Arbaaz Khan reveals Raveena Tandon was in his wishlist of actors as he cast her in ‘Patna Shuklla’; calls her an ‘audience puller’ | – Times of India

Arbaaz Khan recently revealed that they had a list of preferred actors, with Raveena Tandon positioned at the top. Fortunately, she shared the team’s enthusiasm and eagerly accepted the offer of ‘Patna Shuklla‘.
Arbaaz chuckled as he recounted his conversation with the actor. He informed her about the intriguing film project, and her immediate request was to send the script via WhatsApp.Khan mentioned her preference for reading scripts in PDF format rather than listening to narrations. Within two days, she called him expressing her appreciation for the script after reading the first half. Khan encouraged her to finish the remaining portion, and they subsequently discussed the project’s details, leading to a swift and smooth collaboration.

Regarding Raveena’s role in ‘Patna Shuklla,’ Arbaaz noted the rarity of actors willing to portray a middle-aged woman with a child, acknowledging the lack of glamour in such a character. He praised Raveena’s enthusiasm, emphasizing her suitability for the role and her ability to attract audiences. Additionally, he highlighted her self-assurance, which was crucial for a project led by a new director.

Discussing the disparity in opportunities for female actors from the 90s compared to their male counterparts, Khan attributed it to a dearth of compelling scripts tailored for them. He contrasted Hollywood’s diverse range of subjects with Bollywood‘s focus on commercial narratives.
Khan also stressed the need for the audience to embrace new storytelling approaches, acknowledging past attempts that fell short. With increased exposure to world cinema, he sees a gradual shift towards more diverse narratives. Khan also noted a changing landscape where filmmakers and actors explore complex characters, departing from traditional black-and-white portrayals. He highlighted a newfound acceptance of flawed characters, even within familial roles, reflecting evolving audience perceptions of human complexity.

When asked about creating a film with a relatable lead like Chulbul Pandey, Arbaaz emphasised the importance of being excited about the subject as a filmmaker. While having a bankable star is advantageous, Khan cautioned against casting solely based on stardom, as it might overshadow the character’s essence. He emphasized the necessity of maintaining a balance to ensure the character’s authenticity and integrity remain intact.