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Riz Ahmed Lands Role Over Indian Contenders
Developing
In Short: Riz Ahmed won the role of Ganesh in Alejandro Inarritu's 'Digger' over Indian actors Fahadh Faasil and Vir Das.
Riz Ahmed, an Academy Award winner, has secured the role of Ganesh, a scientist and chief advisor to Tom Cruise's character in Alejandro Inarritu's upcoming satire 'Digger,' set to release in cinemas this Friday, October 2. The role was highly sought after by several Indian actors.
Ahmed played an aspiring actor in Prime Video's satirical show 'Bait' earlier this year, jokingly referring to it as an 'official audition' for the coveted James Bond role. Despite his previous role, Ahmed's latest part in 'Digger' was a competitive one.
The Indian Express reports that Indian actors Fahadh Faasil and Vir Das were among those vying for the role of Ganesh. Faasil passed on the role due to concerns about his accent not being accurate for the character, while Das auditioned twice but did not secure the part.
In 'Digger,' Ahmed brings a sense of pragmatism and humility to his role, standing out in a film filled with exaggerated and hysterical characters.
Ahmed expressed hope that he might collaborate with the Indian actors who were also vying for the role, showcasing a positive attitude towards the competitive process.
What's still developing
- While the former passed on the role because the filmmaker didn’t deem his accent to be accurate for the character, an American of Indian origin, the latter gave two auditions, but failed to make the cut.