Veteran actor Adi Irani has recently voiced his disappointment over being replaced by Parmeet Sethi in the 2015 star-studded film Dil Dhadakne Do without prior intimation. In an interview with Filmytantra Media, Irani revealed that he was initially considered for a role in Zoya Akhtar’s directorial venture but later found out that he had been replaced without being formally informed.
Adi Irani calls out Zoya Akhtar for unprofessionalism over Dil Dhadakne Do casting shake-up: “Everybody wants to be a diplomat”
Zoya Akhtar’s Casting Process and the Replacement
Adi Irani shared that he auditioned for a role in Dil Dhadakne Do, which features a stellar ensemble including Anil Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Ranveer Singh, Farhan Akhtar, and Shefali Shah. According to him, Akhtar conducted an audition but eventually decided to cast Parmeet Sethi for the role. Irani speculated that Akhtar prefers working with her close-knit circle of friends in the industry, which may have influenced her decision.
He further explained that while he was working on Welcome Back, he was under the impression that his role in Dil Dhadakne Do was confirmed. Even Anil Kapoor, a key cast member of the film, checked with him regarding the finalization of his role. However, Irani later discovered that Parmeet Sethi had been given the part without any prior communication from Akhtar.
Irani’s Demand for a ‘Meaty’ Role
The actor explained that he was particular about the quality of the role he would take on. “I explained to Zoya that I don’t want my character to be seen throughout the film; the quantity of the scenes can be less, but there needs to be quality,” he stated. When he was called for a second audition, he was given lines for a different character, which made it clear that he was no longer in the running for his originally intended role.
“When I mentioned my preference for a more substantial role, Zoya said she would call me if she found something suitable,” Irani recalled. However, he realized at that moment that he would not be cast in the film.
Lack of Transparency in Bollywood Casting?
Irani did not mince words when addressing the professionalism of casting practices in the industry. “It wasn’t very professional of her, but who knows what she was thinking? It’s very difficult to inform an actor that they’ve been axed. Everybody wants to be a diplomat in the industry, and people are not very frank and open; that is what I feel,” he remarked.
He also expressed concerns about the current state of Bollywood filmmaking, stating that producers and directors today focus primarily on box office success rather than crafting emotionally resonant stories.
As of now, Zoya Akhtar has not responded to Adi Irani’s claims.
Also Read: Adi Irani recalls Salman Khan leaving him bleeding on set of Chori Chori Chupke Chupke: “He stormed off. He saw the blood, but he just left”
More Pages: Dil Dhadakne Do Box Office Collection , Dil Dhadakne Do Movie Review
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