Avinash Tiwary Was Apprehensive About O Romeo: Casting Director Mukesh Chhabra | Exclusive

Avinash

Tiwary transforms into a hot-blooded antagonist in Vishal Bhardwaj’sO’ Romeo. He plays Jalal, a member of ISI and a ruthless assassin. He reunites with his Laila Majnu and Bulbbul co-star Triptii Dimri in the gangster romance saga. The role of Jalal was first offered to Randeep Hooda, who had signed the film. However, due to personal conflicts, the actor passed the baton to Avinash. In an exclusive interview with Zoom, O’ Romeo’s casting director, Mukesh Chhabra, spoke about casting Tiwary for the character after Randeep’s exit. Appreciating Avinash’s efforts for the film, he recalled the actor’s journey in the film industry.

Avinash Tiwary replaces Randeep Hooda in O' Romeo

Mukesh told us exclusively, “I like to experiment with people, and I have worked with Avinash in the past. I recognise his potential. He wasn’t in Mumbai when I reached out to him for Jalal’s role. We got on a Zoom call and I told him to sign the film blindly because it will change audience perception about you. That is exactly what happened. I am very happy for him.”

He further added, “This talent has potential. The reason he was not clicking could be wrong scripts. Actor toh voh bohot accha hai yeh sab jante hai. Iss film ke saath bhi voh apprehensive tha, but then he said yes. I am very happy.”

Why Randeep Hooda exited O' Romeo?

After the cast of O’ Romeo was announced, a Midday report revealed Randeep was locked for Jalal’s role, but Avinash took over eventually. The veteran actor had started preparing for the character, said a source, further sharing the reason behind his exit. Due to a personal crisis before the shoot and his wife Lin Laishram’s health issue, Randeep decided to prioritise his family over the film. Avinash was the next choice, and it materialised. It was a quick call as the production couldn’t be delayed further.

About O' Romeo

O’ Romeo, said to be inspired by Hussain Ustara and Sapna Didi’s rivalry with Dawood Ibrahim, is Ustara, Afshan and Jalal’s story. She is out on a mission to avenge her husband’s death by killing Jalal. Ustara, a local gangster, helps her. The antagonist’s character is reportedly a representation of Dawood. Avinash’s portions are shot in Spain and the rest of the story is set in Mumbai.O’ Romeo is directed by Vishal Bhardwaj and also stars Shahid Kapoor, Nana Patekar, Disha Patani, Vikrant Massey, Farida Jalal and Tamannaah Bhatia.