Dream come true to have Ashok Saraf in my first directorial project, says Riteish Deshmukh

One can’t really talk about Marathi cinema without mentioning Ashok Saraf. The veteran actor has spent over five decades in the industry and continues even now to give his fans more reasons to love him.

As Saraf celebrates his 75^th birthday today, he is shooting for Ved (2022), actor Riteish Deshmukh’s directorial debut, under his production banner Mumbai Film Company.

Deshmukh took to Instagram and shared a heartfelt video on the occasion.

Deshmukh said, “I’ve been in the industry for 20 years and never got a chance to work with Ashok-mama. When I thought of making Ved, I wanted to have him in the film. I didn’t know him much at that time. But when I called him and told him I wanted him for my film, he asked, ‘Are you directing the film? Then I’ll be a part of it.’ So, he said yes to me without even hearing the script or his role. Those words meant a lot to me.

"He has been in the industry for about 50 years, he is my hero and I have grown up watching him," Deshmukh continued. "So for a fan to have his hero in his directorial is a big deal. It’s a dream come true for me. I wish you lots of love, best of health, happiness. You deserve all the love in the world and universe and I’ll be the first one cheering for you.”

Actor Saraf on the other hand said he had found a friend in Deshmukh while working on Ved.

“When I realized that Riteish is directing the film, I said yes because for me what’s utmost important is that he is turning director," the actor said.

"I enjoyed shooting with him so much," Saraf continued. "He works on the set with so much patience and puts in so much thought process in every scene. I feel I’ve been part of one of the best films in my lifetime with Ved, and we have made a good film. During the process, I feel I have found a good friend in Riteish.”

Ved is slated for release on 12 August and also stars Genelia Deshmukh and Jiya Shankar. The film’s music has been scored by Ajay-Atul.