Banjo is a reflection of street artists, their struggles and emotions! - Riteish Deshmukh

Zee Cinema, the world’s largest movie theatre for Hindi movies, is all set to showcase the World Television Premiere of the musical entertainer Banjo on 20th November, 2016 at 8:30 PM. Starring Riteish Deshmukh and Nargis Fakhri ‘Banjo’ is the Hindi film debut of the popular Marathi National Award winning director Ravi Jadhav. The movie highlights the instrument ‘Banjo’, a fading form of music which is the glory of Maharashtra. The film traces the story of four banjo players from the under privileged sections of Mumbai and how they get an offer of a lifetime when they are approached by Christina (Nargis Fakhri), a musician from the US. Is the Banjo band up for the challenge?

The lead actor Riteish Deshmukh exclusively talks about the film, his experience and the fading form of musical art - Banjo.

Zee Cinema is showcasing the World Television Premiere of your film Banjo. What makes it a good watch on television?
It is definitely a good watch. The film is about a fading music or an art form - the banjo, which is finding its losing foothold in today’s world of DJing. Banjo was extremely popular until the 80s and early-90s. Then it was replaced by the key board and later the influence of DJs further hampered street bands. The film is an attempt to get respect for street art including classical dancers, rock, hip-hop musicians and many more who do not have a platform to perform. The movie is also about the emotional journey of four band guys residing in slums who aspire to entertain the masses and classes with their talent.

So it is essentially an underdog’s success story. What was the character study done for your role?
I knew and met a lot of people who played the Banjo but my character was not based on any one individual. The idea of street art was not only Banjo players but also several art forms in Rajasthan, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Bengal, Orissa and other parts of India. It need not even be music but any form of art. The movie is a reflection of all those street artists, their struggles and emotions.

How was your camaraderie with the other band members?
It was great to work with all of them and personally I am good friends with Dharmesh, Aditiya and Ram. They all come from different schools of acting which made things interesting.

Since they were from different schools of acting, was it a challenge?
It is never a challenge working with new actors but it is definitely interesting. When I share the screen with actors like Akshay Kumar, Abhishek (Bachchan), Ajay (Devgn) or Sanjay (Dutt), I know the space they come from. But with new actors, we are constantly discovering each other on sets which probably results in something fresh and positive.

The ‘Bappa’ song was one of the highlights of the movie. How was your experience shooting for this song?
As a Bollywood actor you must have at least one Ganesh Festival song and I got mine with Bappa. It was wonderful shooting for this song- night shoot with a massive beautiful Ganesh idol, lots of dancers and crazy energy. It is a one of a kind song where our classical Indian bappa meets rock. Vishal-Shekhar did a great job with the music and Vishal sang it so well.

What is your favorite memory?
Everyday was fun and memorable in itself. I was so excited to work with Ravi Jadhav and it was amazing. I am so glad that I did Banjo.

Share with us some behind the scene fun memory…
We were shooting in Worli village - a fisherman’s village. Since the streets were narrow, travelling in cars was not possible and hence we would walk around in the lanes. And people would open windows and offer us food. We enjoyed some really delicious prawns and it was great. We really enjoyed with the very hospitable and sweet locals. I think that essence even reflected in the movie.

What are your future projects?
Currently, I am hosting Yaaron ki Baaraat and post that I will be doing 2 Marathi films.

Lastly, Banjo is all about nurturing talent. How open are you about your son taking an unconventional career/hobby?
He is too young but I am open to anything he chooses. I will always encourage him because I always had the liberty to choose whatever I wanted to do.

~Catch the World Television Premiere of the musical entertainer Banjo on Sunday, 20th November at 8:30 PM only on Zee Cinema~