MUMBAI: Not many know but Rishab is the talented actor Shruti Seths brother and we cannot help but mention that talent does run in the family.
We caught up with him to ask him on Dhoom Dhaam and what next.
How did Dhoom Dhaam happen?
My co-writer of CASH, Aarsh Vora introduced me to Aditya Dhar. Aditya and his brother Lokesh Dhar had recently turned producers after the staggering success of Uri. They had a script that they were very keen to get on the road. I read the script and found it very exciting and expressed my keenness to direct it. Aditya and I did a few meetings after this and we would laugh and joke throughout these discussions. I think we quickly realized that we had the same kind of tuning and that this could be a fruitful collaboration. And that is how Dhoom Dhaam began. It was not called Dhoom Dhaam at the time. We came up with the title later.
What makes me choose a particular project as a director?
Novelty! Is there something new or unique in the subject or material? Is there an opportunity to present something fresh to the audience. I absolutely love the comedy genre ’because it is truly the most challenging. Comedy is always evolving. Sometimes what was funny even a year ago isn’t funny anymore. So the genre keeps makers on their toes and forces one to keep pace with the times. Other than that, I have always been a history buff. So if there is a historical backdrop in a script, I’m listening! But largely, what draws me to any project is that it must have at least a degree of originality.
I’ve spent most of my career being introduced as Shruti Seth’s brother. Frankly, it has never been something that has upset me. I am super proud of her and all her achievements. So very happy living under her shadow. Even though we belong to the same industry, our paths have not crossed professionally as much. She did star in Rishta.com. But we over the years, we’ve been more brother and sister and less professional collaborators. Actually we both got into the industry quite accidentally. My sister was on her way to doing an MBA. I had dreams of being an investment banker. But certain circumstances and opportunities came up early on in our careers that drew up to the film industry and then kept us anchored here. Whenever I take stock of things, I realize that I'd always had a creative inclination ever since I was a kid. So had I pursued a job in banking or finance, I’d probably have been miserable today.
What's next?
I am in the midst of directing a show called A. Mistry. It is a light-hearted detective show being produced by Banijay Asia for Jio-Hotstar. So that one is next in line. Additionally, I have been in talks for a few of my scripts. But I am superstitious and till I don't sign on the dotted line I prefer to keep shut about it. But I am dabbling in various genres. I have a script for a war film, a historical drama, an action’film and a romantic comedy. So the one I manage to cast first, will be the next.
How is it working with the Yami Gautam?
Well, Yami is an A-list actress, so it’s definitely a privilege. If I’m not misaken, her film was t’e highest grossing female-l’d film of 2024. So undeniably, her inclusion in Dhoom Dhaam is what gave the film the added heft. In fact, she was the first person to be cast. Pratik Gandhi was cast later. What's amazing is that Yami as a person, is the polar opposite of the character she's portraying in Dhoom Dhaam. And that makes her performance all the more admirable because she has truly managed to get under the skin of the character and played it so convincingly. Another fabulous thing about Yami is that she always comes prepared. She is constantly thinking about her character, trying to imbibe the character’s quirks, mulling over what makes her character tick. So yeah, I'm really fortunate and thankful that Yami chose to do this film.
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