The South Asian Focus section of the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2023 is all set to witness an exciting moment as Rajkummar Rao graces the screen with a special appearance in Vinod Rawat’s debut feature film, “Pushtaini.” This eagerly awaited South Asian premiere will take place from October 27 to November 5, 2023.

Reuniting Friends from Delhi’s Theater Days

Rajkummar and Vinod’s friendship dates back to their Delhi days, where they shared the stage in a theatre group and later pursued their acting careers at FTII (Film and Television Institute of India). Their collaboration in “Pushtaini” adds a personal touch to this cinematic journey.

“Pushtaini” Unveiled: A Tale of Stardom, Redemption, and Adventure

“Pushtaini” weaves the story of Bhuppi, a struggling actor on a quest for redemption and stardom. Caught in an embarrassing scandal, Bhuppi embarks on a journey that leads him back to his roots, travelling through the mountains and encountering strangers who hold the key to his fate.

A Family Affair: Unique Casting Choices

Vinod Rawat, the filmmaker, who also dons the hats of actor, director, writer, and producer in “Pushtaini,” brings a unique perspective to the movie. Shot in his ancestral village in Uttarakhand, the film features non-professional actors, including his own family members. The co-writer, Rita Heer, plays a prominent character in the film, further enhancing the film’s authenticity.

The Rise of Vinod Rawat

Vinod Rawat made waves in the film industry with his contribution to the International Emmy Awards-nominated series, “Aarya,” which he co-directed with Ram Madhvani. He also garnered accolades for his award-winning short film, “MAD.” As an FTII alumnus, Vinod is not only a filmmaker but also a leading acting coach, having worked with luminaries such as Hrithik Roshan, Sushmita Sen, and Sonam Kapoor.

Rajkummar Rao’s Insight

Speaking about his collaboration with Vinod Rawat, Rajkummar Rao expresses, “Vinod is one of my closest friends. We began our journey together in Delhi’s theatre scene. As an actor, I choose my roles based on the characters and the larger narrative they contribute to. This is where ‘Pushtaini’ fits so perfectly. Discussing it with Vinod, I was captivated by the character of Bhuppi, and I saw this as a chance to work with him at the peak of his career.”

Rao goes on to explain, “Bhuppi represents many young people whose values and ambitions are challenged daily in cities like Mumbai. Through this film, I aim to convey a message of hope to them. The scene I share with Vinod’s character, Bhuppi, is a pivotal moment in his life. When Vinod approached me with the scene, I was more than eager to be a part of it. I have immense faith in Vinod’s talent, both as an actor and as a director, and I wanted to be a part of his remarkable journey.”

Vinod Rawat’s Perspective

Vinod Rawat reflects on their collaboration, saying, “Raj and I both studied at FTII, and I have always valued his creative insights into acting and cinema. He was one of the first people I approached with ‘Pushtaini’ for advice. Raj instantly recognized the nuances in the scene and offered to act in the film. He features in the very first scene and plays a crucial role in the main character’s life at that moment. I wanted to depict the main character in a vulnerable position on a film set, facing a big star. Raj embodies ease and grace while navigating the chaotic and tense film set environment, showing empathy for the main character.”

He adds, “Rajkummar is a powerhouse of talent and represents the kind of films where stars are relatable to everyday life. That’s the essence of ‘Pushtaini,’ and Rajkummar naturally fitted the role for me. He’s not only a dear friend but was also thrilled to make this guest appearance in my debut film. When I narrated ‘Pushtaini’ to him, he instantly recognized how he could be a role model for Bhuppi and others who dream of making it big in Bollywood.”

In conclusion, the collaboration between Rajkummar Rao and Vinod Rawat promises to be a highlight of the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2023, offering a unique and heartfelt cinematic experience. “Pushtaini” is poised to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact, driven by the shared passion and creativity of these two FTII alumni.