Barring the name, Rana Daggubati has nothing in common with his character in Rana Naidu. The actor makes his digital debut with the Netflix series, which sees him as the fixer of celebrities’ problems. “His job is secretive. He [seems to] be detached, but deep down, he is a family guy,” he begins. 

The Indian adaptation of American series Ray Donovan, Rana Naidu revolves around the protagonist’s complex relationship with his father, who also doubles up as his nemesis. Daggubati says two aspects drew him to the project — the dark side of the parent-child dynamics depicted in the show, and the opportunity to share screen space with actor-uncle Venkatesh, who plays his on-screen father.

“Shooting with him and learning how he does what he does was a wonderful experience. We have always been close, but on a set, you have a completely different equation. Our characters were so nuanced, and we had directors who would answer as many questions as we asked them, making sure that we were being true to our parts. Except the fact that I was called Rana [which blurred the lines between my on-screen and off-screen persona], I didn’t have any other problem,” he laughs.

The actor, who enjoys pan-India popularity since the release of the Baahubali franchise, was waiting for something tempting to make his foray into the digital medium. When creator Karan Anshuman of The Inside Edge and Mirzapur fame, and The Family Man 2 director Suparn Varma united to make an action drama, it was an easy yes for Daggubati. In them, he found reliable guides as he navigated the complex titular character.

“I had multiple conversations with Karan on how to play a father because I didn’t know the tone that was required. This was the first time I was playing a father on screen, that too to grown-up kids. But Rana Naidu is a dark guy; it was hard to let go of the character. There was a certain gloom [it brought] into my life, and I only realized it when I went back to dub for it.”

He had as many as six releases this year, including The Tattoo Murders, Illegal 2 and Inside Edge 3. For Tanuj Virwani, the biggest high was reprising his role of Vayu in the cricket-based series. Connecting with mid-day from the Badlapur set of his next with Kay Kay Menon, the actor discusses the gruelling prep that went behind the series, and his Bollywood aspirations.

Edited excerpts from the interview:

It would be unfair to say I am happy with the outcome of each [series]. Certain projects turned out to be in sync with my expectations, others not so much. However, as an actor, there’s only so much I can control. This line-up was not by design. The Tattoo Murders, Cartel and Inside Edge 3 had been shot earlier, but were released this year.

In the first season, we shot predominantly at night when the weather was cooler. But to be authentic, we shot the Test matches in about 40 degrees in Pune. In Test matches, you use the ball for a much longer period, and as the ball gets older, it becomes softer, making it harder to hit. I was scared the first few days while filming those sequences because Karan [Anshuman] and the direction team decided to ramp up the cricket scenes. They got players from Ranji and Kanga league; some of those bowlers were going at it [like crazy].

In the first season, Vayu faces about 22 balls; in season two, I had about 45 balls, and for the third, I faced 10-odd balls that were shown on camera. For the latest season, our DoP [director of photography] was particular that certain portions couldn’t be shot once we lost the sun. So, we would start in the morning, break from 12 pm to 2.30 pm. During that period, we would shoot scenes in the stands or the dressing room. Post that, we’d go back on the field. But post-lunch, it used to become difficult to pick up [the pace] again. I am 35, I am not exactly a spring chicken. To pick up exactly where we left off was demanding.

Firstly, you have to give it to Akshay for his hard work. I would not even imagine taking up this character if I couldn’t play cricket. The first time I met him was during the cricket training camp. It was love at first sight [laughs]. The poor guy was so cute, he couldn’t even hold the bat. I loved his work in Pizza [2014] and Gurgaon [2017], but this was going to be brutal. He barely got one-and-a-half months to prepare. We got along so well in real life that we were able to sell our rivalry on screen. We have decided to do at least one show together every year.

After the first season released in 2017, I only got bad boy roles. At the time, I knew we would have a second season. I thought if I keep doing this, I will become a one-trick pony. So, I had to be brave enough to say no.

I set out to be a film actor. I would be lying if I said I am happy to stay in the OTT space. I want to do both because you can’t recreate what happens on the silver screen on a laptop or TV. There is something magical about going to the theatres. I am working on a few films, which will hopefully be theatrical releases.

Virwani with Akshay Oberoi

Sources say shoot of Inside Edge 3 complete; to release by mid-2020
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; December 19, 2019)

Barely a fortnight into the release of the second season of Inside Edge, one would assume that the makers have put their feet up and are revelling in the clicks earned by the Vivek Oberoi and Richa Chadha starrer. But mid-day has learnt that the creative team, led by showrunner Karan Anshuman, is busy working on the post-production of the third season.

A source reveals, "The second and third seasons of the cricket drama were commissioned together. The actors were asked for bulk dates so that both editions could be simultaneously shot. Since Season 2 has been well-received, the makers want to cash in on its success by releasing the next instalment by mid-2020. The road ahead will see Aamir Bashir and Vivek's characters engaging in a power battle, and will also track the back-story of Angad Bedi's character."

Discussions regarding the fourth edition are apparently underway between the creative heads at Excel Entertainment and head honchos at Amazon Prime Video.

Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; January 19, 2018)

Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani have struck gold with their debut web series, Inside Edge, with the positive response encouraging them to greenlight two more seasons.

While cast member Richa Chadha had revealed a month after the show’s July 2017 launch that a second instalment would be created, midday has learnt that the makers will also film for part three, simultaneously.

The Chadha and Vivek Oberoi starrer shed light on the murky underbelly of the cricket administration in India. An insider tells mid-day that director Karan Anshuman is returning to helm the forthcoming seasons. “This was Amazon Prime’s first Indian original series and it hit big numbers globally. The team is writing the script for two more seasons. The actors have been asked to block 80 days from May onwards. The long schedule will provide sufficient time to shoot for both seasons.”

The instalments will comprise 10 episodes each, and will pick up from where season one culminated. Part two, we hear, is scheduled to air in early 2019, with the third instalment following in a few months later.

The team will also cast new faces. “While the original cast is expected to be retained, auditions for new characters are already underway. In the first season, a character, merely referred to as ‘bhai sahaab’, didn’t have a face. So, the production house is looking to put a prominent face to this name,” the source says.

In previous interviews to mid-day, both Akhtar and Chadha had spoken about the success of the series, even confirming that work on the second part was underway.

Excel Entertainment head Ritesh Sidhwani on the successful year that was 2017 and plans for 2018
MUMBAI MIRROR (December 26, 2017)

You began 2017 with the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Raees, followed by Inside Edge and now Fukrey Returns. How has the year been for you?
It’s gratifying to see that you had a film like Raees where you take a big superstar like Shah Rukh Khan and make him do something that is so different from what he has done before. It makes you feel good about the fact that you tried to do something different and it paid off. Then we stepped into a different medium with Inside Edge, which has done extremely well too. I have been told that it’s in the top 2 or 3 most downloaded shows and in the completion rate, where people began watching the show and saw the entire season. Amazon was impressed, which is why for the first time we are commissioning season 2 and 3 simultaneously. We are shooting both the seasons in 2018, though it will be released at a gap of 6 to 8 months.

Fukrey Returns also did well at the box office…
Fukrey was a sleeper hit in 2013 and people had lapped it up on TV as well, because of which its reach had amplified many folds. I think it’s amazing to see so much love for a small film, which has gone on to make such big numbers.

There is a lot of pressure on sequels to live up to the original. What challenges did you face while making Fukrey Returns?
Interestingly, after its theatrical run, when Fukrey had released on TV, I got a lot of messages on my social media platforms wanting to know what happened with Bholi and the other parts. I spoke with Mrig (Mrighdeep Lamba, director-writer) and Vipul (Vipul Vig, writer) to think about a sequel. When they came back with the story, we were very impressed.

Is a third part on the cards too?
You will be amazed to know how many people on Twitter and Instagram have sent me story ideas for the third part. Though I haven’t had the time to sit with the writers, we would definitely like to take the franchise forward.

The Fukrey merchandise including comic books, phone covers and t-shirts too have created immense buzz…
Yes, in fact, I recently got a message from the Shoppers Stop team for placing an additional order.

What should we expect from the upcoming seasons of Inside Edge?
In season 1, there is an interesting character called Bhai Saab, what we do with him will be revealed in the next season. Karan Anshuman won’t be directing the upcoming seasons as he is busy with another web series called Mirzapur that features Ali Fazal and Vikrant Massey and is also running our writers room.

So on the digital front, what’s next for 2018?
We have a few shows planned already. Besides Mirzapur, we also have Made In Heaven, which is created by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti and will be helmed by interesting directors including Zoya, Alankrita Shrivastava, Nitya Mehra and Prashant Nair.

And what are the films slated for the next year?
The first one is 3 Storeys, which releases in February, then there is Gold on August 15 with Akshay Kumar. We also have Gully Boy with Zoya who will start filming from January 14 with Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt. Ranveer is amazing to work with and has terrific energy, while this is our first collaboration with Alia. We’ll be announcing the rest of the cast by next week.

Is Don 3 in the making too?
We are definitely going to make Don 3. Earlier if you had asked me, I would have said no, but now we do have an idea and we are working towards it. Shah Rukh will obviously be a part of the film, but we’ll zero down on the rest of the cast after the script is locked.

Subhash K Jha (DNA; June 21, 2017)

The characters in the web series, Inside Edge, were reported to be based on Lalit Modi and Preity Zinta, essayed by Vivek Oberoi (founder of IPL) and Richa Chadha (an actress who owns a cricketer team) respectively, and the show is inspired by the IPL scam. An insider says, “It is elementary. Preity’s IPL team faced challenges, and in the series, Richa’s team is shown suffering from financial losses.”

Apparently, when Preity heard about the series, she asked her friends — producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani — to show her what they’d done. Preity, however, denies this. “No, I just heard about the show from the media. Ritesh told me last year that it was inspired by and based on South Indian characters. Then I saw the director’s interview and he clearly said that it had nothing to do with me. The show is getting publicity in my name.”

Actor Tanuj Virwani, who’s said to be playing a character based on cricketer Virat Kohli, also denies any similarity with real life. “A lot of people ask me if it’s Virat or Yuvraj. My physical appearance may suggest a likeness to a cricketer, but that’s it.”

Sayani Gupta, last seen in Jolly LLB 2, says, “My character is not based on anyone. She is the team analyst. It’s a very sharp character. She’s one of the key decision makers, and in a man’s game, a woman who probably understands the game better than a lot of men.”

Film critic and director of the series, Karan Anshuman, also denies any similarity with real life. “There’s no connection whatsoever (of Lalit Modi) with Vivek’s character. As for Richa, the comparisons started with the actress/owner connection. It’s entirely fictional.” Sarah Jane Dias, also a part of the cast, adds, “I play a fictional character — Meera Nagpal.” However, it is clear that the similarities to the IPL controversies and glamorous players will explode into a volatile scenario once the series releases on July 10.

Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 22, 2016)

A 12-part web original with an estimated budget of Rs 75 crore, helmed by Bangistaan's debutant director Karan Anshuman, Power Play will stream on Amazon Prime. Based on the workings of the Indian Premiere League (IPL), shooting kicked off last week in Mumbai.

Vivek Oberoi plays a character modelled on Lalit Modi, the first Chairman and Commissioner of the IPL who ran the tournament for three years until 2010, when it was alleged that Congress minister Shashi Tharoor held indirect free equity in the Kochi Tuskers Kerala, an IPL franchise. This led to Tharoor's resignation. Shortly after the 2010 IPL ended, Modi was suspended from BCCI over misconduct, indiscipline and financial irregularities.

An investigation following leading to a life ban in 2013 after a committee found him guilty of these charges. Modi denied any wrongdoing but shortly before the Enforcement Directorate launched an investigation against him, Modi moved to London.

Power Play also features Richa Chadha as an actress who is dating a cricketer played by Angad Bedi and also owns an IPL franchise. Shooting wraps up in November.

Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 31, 2016)

An upcoming web series, Powerplay, will see Richa Chadha essaying the role of an actress who owns a cricket team along with her boyfriend (played by Angad Bedi). Reminds you of Preity Zinta and Ness Wadia? Well, we hear the series that recently went on floors will focus solely on all things cricket and betting. As far as the relationship between Ness and Preity is concerned, the writers have apparently kept their domestic woes out of the show’s first season, lest they are slapped with a defamation suit.

An insider says, “Their personal relationship had a turbulent end as a result of which they parted ways. Professionally, they remained strong until 2014 when she filed a case against him for alleged of molestation and intimidation. In this web series, the writers felt it is tricky to involve their stormy love affair which got the better of their professional reputation. The writers toyed with the idea initially, but eventually gave it up since Ness is a powerful man and adapting any part of his life may prove to be a costly risk. For the first season, they are keeping the focus just on the game.”

Meanwhile, Richa is up for the challenge of playing a bubbly girl on screen. A source close to her says that she dug out old interviews where Preity spoke about how she got involved with IPL. “Watching old matches came handy, but Richa mostly tried to find out what lured an actress to invest in a sporting business, right when it was starting off. Preity had gone to the US for a sports management degree after she acquired a stake in the team and Richa, too, is doing her best to get a working knowledge of what her job entailed,” adds the source.

When we reached out to critic-turned-director Karan Anshuman, who will helm the project, he told us, “At this point, I don’t wish to divulge any detail regarding the plot. We have already started shooting it and hope people like it.”

Now seems to be the best time for budding scriptwriters to make their mark in Bollywood. For, entrepreneurs and film studios are ready to nourish content-driven projects
Anirban Das (MID-DAY; October 18, 2015)

In Bollywood, stars have always taken centrestage, holding more importance than directors, producers, scriptwriters and sometimes, even the film. Many have slammed this ‘star system’, alleging that it relegates meaningful cinema to the background.

However, things are slowly changing and today, each is slowly earning their place in the sun. This is especially true for writers.

No longer just another name on the title card, they are being recognised as the backbone of new-generation films. So much so, that many greenhouses have come up with the sole purpose of nurturing scripts and script writers.

Utpal Acharya, former country head of a renowned production house, has now founded his own studio to give young writers a platform to sell and develop their scripts. Called Indian Film Studios, it aims not only at backing new writers, but also developing ideas into full- ledged scripts.

Says Acharya, “Several writers are not able to pitch their stories or scripts to the right production house. Many a time, they also find it difficult to sell their stories to a production house, which have a set formula to buy scripts. They do not know how to reach out to established producers. So, I came up with the idea of offering them a platform to help them develop their concepts into films.”

The studio started operations in November last year and receives four to five stories on a daily basis. “We will begin work on a film by the end of this year; two more will follow soon after. Our studio has tied up with a few investors who want to encourage content- driven cinema,” he adds.

Mass acceptance
Kunal Kapoor, who has been part of films like Rang De Basanti (2006), Don 2 (2011) and Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana (2012) to name a few, has now initiated a process to encourage and support new-age film writers. He had started his company, Ketto, to work on social causes, but now he has spread its reach to include “creative causes” as well. He believes there is a huge talent pool as far as film writing goes. “I see a lot of potential in today’s writers who hail from diverse backgrounds. But, it becomes a challenge for them to find someone who will finance their project without laying down a clause. They still look for commercial viability. Ketto aims to discover good writers and help them get their films released,” says the lanky actor.

While it is still early days for a just-launched production house to back multiple projects, Kunal feels crowdfunding can become the key. “Today, a large section of moviegoers have easy access to social networking sites or digital platforms. We host our ideas online and those interested can provide funds,” he explains.

It seems established production houses are also realising the demand for original ideas. Zeishan Quadri, the writer of Gangs Of Wasseypur (2012), was lucky to have earned the support of Anurag Kashyap-led Phantom Films. After finding a toehold in tinseltown, Quadri tried his hand at direction. His debut directorial venture, Meeruthiya Gangsters released last month and garnered positive reviews. Says Quadri, “The industry is opening up for new writers. Number of films, which have fetched a good response by critics as well as the audience in the past few years, are script-driven. A new writer should not only reach the right producer, but also find a director who will do justice to the script. If a writer finds a good director, it becomes easier to get producers.”

Karan Anshuman, a film critic, who wrote and directed Bangistan for Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s production house. “Today, big production houses have understood that apart from star-driven films, those based on real concepts can also make an impact at the box office.”

Several big and small production houses are now scouting for new writers, says Utpal and adds: “Some of them are planning to create a separate division to promote new writers and ideas. Films sans stars also have a market now.”

Since there have been instances where writers were unhappy with their pay or denied due credit, what should budding writers watch out for while dealing with big-ticket studios?

Karan says, “They should be clear about the credit and money while pitching a script. A confident writer should not sell a script at a throwaway price. Also, in this industry, film studios never say no. One should not wait indefinitely for a studio to respond; they should approach other producers.”

Although, the industry seems to be opening up to new ideas and young talent, but it has a long way to go, feels renowned writer Anjum Rajabali. “Scripts have certainly become important. However, rarely have I seen a production house or studio being able to confirm a project merely on the merit of the script. They still look for commercial viability,” he rues.

The veteran writer mentions that a dialogue between producers and writers will take the industry to newer heights.

“Change will not take place by itself. It will happen when there is a dialogue between producers and writers, something that we are trying to encourage. We are trying to negotiate that writers get fair royalty and credit for their work. It will encourage good content and fair business,” Rajabali says.

Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; August 7, 2015)

While the Censors in quite a few countries have decided to ban Riteish Deshmukh and Pulkit Samrat-starrer Bangistan, a local religious outfit is said to have demanded a stay on the film’s release in India for “ offensive content”. Apprehensive of an untoward situation, the actor duo has asked for police security as the film hits the marquee today.

A source says, “The film revolves around two suicide bombers, one Hindu and the other, a Muslim. Both Pulkit and Riteish know what the consequences can be if someone misunderstands their characters. And such controversies have happened in the past. Therefore, they have asked the makers if they can be provided with additional security on the release day, which is today.” So far, the film, which was given a U/A certificate, has been banned in Pakistan,

UAE, Singapore, Kuwait and Bahrain after their respective censors found its content objectionable. Another source says, “After it was banned in a few countries, the Censor Board in India has received a letter from the Hindu Legal Cell demanding a stay on its release. They are objecting to the portrayal of a Hindu as a terrorist in the film. They have also taken exception to a scene in which Pulkit dresses up as lord Hanuman and is later seen indulging in terrorist activities.”

The film’s spokesperson confirms the story, stating: “ Additional security arrangements have been made for Pulkit and Riteish to avoid any mishaps. Even the makers of the project are taking precautionary measures since the film releases today.”

Director Karan Anshuman says, “Some Hindu outfit has taken objection to the film and written a letter to Censor Board, but I don’t know if it will affect the release.”

Composer Ram Sampath talks about the making of the wacky soundtrack of Bangistan
Kasmin Fernandes (BOMBAY TIMES; August 7, 2015)

Film critic-turned-director Karan Anshuman admits he'll never write a review again
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 28, 2015)

During his three-year tenure as Mirror's film critic, Karan Anshuman admits he never gave a Salman Khan film a good review. Kick was no exception. But when he greeted Jacqueline Fernandez with a cake which had 'Congratulations for Kick's 200-crore' iced on it, Karan, who makes his directorial debut with the satirical Bangistan, knew he had moved to the other side. "It was my sell-out moment," he agrees. "I will never return to reviewing films again."

"I took a David Dhawan film to the cleaners once. The review went viral. It must have affected the film's business too," he reminisces, saying that when he met David recently, for the first time, he wanted to kill himself. "He is the nicest person I've ever met. If I was to review a David Dhawan film today I'd never write it the way I did."

The former critic insists that he has tried hard to not compromise on all that he had written against in his reviews. "But it's impossible to be idealistic," Karan says. "I've disliked using sound effects to cue in humour but am doing it now because our audiences who're tuned into TV comedy shows expect it. There's no room for subtlety. Many will disagree with several things in the film, but I'm reasonably proud of it. I hope it's a memorable watch."

His script was green-lit by producer Ritesh Sidhwani immediately and though he tried to share with Zoya and Farhan Akhtar his plan on how it'd translate on screen, they were not interested. "They told me to go do my thing in Poland," he laughs.

He, however, found an unexpected brat in Genelia D'Souza who would frequent the sets and remind her husband and the film's hero, Riteish Deshmukh, how Karan had run down his performances in his reviews. "She loves to mess with Riteish's head," he laughs good-naturedly.

Pulkit Samrat plays the parallel lead and Karan admits that when his name came up, he started browsing through his reviews wondering what he had thought of him as an actor. "I realised that I had written paragraphs about his fabulous performances in Bittoo Boss and Fukrey and could trust my own judgement," Karan jokes.

He reveals that initially, he did not like the title Bangistan as he thought it was too quirky and had wanted to set the film in London or New York as he is familiar with both these cities. "The final decision was to go to Poland since it is neutral to all religions. There are around 4,231 religions in the world. I put together the obscure ones for a visually appealing climax. You might spot Darth Vader in there too, that's my religion," he chuckles.

The chuckle is replaced with a frown when you bring up the subject of Pakistan banning his film over one scene in the trailer. "The Indian censors loved it, but the ones across the border had a problem with Aarya Babbar's character measuring the size of his beard. Ridiculous! I hope they see the entire film and realise it's all about choosing your own faith," he grouses.

Towards the year end, Karan will move on to create a 12-episode miniseries, Khel, which will release only online, on an Indian streaming service like Netflix. "It is an intense, tellall sports drama that will take you behind-the-scenes of the IPL," he signs off.

Seema Sinha (BOMBAY TIMES; July 18, 2015)

Riteish Deshmukh on the trade, changing trends, being on a career high as an actor and producer
Sarita A Tanwar (DNA; July 14, 2015)


Unlike many heroes who start off with solo careers and stubbornly continue doing those till they are forced to retire, Riteish made the most of what was available to him. He came from an affluent background and could have continued making films mainlining him, but he didn’t let his ego get in the way of his dream. Today, he in the position to pick and choose films. I don’t know if success is always sweeter when it comes after a struggle, but it’s got to be lot more satisfying. Today he has earned the position he is at, along with respect. In the last two years, he has come into his own. He is flying high professionally and personally, but remains the same grounded guy I’d met during an interaction during the release of his first film. Here he talks about being on a high, career-wise, about changing attitudes in the trade and the way ahead.

The last two years have been rather significant for you in terms of your career. What do you attribute that to?
I think there are two things. I felt that the growth of the industry in terms of approach towards actors and not trying to cast them in the same roles, trying offbeat casting and people also being excited to see someone new in that role. Probably that has helped. I was lucky enough to have that opportunity be it, acting in Ek Villain, producing Balak Palak or doing a film like Lai Bhaari. Eventually, all these things timed out well for me. Thanks to them, I got Bangistan and YRF’s Bank Chor, which are not the typical comedies that I am associated with.

Grand Masti and Ek Villain took you to a different level, both crossing Rs 100 crores. In Marathi, it was Lai Bhaari that created new records. Is there a feeling of vindication?
One thing I learnt in the last ten years is that once the Friday is over, it’s the past. You have to let go. I have seen a lot of people who are living on Fridays that have really gone back. Saturday is a new day, Saturday is the reality check, you have to move on. As an actor, I feel the only day you should enjoy or be sad about is a Friday. Saturday you have to go out and start work again.

That’s easier said than done, no?
I know, but I have been a part of films that have not worked and of films that have been successes, but I don’t carry either forward. All that matters is the experience that you had while working on the films. Yes, it’s easier said than done, but I consciously try to work towards that, because everyone is on top of the game, everyone is doing great. There is so much to learn from female actors as well as from male co-stars. I saw Ranveer in Dil Dhadakne Do, and he was incredible, the way he did it. It was so easy and so nice, he was so wonderful. So it’s not about, ‘Oh, if I would have done the role would I do the same thing?” It’s about... he did it so differently so what I can do in my next film, that will be so refreshing? I got a chance in Ek Villain and I tried my best, I did my best but the film is done. What next?

You’ve always been a hero of the masses. With Bangistan, are you trying to reach out to a different set of people.
No. Till the time Ritesh Sidhwani called me for Bangistan I never thought that I would be the actor that Excel would approach or Yash Raj would want me for a lead for Bank Chor, but I was glad they had thought of me.

Bangistan looks too similar to Welcome to Karachi.
They are two different films. But it’s about two people caught in two different situations about India-Pakistan so in that way they are alike, but nothing else.

The director of Bangistan used to be a film critic. And he has always voiced his dissent at the kind of films you have done throughout your career. When your director shows contempt for the kind of films you have done, how do you relate to him?
That’s a very interesting question. For many years, I’d stopped reading reviews. So when I was told Karan Anshuman was directing, I was like ‘Okay.’ I don’t hold it against anyone if they dont like any film of mine. I am like ‘you didn’t like the film, everyone’s choice is different, so it’s okay.’ During a conversation much later, I mentioned to him that I had not read any reviews and at the time Grand Masti had released and Genelia told me he reviewed it. Karan said, “Read my review, I have in fact praised Grand Masti”. That’s the time I read the review.

He had praised it?
Yes, he had praised Grand Masti. More than anything, what I like about Karan or any director for that matter is when they narrate the film with a conviction. And it’s important how much a director understands cinema. I go with that feeling. And when Karan narrated it, it was wonderful. I didn’t know and I am not against any director who has had a flop film, no film, successful film...

As a hero, do you find attitude towards you changing after recent successes?
Whose attitude?

The film industry, in terms of the films that are being offered to you?
Yes. For sure. The films that have been offered to me now are different. Also, there are certain roles that people thought I would have done earlier, I like the fact that they now say, “Nahi, nahi... Riteish yeh role nahi karega”. In a way I’m glad they have decided to not approach me with certain kinds of roles.

You refused Kya Kool sequel because you consciously wanted to move away from that genre, but you are doing Great Grand Masti due to the emotional pressure from Indra Kumar. True?
I didn’t do Kya Kool... 3 because I wasn’t doing any adult comedies. Let me just say that I am doing GGM only for Indra Kumar. The only multi-starrer that I am doing right now are Great Grand Masti and Housefull 3.

You’ve emerged as a star in your own right now. Does it then become difficult to do films like Housefull 3 where you are sharing attention?
No. I am doing Housefull 3 because it’s my franchise. I feel it’s my film and I have grown with it, my career has grown with it and above all it has Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, so I am working with my friends. There is no competition in terms of, there will never be a time when I am trying to do outdo Akshay or he is trying to outdo Abhishek. Everyone is comfortable and confident about their space.

One hears that now you are rather firm on the choice of heroine opposite you. She has to be of a certain stature. Is that correct?
No, no, not at all. I have never ever got into the casting of a heroine.

Has this change in your stance of doing a certain kind of cinema happened because of fatherhood?
In a way, yes. Marriage and fatherhood are two big life changing things. When you are single, your responsibility is for the day or for the week. When you become a husband then you start planning for the next one year or two years. But when you become a father, your life view suddenly shoots up and extends to the next ten or next fifteen years. And it’s great because I am looking forward to this responsibility.

Lai Bhaari has also given you a lot of responsibility towards Marathi cinema. One hears that you are getting the entire Marathi industry under your wings now.
Lai Bhaari was an attempt to do something more commercial within Marathi space and I’m glad it was received the way it was, and I think I am trying to just be a small contributor in this big wheel.

But suddenly, everyone is looking at you as the new hope of Marathi cinema.
I know I think it’s their bigness (sic) to look at me that way, and I will always try to live upto that. But there have been, and there are legends in Marathi cinema right now, who are doing their best and everyone is contributing towards success of the industry. There are so many advantages in Marathi cinema with regard to the kind of films you can make within limited budget and appreciation that you look forward to because those cinemas won’t be even attempted in the Hindi formats, unfortunately. Marathi cinema is the second choice in the State of Maharashtra, the first choice is always Hindi and we are struggling but hoping that changes. There are a lot of things happening. Hopefully, there is some film that will come and break the Rs 50 crore barrier. We have just broken 40. Hopefully 50 and 60, and Marathi cinema becomes stronger.

Lastly, most actors shield their children from the media. You have set a trend by coming out in the public with the baby pictures on social media. What was the thought behind that?
I wanted him to be part of my father’s birthday. It was my father’s 70th birth anniversary, and it coincided with Riaan’s six months, so we wanted to make that day special. Also, we have travelled with him and are going to travel in the future too. So why all the hiding and telling people, ‘Don’t click pictures’? It’s pointless. Especially, in this day of mobile phones, everyone is a paparazzi. So, we decided to put his pics out there and now I am not bothered. Whoever wants to click can click, but that was a special day and we wanted to make it extra special.

Hiren Kotwani (DNA; April 24, 2015)