At the trailer launch of the upcoming film Heer Express in Mumbai, Gulshan Grover shared his insights alongside Ashutosh Rana, Sanjay Mishra, Pritt Kamani, debutant Divita Juneja, and director Umesh Shukla. Grover spoke about his long history of working with new actresses early in their careers, emphasizing the lasting bonds formed through those experiences.
Gulshan Grover stated,
“I was a part of Rani Mukerji’s first film. I was a part of Bipasha Basu’s first film. I was a part of Kangana Ranaut’s first film. I was a part of Katrina Kaif’s first film. There must be some more heroines. All four are different from one another in terms of their persona and acting. And then they shone and how. All four give me a lot of love and respect me even today. Rani continues to call me ‘Daar ji’. That was the sardar character I played (in Raja Ki Aayegi Baaraat; 1998).”
—Gulshan Grover
He further recounted an event at IIFA, saying,
“At IIFA, I attended the dinner in Shah Rukh Khan’s room. Karan Johar, Rani Mukerji and a few more people were there. I didn’t spot Rani. From the corner of the room, I heard ‘Dar ji’! I am narrating these heartening experiences because I worked with Divita for the first time in this film. The same kind of feeling I got with her (which I got while working with other aforementioned newcomers). Maybe, the generation of today is more polished, confident and aware. Some of the names I mentioned were slightly raw yet confident. But Divita was super-confident.”
—Gulshan Grover
Changes in Casting Choices Highlighted Through Comparison of Past and Present Films
Gulshan Grover discussed evolving casting trends in Indian cinema, comparing earlier films to more recent ones. He observed how the selection of actors has shifted along with filmmaking perspectives, particularly referencing Gangubai Kathiawadi, which features Alia Bhatt as the lead.
He explained,
“The choice of Divita as Heer shows how the thinking of filmmaking has evolved. When Khoobsurat (1980) was made, Rekha ji was cast for the lead role. But in Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022), Sanjay Leela Bhansali cast Alia Bhatt. The film was set in a period when women were voluptuous, taller and bigger. But he chose a younger girl of today.”
—Gulshan Grover
This remark indicates a shift from traditional casting based on physical appearance to a more contemporary vision tailored to current audience sensibilities, particularly for historical or period films like Gangubai Kathiawadi.
Producer Sanjay Grover’s Influence on Casting Forward-Looking Leads
Grover also praised his son Sanjay Grover, the film’s producer and writer, for bringing a modern understanding to the casting process of Heer Express. Sanjay worked alongside director Umesh Shukla and consulted with other filmmakers to decide on Divita Juneja for the lead role.
Gulshan Grover remarked,
“My son, who is a producer and also writer of the film, consulted other makers and director Umesh Shukla and concluded that as per them, this girl (Divita Juneja) is perfect for the role. She is not the Heer which we saw in our films at one point like Neetu Singh. This is a forward-thinking approach by the makers to cast her.”
—Gulshan Grover
This suggests that Heer Express aims to offer a fresh take on classic characters, aligning with a new generation’s expectations and sensibilities.
Upcoming Release and Industry Background
Heer Express is scheduled to premiere in cinemas on August 8. The film features new talent and experienced actors, backed by the direction of Umesh Shukla. The presence of noted actors such as Ashutosh Rana, Sanjay Mishra, and Pritt Kamani adds depth to the ensemble. With such a mix of experienced and emerging artists, the film is poised to attract attention from a broad audience segment.
In a related comment at the trailer launch event, Umesh Shukla revealed,
“I was the ghost-writer on Hera Pheri; I was also the main villain in Yaar Gaddar.”
—Umesh Shukla
This highlights the director’s diverse background in the film industry, contributing to the film’s creative strength.
Significance of Casting Trends and Expectations for Heer Express
The observations by Gulshan Grover about Alia Bhatt’s casting in Gangubai Kathiawadi underscore significant changes in Indian cinema’s approach to portraying historical characters, where traditional physical ideals are reconsidered. This evolution reflects broader shifts in audience preferences and filmmaking philosophies.
With Heer Express introducing Divita Juneja in a lead role that blends tradition with contemporary appeal, the film may mark a progressive step in casting and storytelling. The involvement of experienced actors and a director open about his multifaceted contributions adds anticipation to the film’s upcoming release.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Alia Bhatt a millionaire?
A. Alia Bhatt, who was born in 1993, is the youngest actress listed among India’s wealthiest people, with an estimated net worth of $65 million. She started her career as a lead actress in the 2012 film, “Student of the Year,” and since then, her performances in movies such as “Raazi,” “Gully Boy,” and “Gangubai Kathiawadi” have won her critical praise and several awards.
Q. Is Alia Bhatt 100% Indian?
A. Bhatt was born on March 15, 1993, in Bombay, India, which is now called Mumbai. Her parents are Mahesh Bhatt, an Indian filmmaker, and Soni Razdan, a British actress. Her father has Gujarati roots, while her mother is of Kashmiri-Pandit and German-British background. Bhatt is a British citizen.
