Rajkumar Hirani was reluctant to cast Ritika Singh in ‘Saala Khadoos’

Also read: Saala Khadoos actress congratulates schoolmate, young cricketer Pranav Dhanawade

The makers auditioned nearly 100 athletes and zeroed in on Ritika.

“Initially, I was apprehensive about the acting part. I was reluctant (as) I wanted an actor as the film is not about boxing alone, it also has difficult scenes.

But Madhavan and (director) Sudha (Kongara) were adamant that they wanted a real boxer. Madhavan and Sudha wanted a real boxer so that the fights could (be) real,” Hirani told reporters here at the promotional event of “Saala Khadoos”.

Also read: ‘Saala Khadoos’s Ritika Singh chosen from amongst 100 athletes

“They wanted me to see the auditions. I saw her (Ritika’s) clipping and I think she was good. We took a chance,” he said.

The film directed by Sudha Kongara is all set to release on January 29, 2016.

“I was surprised when I saw her (Ritika’s) work,” he quipped.

Hirani is known to make films that have a social message, but “Saala Khadoos” is quite different.

“I make feel good films. Sports films are inspiring, they are story of underdogs who come out as a winner. In films there are no fights but people will love this film,” he added.

Like every film “Saala Khadoos” too would have a smessage.

“It is about fighting odds, consequences and staying focused to achieve things,” he added.