Rajkumar Hirani Says Vir Hirani Had to Audition for Pritam and Pedro

Filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani has opened up about how his son, Vir Hirani, secured his first acting role, revealing that there were no special privileges despite their family connection. Ahead of the release of Pritam and Pedro, Hirani said Vir had to go through the same audition process as every other aspiring actor before being cast in the series. The filmmaker insisted that talent and suitability for the role mattered more than surname, making it clear that the final decision rested with director Avinash Arun. The upcoming cybercrime comedy-drama, which premieres on JioHotstar on July 3, also marks Hirani’s debut as a creator in the streaming space.

The revelation has once again brought the conversation around nepotism in Bollywood into focus. However, Hirani maintains that while family connections may open a door, they should never replace merit. Veteran actor Arshad Warsi, who stars alongside Vir in the series, echoed that sentiment by praising the young actor’s dedication and work ethic, saying lasting success can only come through genuine ability.

Vir Hirani audition was mandatory despite family connection

Rajkumar Hirani explained that Vir was never part of the original casting plan. During the early writing stages, the creative team deliberately avoided thinking about actors because they wanted the story and characters to develop naturally. According to Hirani, focusing on casting too early can influence the writing process, so neither Vir nor Arshad Warsi was initially considered for the lead roles.

At the time, Vir was studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. Hirani encouraged him to complete his formal acting education before attempting to build a professional career. His advice was straightforward. Finish drama school, gain experience through theatre and establish yourself as an actor before looking for opportunities on screen.

Things changed only after Vir began following the casting discussions taking place at home and at the production office. After expressing interest in the role, he was told there would be no exceptions because of his family background. Hirani said he made it clear that if Vir wanted the part, he would have to audition and convince director Avinash Arun through his performance. He also stressed that he would not interfere with the casting decision, even though the project was his own production.

Vir spent weeks preparing before facing the camera

Rather than expecting preferential treatment, Vir reportedly devoted himself to the audition process. He rehearsed scenes with a friend every evening, recorded several audition tapes and carefully reviewed each performance before selecting the strongest versions to submit to the filmmakers.

Hirani also disclosed that Vir was not even the first choice for the role. The team had already spent considerable time searching for another actor before Vir eventually decided to put himself forward. That detail, according to the filmmaker, reinforces the fact that the casting process remained open until the right performer was found.

Arshad Warsi says talent matters more than lineage

Arshad Warsi, who plays Pedro in the series, spoke warmly about working with Vir and expressed confidence in the newcomer’s future. Having shared the screen with him throughout the production, Warsi described Vir as sincere, hardworking and eager to learn, qualities he believes are essential for a successful acting career.

Reflecting on the broader debate surrounding star children, Warsi said there is nothing wrong with being born into a film family. In his view, an opportunity may come because of one’s background, but sustaining a career depends entirely on individual talent and commitment. He believes audiences and filmmakers ultimately respond to performance, not pedigree.

The actor added that Vir impressed everyone on set through his professionalism and attitude. Rather than expecting special treatment, he remained focused on improving his craft, something Warsi believes will earn him more opportunities in the future.

A relationship that goes back years

The bond between Arshad Warsi and Vir Hirani extends well beyond Pritam and Pedro. Many viewers may remember Vir appearing as Short Circuit, the son of Arshad’s beloved character Circuit, in Lage Raho Munna Bhai. That long-standing association, Warsi said, naturally made him feel protective of the young actor throughout the production.

He admitted he rarely becomes so invested in the progress of a co-star, but Vir was an exception. According to Warsi, it was not simply because he is Rajkumar Hirani’s son, but because he is respectful, grounded and willing to work hard. Those qualities, he believes, have earned him genuine affection from everyone involved in the project.

What is Pritam and Pedro about?

Created, co-written and produced by Rajkumar Hirani, Pritam and Pedro is a cybercrime comedy-drama directed by Avinash Arun. The series combines crime, humour and emotional storytelling, while exploring the growing challenges of cybercrime through an unlikely partnership.

Vir Hirani plays Pritam, a technologically skilled cyber expert, while Arshad Warsi portrays Pedro, a veteran police officer who suddenly finds himself transferred to the cyber cell despite having little understanding of the digital world. Their contrasting personalities create much of the show’s humour as they investigate the kidnapping of a minister’s son and pursue a dangerous cybercriminal portrayed by Vikrant Massey.

Hirani has said the series balances suspense with comedy and emotional moments, offering a lighter approach to the cybercrime genre while still delivering an engaging investigative story.

Pritam and Pedro to stream from July 3

Pritam and Pedro will begin streaming on JioHotstar from July 3. Beyond introducing a new cybercrime comedy-drama, the series also represents two significant milestones for Rajkumar Hirani. It marks his first streaming project as a creator and producer, while also launching Vir Hirani as an actor.

Ahead of the premiere, Hirani has chosen to highlight the process behind his son’s casting rather than his debut itself. By insisting on auditions and leaving the final decision to the director, the filmmaker says he wanted Vir to earn the role on merit. Arshad Warsi’s endorsement of the newcomer only reinforces that message, suggesting that while family names may attract attention, lasting careers are ultimately built through talent, discipline and consistent hard work.

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