Know how Riteish Deshmukh got his first break in Bollywood

Image Courtesy: www.bollywoodhungama.com

Young man coming from the family background of Politics, pursued Architecture and now an established actor in the film industry, it’s an interesting story how Riteish Deshmukh landed his first acting break in ‘Tujhe Meri Kasam’.  Working on a thesis project on materials used in TV industry as part of his architecture curriculum, got a helping hand from none other than the showman himself – Mr. Subhash Ghai as he was setting up his media school. Post which he was all set to go to New York for further studies, Mr. Ghai offered him to spend some time in London where he was shooting Yaadien starring Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor Khan. Kicked with the idea of being around film stars, Riteish decided to stop at London before he heads to US. After his short interface with the glamour world, he moved on to US, Riteish finished his architecture followed by internship. Some 1 & half years later, he got a call saying that Kabir Lal, who was the DOP (Director of Photography) of Yaadein and was now working on ‘Tujhe Meri Kasam’ wanted to meet him. Sitting at Chief Minister’s residence having no clue what DOP means ran in front of Mirror to see if there is anything worth in him to be casted as a lead actor. Riteish thought of just going for a meeting so at least he can have a good story to tell his grandchildren that once he was considered for a lead actor. Entered in a room at Sun & Sand Hotel in Juhu, 5 men in whites sitting on one bed about to start narration of the film. Though Riteish liked the script, he asked for 15 days just so that he can speak to his father. After gathering courage for 10 days, he finally could ask his dad the much awaited question and at the same time worried about the reputation of one of most celebrated chief minister of Maharashtra - Mr.Vilasrao Deshmukh. However, his dad replied saying that he has far more issues to deal with and Riteish should deal with his own issue. Clearly choosing the latter, he jumped into the well of Bollywood. ‘ Tujhe Meri Kasam’ did not just gave him his first break into the film industry but also made him meet his soulmate and now wife – Genelia D’Souza Deshmukh

Source: The Actors Roundtable 2014 with Rajeev Masand