepika-Ranveer went on a holiday together. Deepika was dating Alia Bhatt's boyfriend Ranbir many years ago. When the actresses appeared together on Karan Johar's talk show Koffee With Karan 6 a few years back, Deepika Padukone, speaking of her equation with Alia Bhatt told the show's host Karan Johar: "Don't try to make it awkward because it's not."
Gangubai Kathiawadi is Alia's first project with Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The actress was supposed to work with the filmmaker in a film titled Inshallah, co-starring Salman Khan. However, the project got shelved. Deepika has collaborated with Sanjay Leela Bhansali in 3 projects - Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela, Bajirao Mastani and "Padmaavat." Deepika also met husband Ranveer Singh on the sets of a Bhansali film and they got married a few years later.
See pics of Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone at the screening:
Alia and Deepika at the screening.
Alia Bhatt at the screening.
Deepika Padukone photographed in her car.
Veteran actress Rekha greeted the paps and how.
Rekha pictured at the screening.
The film's director Sanjay Leela Bhansali was also pictured at the screening.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali at the screening.
Sara Ali Khan, Kriti Sanon and Janhvi Kapoor were also photographed arriving for the film's screening.
Sara at the screening.
Janhvi Kapoor at the screening.
Kriti Sanon at the screening.
Vicky Kaushal was pictured minus wife Katrina Kaif.
Vicky Kaushal at the screening.
Vicky's sister-in-law Isabelle Kaif also attended the screening.
Isabelle Kaif photographed at the screening.
The couple's section was represented by Malaika Arora and Arjun Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter and Ananya Panday, and Riteish Dekhmukh and Genelia D'Souza.
Arjun and Malaika photographed at the screening.
Ananya Panday and Ishaan Khatter arrived together.
Genelia D'Souza at the screening.
Riteish Deshmukh at the screening
Last week, Alia Bhatt flew to Berlin for the film's screening. She has been busy promoting it in Kolkata, New Delhi and finally checked into Mumbai. Gangubai Kathiawadiis slated to release in theatres on February 25.
The film showcases story of Gangubai Kathiawadi, a sex worker in Mumbai's Kamathipura, who was pushed into prostitution at an early age. The film brings to life her rise from the ranks of Kamathipura to the head of a brothel and a political leader of the area. The film also features Ajay Devgn, Vijay Raaz and Shantanu Maheshwari.