The music launch of 2007's most eagerly awaited movie 'Saawariya' was an emotional moment for filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, his protégés debutantes Ranbir Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor and their parents Rishi and Anil Kapoor respectively.

The newcomers were presented for the first time at the music launch of the film which releases on November 9. They were introduced by Salman Khan and Rani Mukherji, who play guest roles in 'Saawariya'.

Ranbir, aware of the Kapoor legacy and his debut film which Bhansali said was a tribute to the RK banner, was visibly nervous on stage. He said he would work hard to prove that he was worthy of his family name.

Sonam could not hold back her tears and wept on Bhansali's shoulders. When asked whether her taking centrestage as a leading lady would mean her dad Anil Kapoor would now have to content with fatherly roles, the doting daughter said her father would continue to be 'Lakhan' (his character in the film Ram Lakhan) and a leading man. 'He is more energetic than me. I am just in my early 20s. But he works out for two hours more than me every morning,'she said.

The music was launched by Anil and Rishi Kapoor in the presence of their respectively family members. Rishi Kapoor's brothers Randhir, Rajiv, sister Reema Jain and her family, Natasha Nanda daughter of Rishi's elder sister Riu Nanda and the Kapoor matriach Krishna Raj Kapoor were present.

Anil Kapoor's father Surinder Kapoor, brother Sanjay Kapoor and his family, Arjun, son of Boney Kapoor were present to cheer Sonam.

Ranbir's mother Neetu Kapoor and Sonam's mother Sunita Kapoor were also called on stage by Bhansali.

Notable absentees were Kareena, Karishma Kapoor and their mother Babita and Boney Kapoor. Sanjay Leela Bhansali described the making of 'Saawariya' as the most exciting phase of his career. 'I needed two young newcomers and I got them in Ranbir and Sonam. They are like my own children and the time spent with them gave me a fresh perspective to life and new way to look at movies. I suddenly feel alive once again,' he added.

When Rani Mukherji was asked if she felt that her and Salman's presence in 'Saawariya' would overshadow the debutants, she replied,'in fact, these newcomers would overshadow us. We are in the film because Sanjay wanted us to be in it.' Commenting on the music, Sanjay said apart from the debutant actors, he had a debutant music director too. 'When Monty Sharma did the background score for my Black and Devdas, I recognized that Special spark in him and with Saawariya he has turned into a full fledged music composer. Monty, an exhilarating blend of spirituality, youth and madness has spent more than two years composing and perfecting ten songs of Saawariya. I am also introducing two new singers Shail and Parthiv who will certainly bring alive the score,' he said.

Paying special tribute to Salman, Bhansali said, ' I owe everything to Salman. If he had not done my first film Khamoshi, I would be standing here before you.' When Salman was asked about Ranbir Kapoor's debut, he replied in his witty style ,'He is making me feel nervous.' Saawariya is produced by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sanjay Leela Bhansali films.

Lyricist Sameer said ,'Sanjay is one of the finest directors who are dedicated towards music. Saawariya needed very simple and youthful lyrics. Monty is new but a talented composer and I was inspired by his tunes.' Interestingly, Saawariya releases on the same day as Shah Rukh Khan's ' Om Shanti Om' on November nine.

--- UNI