Ashish Khare: Tested 250 actors across 20 cities in India

Shiv Chauhan and Ashish Khare

Even as Hindi cinema is becoming braver, casting the romantic interests of leads in queer love stories continues to be a challenge. So, after watching Badhaai Do, one is compelled to seek out the casting directors who found the perfect on-screen partners for Rajkummar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar. Shiv Chauhan and Ashish Khare admit it wasn't easy. "It can be a challenge as it's an image-conscious industry. But times are changing; actors now are more open to experimenting. They want to play well-written characters that give them a chance to stand out. Badhaai Do provided this opportunity. There were more yeses than noes," recounts Chauhan.

A still from the film

In a welcome move, director Harshavardhan Kulkarni and the casting directors roped in north-eastern actor Chum Darang opposite Pednekar, thus taking the theme of inclusivity a step further. Khare says, "On paper, Rimjhim was a character from the north-east. Our director's brief for Rimjhim was simple - great actor, sparkling eyes, and a beautiful smile. We tested 200 to 250 actors across 20 cities in India, and Nepal, over eight months. Chum first auditioned in March [2020]. About 20 to 25 actors were shortlisted for the second round, then five for the final round. Chum was the unanimous choice. We have seen some plays in Delhi performed by visiting north-eastern groups. So, we were aware of the talent and untapped potential from the north-east. We had to go for it."

Gulshan Devaiah plays Rajkummar Rao's love interest

Since the movie's release, netizens have praised Rao and Gulshan Devaiah's chemistry. It was Kulkarni's brainwave to bring his Hunterrr (2015) actor on board. Khare says, "The factor we kept in mind was Raj and Gulshan's age compatibility. Actors of his and Raj's calibre can weave magic out of the written word."