Ranveer Singh shoots in Dharavi for Divine-Naezy's Mere Gully Mein song

Ranveer Singh on the set of Gully Boy

His intense rendition of Alauddin Khilji behind him, Ranveer Singh has already transformed into a rapper from the slums of Mumbai for Gully Boy. The actor, sporting a skinny frame, shot for the first song of the Zoya Akhtar-directed film in Dharavi over the last five days. Considering the drama is loosely based on the rise of rappers Divine and Naezy, Akhtar decided to include their popular song, Mere Gully Mein, in the narrative.

Zoya Akhtar with the crew on the film set

Choreographed by Bosco Martis, the fast-paced track sees Singh attempting B-boying for the first time. A unit hand reveals that the actor underwent rigorous rehearsals over the past two weeks to pick up the dance form. "Ranveer has always been a smooth dancer. But Zoya was certain that he needed to be well-versed with B-boying as he would be matching steps with professional dancers in the number."

The source further adds that Martis handpicked 15 dancers from four different B-boying crews for the shoot. "The song was shot in Anna Nagar, a bunch of shanties behind Dharavi's Kamarajar School. Aged between 12 to 20, the boys were thrilled by Ranveer's enthusiasm for B-boying and aced the cypher (forming a circle) sequence."

While the shoot resumes on Sunday, the unit was clocking in close to 12 hours on the set over the last few days. "Ranveer used the opportunity to study the locals of Dharavi and pick up their lingo. The locals are over the moon that a film is being shot in their area."

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