Deepika Padukone was always meant to be 'Piku', even before the script was ready, reveals Shoojit Sircar

As Piku marks its tenth anniversary, director Shoojit Sircar has shared behind-the-scenes insights into how the beloved film took shape. In a recent interview with Screen, he opened up about casting choices, story development, and the unique bond between the characters.

Sircar said that even before the script was finalised, he had Deepika Padukone in mind for the role of Piku. He recalled encouraging writer Juhi Chaturvedi and producer Ronnie Lahiri to consider her seriously. “I kept telling them, ‘Yaar, think about Deepika,’” he said. But the subject of the film—centered around a father’s constipation and the father-daughter bond—wasn’t conventional, and Sircar was unsure whether Deepika would agree to do it.

Still, he decided to take a chance. He gave her a brief five-minute narration, even acting out the film’s opening scene. To his surprise, Deepika did not ask for the full script. She simply said, “Main kar rahi hoon.” Her immediate decision confirmed to Sircar that she was the right choice.

Though Deepika was known for her glamorous roles, Sircar said he had always seen a grounded side to her. “There was an innocence in her face… a simplicity in her expressions,” he explained. Her face structure reminded him of someone from Bengal. And when she wore the bindi for Piku, everything fell into place.

Sircar also spoke about the ending of the film. He had imagined Piku and Rana (played by Irrfan Khan) bonding over badminton, not romance. “They wouldn’t marry. Piku might have dated others. But Rana? I don’t think he would,” he said. He joked that Piku could adopt a son and ask Rana to mentor him as a civil engineer. “Aur haan, uss bacche ko bhi kabzi ho sakti hai,” he laughed.

Piku is re-releasing in cinemas this week, reminding audiences of its humour and emotional honesty. Sircar’s reflections show how much of the film came from instinct and simple human observation.