Jai Basantu Singh calls Satrangi ‘risky subject’, says actors rejected it before hearing script: ‘Casting was difficult’

DIrector Jai Basantu Singh has ventured into an unexplored ethnical blank with his in vogue(p) net serial Satrangi: Badle Ka Khel, which revolves around the world of Launda Naach artistes. While the folk performance tradition has often appeared in fragments across films, Jai believes its human stories have largely remained untold.In a conversation with Hindustan Times, Jai opened up about his personal connection to the subject, the challenges of getting such a story made, the mixed reactions to the series, and the difficult casting process.'I have seen this world since childhood'Asked what inspired him to bring the story of Launda Naach to the screen, Jai said the uniqueness of the subject immediately drew him in. "We have seen Launda Naach in bits and pieces in cinema but this story is completely based on the life of Launda Naach artistes. When the story came to me, I immediately said yes to the project because till today nobody has made a film or web series on this subject," he said.The director revealed that his connection to the world goes back to his childhood in Uttar Pradesh. "I belong to UP, Banaras. Since childhood, I have seen their life, dances and life behind the stage. We know that Launda Naach today doesn't get much importance. Whoever performs Launda Naach is mostly seen as entertainment, but the life behind the dance is very difficult. I met a lot of people who do Launda Naach. Their lives are very hard. It's not like they enjoy doing this."According to Jai, many artistes are forced into the profession because of difficult circumstances. "Even today, Launda Naach exists, but not on the scale it once did. The people who do it go through very emotional phases in life. Their family's condition is often not good. I have seen those things closely and felt this was an opportunity to tell a very important story."The film that never got madeInterestingly, Satrangi was not Jai's first attempt at telling a Launda Naach story. "In 2018-19, I wrote a film on Launda Naach. It was a complete love story. That film couldn't be made," he recalled. The filmmaker said producers were hesitant to back a project centred around a Launda Naach performer.He said, "I approached several producers and studios but it didn't materialise because very few people show interest in such subjects or take risks when you know your hero is doing Launda Naach. Maybe that was the reason. I wanted to make that movie but it couldn't happen." However, the research he had already done for that project eventually helped him shape Satrangi.Jai Basantu Singh on mixed reviews for SatrangiThe series has received mixed reviews, something Jai says he anticipated from the beginning. "This world of Launda Naach is a risky subject. Not everyone may like it. People might find flaws in the writing because it is a very UP-Bihar-specific subject. Whether it can become a mass appeal or pan-India subject and attract audiences from every region, that may not happen."He added that viewers from other regions may not instantly connect with the setting and culture. "People staying in Gujarat or Maharashtra might not like this subject. Making a subject like this is always risky." Drawing parallels with his 2022 film Janhit Mein Jaari, which revolved around condoms and family planning, Jai said he has often gravitated towards taboo topics. "When I made my first film, Janhit Mein Jaari, it was a completely condom-based subject. Even today, in our country, we don't openly talk about condoms. People usually joke about it, whereas it is not a joke. When I was doing that film, I researched the taboo around condoms extensively. Many women suffer because men don't use condoms, and unsafe or illegal abortions often put women's lives at risk. That too was a risky subject and many people didn't accept it. I faced many challenges then as well," he said.The same concerns resurfaced while making Satrangi, "When we were making Satrangi, I knew people might not accept this life or this culture. It was risky, but we still made it. All thanks to ZEE5 that they liked the subject and gave us a chance to tell this story."Finding the right actor was the biggest challengeOne of the toughest tasks, according to Jai, was casting the lead role. "The casting of this web series was very difficult because the world is not very accepting. For any hero to come in a woman's get-up, wear a ghaghra choli and dance, many actors couldn't imagine themselves doing it," he said.He revealed that several actors rejected the project without even hearing the full narration. "Many actors said no, even before listening to the script. We sent the synopsis or approached them through casting directors, but some declined without hearing the story. Luckily, we found Anushumaan Pushkar, who was ready to do this role, and he has done a beautiful job. It was really challenging. Many actors couldn't see themselves wearing a ghaghra choli, applying lipstick and dancing."The director pointed out that Launda Naach performances require a unique style of dancing that many actors found difficult to visualise. "The dance itself is very unique. It's similar to the way women perform in item songs. Many actors couldn't imagine themselves doing that. So it was challenging for us to find the right fit. I always wanted the actor playing the role to understand this world. I wanted someone from UP or Bihar because they would have some familiarity with it. Anshumaan belongs to that region and has seen the world of Launda Naach. Luckily, we got someone who belonged to that cultural space, and he was able to do a really great job."About Satrangi Badle Ka KhelThe crime drama produced by RND Films stars Anshumaan Pushkar, Kumud Mishra and RJ Mahvash in lead roles. The series revolves around the story of a young man who is the son of a Launda Naach performer sets out to avenge his father's death and also takes on the bigger battle against caste oppression and discrimination. The show received mixed reviews from the critics and is available to watch on ZEE5.