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'Characters in Rajneeti are drawn from Mahabharata'

The cast of Rajneeti descended in Delhi to kick off promotions for the film at the Galaxy Hotel in Gurgaon on Saturday.

The presence of Katrina Kaif, Ranbir Kapoor, Manoj Bajpai, Arjun Rampal, Nana Patekar and Ronnie Screwwala made this promotion quite a star studded one.

Director Prakash Jha set the ball rolling by describing his film "as a family drama. It is a story about a family anywhere in India. The characters have been drawn from the epic Mahabharata."

He explains, "The story is the same kind of familial battle, except it is set in this day and age. The film talks about every possible kind of politics -- personal, social, state and national. Also, today, the word 'politics' has become derogatory, the film tries to understand that."

'Prakash Jha believed in me'

For Manoj Bajpai, this film is an emotional one, especially since it's the first one since his massive injury -- and will serve as his comeback.

"It was very difficult for me to sit at home, nursing my shoulder and knees, which had given way. I was afraid that when I get better, nobody will want me anymore. But then Rajneeti happened -- only because Prakash Jha believed in me.

'My role has nothing to do with Sonia Gandhi'

Katrina Kaif, on the other hand, had a huge problem with her role -- the language.

"Hindi is not my first language, and in this film, there were many words that I had never even heard before! I used to sit with Prakash sir every day before the shoot and understand how to say the dialogues. This film has been in the making for four years, so Prakash knew exactly what he wanted. I just had to follow his lead."

So is her role inspired by Sonia Gandhi, as per popular belief?

Pat comes the reply, "No, my role has nothing to do with Sonia Gandhi at all. When you see the film, you'll understand that it is, first and foremost, a family drama."

Speaking about her career, Kaif says, "When I see a script, I always make sure it's an exciting film, rather than just my role. I try to be part of good films that will excite the audience. The director is also very important to me. When I was approached for Rajneeti, I knew that Nana sir and Arjun Rampal had already accepted. So every role in the film is spectacular."

'I don't plan my career at all'

Ranbir on the other hand, made it clear that he doesn't plan his career at all!

"I don't plan my career at all. I'm just in the right place at the right time. Indian cinema is evolving and I'm getting good roles. So far, I've never approached a director for a role."

The film that has generated a fair amount of curiosity with its unusual subject matter as well as ensemble cast is slated for release on June 4.