film maker Rajkumar Hirani Making his OTT debut with the cyber crime comedy-drama ‘Pritam and Pedro’, the series carries an added significance as it marks the acting debut of his son, Veer Hirani. But unlike the typical star-kid narrative, the path to landing the role of Veer was easy, with his father making it clear from the start that there would be no shortcuts or preferential treatment.
Rajkumar Hirani says Veer Hirani was never part of the original plan
According to Rajkumar Hirani, his son was not on the radar when the series was first being developed. The filmmaker explains that he avoids thinking about casting while writing to protect the creative process. He told Hindustan Times, “When we started writing, neither Arshad nor Veer were on the radar. When you’re writing, you don’t want to think about the cast because you’re stuck.”At that time, Veer was completing his training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. Hirani actually advised his son to hone his craft before pursuing film and serial roles. He added, “I told him to come back from drama school, do theater and establish himself as an actor by doing interesting work.”
Rajkumar Hirani says, Veer Hirani also had to audition like everyone else
Veer expressed interest in the role only after observing casting discussions at home and in the office. But his father immediately set the ground rules. Rajkumar Hirani added, “I told him, ‘If you want to audition for it, do it. Meet Avinash Arun. Convince him because he’s directing it. I can’t force myself. Even if it’s my film, you have to audition. Don’t think you’re going to get it because you’re my son.’‘”Veer took the process seriously, rehearsing the scene with a friend every night, recording multiple audition tapes and sending only the best to the producers. He secured the role on merit alone.
About ‘Pritam and Pedro’
Produced, co-written and produced by Rajkumar Hirani and directed by Avinash Arun, ‘Pritam and Pedro’ marks Rajkumar Hirani’s debut as a streaming producer.In ‘Pritam and Pedro’, Veer plays the role of Pritam, a tech-savvy cyber expert and Arshad Warsi Plays Pedro, an old-school cop reluctantly posted to a cyber cell. Together, they investigate the kidnapping of a minister’s son while going up against a dangerous cybercriminal played by Vikrant Massey.The series will premiere on JioHotstar on July 3.
