Usha Nadkarni on Gully Boy Audition Refusal

A 78-year acting veteran being asked to prove her worth in a casting room is a scenario that renowned Indian actor Usha Nadkarni finds not just absurd, but deeply disrespectful. In a recent interview that has since gone viral, the stalwart, best known for her iconic role as Savita Deshmukh in the hit TV show Pavitra Rishta, revealed a staunch principle she has held for decades: she does not give auditions. This firm stance once led her to outright refuse a role in Zoya Akhtar’s critically and commercially acclaimed film, Gully Boy.

Why Did Usha Nadkarni Refuse to Audition for Gully Boy?

The incident, as recounted by Nadkarni to Pinkvilla in August 2025, began with a phone call from a young casting associate. “They asked me, ‘Do you want the role? Then come to our office and give an audition,’” she recalled. Her response was swift and sharp, rooted in a career that spans over seven decades. She questioned the individual, “What have I done in 78 years that you are asking me to come and give an audition?”

The project in question was the Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt-starrer Gully Boy. When she inquired about the director and was told it was Zoya Akhtar, her reaction was famously candid. “I said, ‘She’s the daughter of a big man, isn’t she?… Just search my name on the computer and see my work,’” Nadkarni stated. For her, a body of work that includes numerous Hindi and Marathi films like Bhoothnath Returns and Rustom, and beloved television serials, should serve as her audition tape.

A Clash of Old-School Values and Modern Casting Practices

Nadkarni’s refusal highlights a growing tension in the entertainment industry between traditional respect for veteran artistry and modern, process-driven casting methods. She contrasted the Gully Boy experience with her role in the 2016 film Rustom, opposite Akshay Kumar. For that part, she was simply called to the office, the role was explained, and she was onboarded without any test. “Even though it was a small role, I was satisfied,” she noted, emphasizing the mutual respect and trust in that transaction.

Her stance isn’t merely about ego; it’s a principle. She believes that after a certain point in an actor’s career, their portfolio should speak for itself. Asking a veteran to audition, in her view, diminishes their lifetime of achievement and reduces their craft to a disposable commodity. This perspective challenges the increasingly standardized, and some argue impersonal, auditioning processes that have become the norm for projects big and small.

The Lasting Impact of a Principle

While Gully Boy went on to become a massive box office hit, collecting ₹235.7 crore worldwide and catapulting co-star Siddhant Chaturvedi to fame, Nadkarni has no regrets. Her career, which also includes a stint on Bigg Boss Marathi, continues to be built on her terms. Her story is not just an anecdote but a powerful statement on artistic dignity, forcing a conversation about how the industry treats its most experienced talents. It begs the question: when does efficiency override esteem, and at what cost?

Software Developer Remote Jobs Hiring Now in 2025

Usha Nadkarni’s bold audition refusal for Gully Boy underscores a vital debate about respecting artistic legacy in a rapidly changing film industry, proving that for some veterans, principle will always outweigh a prized role. Her story is a reminder that respect and recognition are currencies as valuable as any paycheck. What do you think about her stand? Share your thoughts.

---

Must Know

What was Usha Nadkarni’s role in Pavitra Rishta?
Usha Nadkarni played the memorable character of Savita Deshmukh in the long-running and popular television serial Pavitra Rishta. Her performance in the show made her a household name across India.

Did Usha Nadkarni eventually work with Zoya Akhtar?
No, based on her August 2025 interview, Usha Nadkarni did not take part in Gully Boy after refusing to audition for the project. She stood by her principle of not auditioning despite the director being a prominent figure like Zoya Akhtar.

What is the main reason behind Usha Nadkarni’s refusal to audition?
The core reason is her extensive experience. With a career spanning over 78 years in film and television, she believes her vast body of work is a sufficient testament to her abilities and that asking her to audition is disrespectful to her legacy and contributions to the industry.

How successful was the movie Gully Boy?
Gully Boy (2019) was a major critical and commercial success. Inspired by the lives of rappers DIVINE and Naezy, it earned widespread acclaim and was a box office hit, grossing approximately ₹235.7 crore worldwide.

What other famous films has Usha Nadkarni acted in?
Beyond television, Usha Nadkarni has appeared in several notable films, including Rustom with Akshay Kumar, Bhoothnath Returns, R… Rajkumar, and numerous Marathi language films.

What was the industry’s reaction to her comments?
While the article does not cite specific industry reactions, her comments have sparked widespread discussion and debate among fans and commentators online about the changing culture of casting and the treatment of veteran actors in the modern film industry.