The actor recalls being selected for a key role, only to find out later that he was replaced by Parmeet Sethi without prior notice.
March 16, 2025: Veteran actor Adi Irani, known for his roles in Baazigar, Dil, and Welcome, has spoken out against Zoya Akhtar for what he calls “unprofessional behavior” during the casting of her 2015 film Dil Dhadakne Do.
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In a recent interview with Filmymantra Media, Adi revealed that he had auditioned twice for a major role in the film and was personally selected by Zoya Akhtar. However, he was later replaced without being informed, with the role going to Parmeet Sethi.
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Adi Irani on His Selection & Sudden Replacement
Recalling the casting process, Adi shared:
“I auditioned for Dil Dhadakne Do, and they liked it. Later, Zoya herself took another audition and said she liked it very much.”
The actor mentioned that he preferred strong character roles rather than just screen presence, to which Zoya seemingly agreed. However, things took a sudden turn.
“I was shooting for Welcome Back, and even Anil Kapoor confirmed with me whether I was doing Dil Dhadakne Do. Then Zoya called me while I was on set, and I told her I would meet her after the shoot. She agreed. But suddenly, I found out I had been replaced by Parmeet Sethi—without any prior information.”
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Calls Out Industry’s Lack of Transparency
Adi expressed disappointment over the lack of transparency in Bollywood, stating:
“People in the industry are not frank and open. Everyone has become a diplomat. It is very difficult for an actor to hear that they’ve been replaced, but it’s even worse when no one informs you at all. This is not professional behavior.”
About Dil Dhadakne Do
Directed by Zoya Akhtar, Dil Dhadakne Do was a family comedy-drama produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar under Excel Entertainment. The film featured an ensemble cast, including:
- Anil Kapoor
- Shefali Shah
- Priyanka Chopra
- Ranveer Singh
- Anushka Sharma
- Farhan Akhtar
- Voice-over narration by Aamir Khan
Despite high expectations, the film underperformed at the box office, collecting ₹150.05 crore worldwide.
About Adi Irani
Adi Irani, the brother of Bollywood actress Aruna Irani, has had a long career in Hindi films and television. He has appeared in movies like Baazigar, Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, Anari No.1, and TV shows like Pradhanmantri, Yahaaan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli, and Ssshhhh…Phir Koi Hai.
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Adi Irani, Zoya Akhtar, Dil Dhadakne Do, Bollywood casting controversies, Parmeet Sethi, Bollywood news, Excel Entertainment, Bollywood unprofessionalism, Bollywood industry secrets, Hindi films