Filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani is making his OTT debut with the cybercrime comedy-drama ‘Pritam and Pedro’, and the series carries an added significance as it marks the acting debut of his son, Vir Hirani. But unlike the typical star-kid narrative, Vir’s path to landing the role was anything but easy, with his father making it clear from the outset that there would be no shortcuts or preferential treatment.
Rajkumar Hirani says Vir 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 explained that he consciously avoids thinking about casting while writing, to protect the creative process. He told Hindustan Times, “When we started writing, neither Arshad nor Vir was on the radar. When you’re writing, you don’t want to think of the cast because you get stuck.”At the time, Vir was completing his training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. Hirani had in fact advised his son to build his craft before chasing film and series roles. He added, “I told him to come back from drama school, do theatre, and establish yourself as an actor doing interesting work.”
Rajkumar Hirani says Vir Hirani had to audition like everyone else
It was only after observing casting discussions at home and at the office that Vir expressed interest in the role. But his father set the ground rules immediately. 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 impose myself. Even if it’s my film, you have to audition. Don’t think you’re going to get it just because you’re my son.‘”Vir took the process seriously, reportedly rehearsing scenes every night with a friend, recording multiple audition tapes, and sending only the best ones to the makers. He secured the role purely on merit.
About ‘Pritam and Pedro’
Created, co-written, and produced by Rajkumar Hirani and directed by Avinash Arun, ‘Pritam and Pedro’ marks Rajkumar Hirani’s debut as a streaming creator.In ‘Pritam and Pedro’, Vir plays the role of Pritam, a tech-savvy cyber expert, and Arshad Warsi plays Pedro, an old-school cop reluctantly posted to the 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 premieres on JioHotstar on July 3.