If you have watched the hit musical drama Gully Boy – or planning to see it soon – there’s almost a 100% chance that you will fall in love with not just the lead rapper of the film, but with an astounding character named MC Sher as well.
The role of Murad’s friend/mentor on his journey to stardom is played rather extraordinarily by Bollywood debutant Siddhant Chaturvedi. Having proved his mettle in web series’ like Life Sahi Hai and Inside Edge, Siddhant has given an impeccable performance as a carefree street rapper in Gully Boy. In a recent interview, he talks about how he was discovered by director Zoya Akhtar.
Siddhant revealed that he was first spotted by Zoya, who’s known for directing blockbuster hits like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Dil Dhadakne Do, while dancing at the success party of Inside Edge. Although the making of Gully Boy had started and casting was underway, Siddhant had no clue about it. It was at this party when he first learnt about the film after being approached by Zoya, who asked if he had auditioned for it yet. When he said that he hadn’t, she called him for it the very next day itself.
For the audition, he was told to familiarise himself with the music of rappers like Divine and Naezy, on whom the film is loosely based on – and to memorise a rap song. Siddhant admitted that he was “blown away by their talent”, but couldn’t imagine memorising one of their raps. However, on hearing their music, he realised that he could relate to a lot of themes that Divine and Naezy would rap about. He said, “I had my own struggle,” just like them.
Source: Instagram
So instead of using one of their songs, he decided to stay up all night and write his own rap song. On the morning following his audition, he was awoken by a call from Zoya, who admitted that she loved his performance and would be thrilled to have him on board.
It’s obvious that Siddhant ticks all the boxes that make him a potential future star in Bollywood.
Meanwhile, it looks like rap enthusiasts from all across the globe can’t stop themselves from raving about the movie. Recently, Hollywood actor and rapper Will Smith praised Ranveer Singh’s (who plays the lead character, Murad) work in the movie. “Yo Ranveer! Congrats man. I am loving what you doing. Gully Boy,” Will said in a video. “I have seen old school hip hop, seen hip hop all over the world. I am loving it. Go get it,” he continued.
Source: Instagram
Ranveer responded by sharing a couple of posts on his Instagram stories and wrote, “Shoutout from the original rapper/actor – Big Willie! Respect. Salaam bade bhai, boht hard.” Gully Boy has made an estimated Rs 50 crore in just three days of its release.
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