Don 3 producer Ritesh Sidhwani on Ranveer Singh’s casting receiving backlash: ‘We will answer that when…’

Ritesh Sidhwani also spoke about the difference in casting when it comes to films versus the digital medium. When the trend of web series kickstarted in India, it was all about casting an actor best suited for the role. However, in the last two years, with many popular Bollywood stars entering the OTT space, has the demand and requirement changed?

The producer said that ever since they started making films, they strongly believed in casting actors rather than running behind stars. Ritesh said that even though he doesn’t write, he knows it’s the worst thing when a script is written keeping a certain actor in mind. He said that if the project doesn’t happen, then the writer would be demotivated and feel that something is wrong with their work. However, the producer stressed upon the fact that OTT as a format gives you the liberty to go without a certain star or profile, and cast the right person for a part.

“You do not have to worry about the pressure or the constraints that filmmakers face. Especially when it’s a big budget project, and honestly, that happens in every industry. Here, you don’t fall in the trap, but even in films, we made Fukrey with such a new cast. I feel if we had gotten known faces, it would have backfired because they got the vulnerability. You rooted for the characters because they were new at work. You need to stand true to your work. There are some films where you need the big guys, but let me tell you even they are good actors. They wouldn’t have survived otherwise,” Ritesh Sidhwani shared.

He further said that the digital space, however, gives makers the opportunity to widen the pool on what actors can bring in. “The platform allows more talent, and the chance to nurture them. Hopefully, there are no more lines and one can work everywhere. Earlier it was considered a taboo but now many film stars are doing shows and streaming guys are on the big screen,” the producer concluded.

Ritesh Sidhwani was speaking at the promotions of Bambai Meri Jaan, Amazon Prime Video’s next offering. The show, set in the underbelly of Mumbai in the 60s and the many nexus that existed in the city, stars Avinash Tiwary, Kay Kay Menon, Kritika Kamra, Amyra Dastur and Nivedita Bhattacharya, among others. It has been directed by Shujaat Saudagar, and Rensil D’silva is credited as the co-creator along with him.