'Black' actor Ayesha Kapur, who played young Rani Mukerji, reacts to film's OTT release

L- On the sets of Black; R- Ayesha Kapur

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Black' recently completed 19 years of release. On the occasion, it was announced the film would get its OTT release on Netflix. Thanks to its compelling narrative and the exceptional performances delivered by the legendary Amitabh Bachchan and the talented Rani Mukerji, ‘Black' remains fresh in the collective memory of cinephiles even after almost two decades of its release. The beauty of the film indeed lies in Bhansali's ability to craft a poignant and visually stunning narrative that explores the complexities of human emotions.

Actor Ayesha Kapur who played little Michelle McNally in the film has now opened up about what it means for her to finally see the film on OTT. She is also looking forward to working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali in the future. "I was surprised that it wasn't on any platform for the longest time. I think just being on OTT makes it more accessible," she said in an interview with Hindustan Times adding that it will enable her friends in America to watch the film.

"It has affected the blind and deaf community too. It's become a cult film even in Korea. It's crazy to think where all this film was traveled and the impact it made on people from different demographics," she said talking about the real-life impact of the film.

Talking about how it was working with Big B and Bhansali, she said, "they didn't treat me like a nine-year-old. They included me in the creative process helping me shine, and bringing out the best in me."

Actor Ayesha Kapur did not pursue acting as she was focusing on her academics. She said that she has been in touch with Bhansali and was also in talks to work in one of his productions. However, it coincided with her getting accepted into Columbia University. Now that she has completed her studies, she is looking forward to working with SLB.

Now, as ‘Black' makes its way onto Netflix, it's an opportunity for the new generation of viewers to experience the magic of this cinematic gem. The 19th-anniversary grand release on Netflix not only pays homage to the film's significance, reaffirming Sanjay Leela Bhansali's legacy as a maestro of Indian cinema but also ensures that its impact reaches a global audience.

SLB's 'Black' stood fifth in Time (Europe) "10 Best Movies of the Year 2005" among films from across the world. The film won the National Award for Best Feature Film. Also, Amitabh Bachchan won the National Award for Best Actor. It's the first film to have won 11 awards at the Filmfare Awards. The film is listed at number one on the Indiatimes' list of 25 Must-See Bollywood Movies.