Zoya Akhtar Speaks About Feeling Pressure On Casting Star Kids In 'The Archies'!

Zoya Akhtar, the director of ‘The Archies’, has stated that she had second thoughts about putting celebrity youngsters in the film. Zoya also told India Today that it's 'strange' not to cast someone because their parents are renowned. Suhana Khan, the daughter of Gauri Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, producer Boney Kapoor and late Sridevi's daughter Khushi Kapoor, and Agastya Nanda, the grandson of famous actresses Jaya Bachchan and Amitabh Bachchan, make their acting debuts in the film.

Zoya Akhtar On Choosing Star Kids:

(Also Read: Zoya Akhtar Opens Up On What Went Behind The Making Of The Archies)

Zoya explained, “The thought did occur to me, but then I thought I should not think like that because they are the best for the part and I should do that, and if someone has to do something, they will do it. If people like their work, they will like it. But when I looked at them and the auditions, they looked promising for the three roles. So, it would be very weird if I did not cast them. It is weird to not cast someone because they are not famous, but it is equally weird to not cast someone because their parents are famous. I mean you have to just go with merit. Of course, I thought about it, but you cannot deny that they are the best for the roles. I care about my film at the end of the day.”

Zoya Akhtar Spoke Out On Facing Pressure:

When asked if she felt pressured by people's expectations with the firsts in the film, Zoya replied, “You cannot. People that are going to like it will like it, those who will hate will hate it and those who have already decided to love it will love it. All you can control is what you are doing, and make it the best, and if your film has honesty, people will find reasons to like it.”

About ‘The Archies’:

‘The Archies’, directed by Zoya, will be available on Netflix on December 7. Archie (Agastya), Betty (Khushi), Veronica (Suhana), Jughead (Mihir Ahuja), Reggie (Vedang Raina), Ethel (Dot), and Dilton (Yuvraj Menda) are the main characters in the novel.

(Also Read: Zoya Akhtar Picks Up Nepotism Debate Before Release Of 'The Archies')

They negotiate romance and friendship in the 1960s as they band together for Riverdale's future as developers threaten to demolish a favourite park.