Subhash Ghai has got his priorities in the right place. At least, that’s what he said during a recent interview with Hindustan Times.
The filmmaker stressed on the importance of casting in films, and said that directors should rope in actors who can do justice to the roles. Not just stars who have a massive fan base.
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“My priority has never been a star. I give importance to the story. Casting is a crucial factor. Imagine Katrina (Kaif) and Kareena (Kapoor Khan) playing the characters of Geeta (Phogat) and Babita (Kumari) in Dangal. Or even, Anupam Kher essaying the role of Mahavir Singh Phogat. I rope in actors who I feel would do justice to the role. I approach a star only when he or she is required. And for this, I have seen both successes and failures.”
Ghai’s comment implies that actresses who have established themselves as commercial cinema stars, like Kareena and Katrina, cannot do justice to roles that branch out. That is arguably unfair. After all, glamour roles are what fans expect from them. Moreover, filmmakers with an eye on hard-hitting social drama are unlikely to cast them in the first place.
Ghai can call it a reflection of the actor’s talent, but he might just be comparing apples and oranges.