Riteish Deshmukh speaks about his new cricket team, Veer Marathi; talks about upcoming films and politics
First a film production and now a cricket team. What exactly is your business agenda?
There is no agenda. I’m only doing what excites me. I like playing cricket and enjoy producing films that I would like to watch.
Your team is called Veer Marathi and you’re also the producer of a Marathi film, Balak Palak. Are you promoting Maharashtrians?
Maharashtrians don’t need any promotion and who am I to do it? I am proud to be a Maharashtrian and it’s sheer coincidence that both the film production and the cricket team involve Marathi people.
Any chance that you will enter politics too?
I never thought that I would do films, but here I am. Who knows what’s in store in the future, right? I enjoy politics and I am well aware of what’s happening politically. But I am happy doing what I am doing right now.
Tell us about your movies. What’s in the pipeline?
Currently, I’m finishing Grand Masti and then I start shooting for my debut (as an actor) Marathi film by December. I’m also doing a remake of the south film Sudigadu and another film directed by Mohit Suri, which is produced by Tips.
You’re a good comedian. Is that the genre you want to focus the most on?
The comedy genre has been the most commercially successful one for me. But thankfully, the films that I have signed this year will help me explore and be part of other genres as well.
You’re a good comedian. Is that the genre you want to focus the most on?
The comedy genre has been the most commercially successful one for me. But thankfully, the films that I have signed this year will help me explore and be part of other genres as well.
You’re venturing into so many new things and have created quite a fan base for yourself. Does it get overwhelming sometimes?
Life is short. You should do as many things as you can and give it your 100 per cent. It does get overwhelming, but fortunately, I have good people around me to help and guide me.
Do critics affect you?
Critics and criticism are both welcomed with open arms. Whenever it’s not in my favour, I take it positively and improve myself. I am not looking for perfection, but I am definitely looking for improvement.