At a high-profile Vision India gathering in Mumbai hosted by the Samajwadi Party, Riteish Deshmukh reflected on his serendipitous entry into films and dissected the reasons Marathi cinema trails Hindi dominance in its own backyard.
The actor-director traced his roots: architecture was the plan, not stardom. ‘Destiny intervened,’ he said. ‘A chance role forced me to pick between two passions—I chose the spotlight.’
Family backing was pivotal, especially from his influential father. ‘As Chief Minister, he supported my whims without hesitation. Do what your heart desires, he advised, and I pass that freedom to my children.’
Turning to industry dynamics, Deshmukh painted a vivid contrast. Maharashtra boasts the nation’s film epicenter, yet regional peers like Telugu and Tamil thrive more robustly. ‘Southern markets build their films in local tongues first, cultivating loyal viewers. Here, Hindi takes precedence because Mumbai’s population is diverse—migrants make it home, fueling demand for national cinema.’
Budget disparities seal the deal, he argued. Low-cost Marathi projects can’t compete with lavish Hindi spectacles on equal ticket pricing. ‘Spectators opt for scale every time.’
Inspired by paternal wisdom during his production venture, Deshmukh focused on Marathi stories. ‘Dad reminded me: you’re in Hindi films, but what about our language?’ Over 10-11 years, his banner has rolled out six pure Marathi hits. Despite Bollywood temptations, he prioritizes cultural contributions, signaling a hopeful path forward for the industry.