Masand blind: Viacom's first choice for Tabu's role was PC

In Director We Must Trust

One of 2018’s biggest hits and a critics’ favourite, this delicious Bollywood thriller scooped up a slew of awards at every ceremony, including a clutch of National Awards. One of the dark suspense film’s biggest strengths is the bravura performance by its leading lady: a celebrated star who took a decidedly negative role.

But the story goes that if the studio coproducing the film had its way, the actress might not have landed the role. Those who worked on the film say the director had his heart set on casting this actress, who had committed in principle. But the studio boss was keen on casting another actress, with recent international stardom and success. The other actress was also interested; she summoned the director for a narration to the US where she was filming then. The studio offered to fly the director out, but he refused to go.

Later when the ‘other actress’ was in Mumbai, the studio set up another meeting with the director, but he didn’t show up. Finally, the studio boss gave up. The director’s choice signed the dotted line, and the rest is history. The studio boss admits nobody could’ve done the role better than her.

Guess: PC

Film:Andhadhun

Since Masand was in Melbourne with Andhadhun team (Sriram, Ajit Andhare, Tabu) for IFFM have a feeling this blind is straight from the horse's mouth.