In a recent episode of her popular podcast Serving with Sania, tennis legend Sania Mirza hosted Bollywood power couple Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh. The conversation took a hilarious turn when Sania asked Riteish about his experience of portraying her on screen in the 2006 comedy film Apna Sapna Money Money.
The Unexpected Revelation
Sania Mirza recalled meeting Riteish Deshmukh years ago when he casually mentioned, "I am playing you" in an upcoming film. The tennis star's immediate reaction was one of amusement and surprise. "I couldn't help but think, 'I don't look that manly!'" she shared, laughing at the memory during the podcast recording.
Riteish Deshmukh's Character in Apna Sapna Money Money
In the madcap comedy Apna Sapna Money Money, Riteish Deshmukh played Kishan, a conman who assumes multiple identities throughout the film. Among these disguises were two female characters named Sunaina and Sania. The actor specifically remembered a scene where veteran actor Anupam Kher asks his character for his name.
"There's a scene where Anupam Kher asks, 'Tumhara naam kya hai?' and I reply, 'Mera naam... mera naam...' as the camera pans to your poster, and I say, 'Sania,'" Riteish recounted, still finding humor in the moment years later.
The Challenges of Playing a Woman on Screen
Riteish Deshmukh opened up about the unique difficulties he faced while portraying female characters in the film. "It was very difficult for two reasons," he explained. "First, none of my contemporaries were attempting something like this at the time. Second, a man portraying a woman on screen is obviously not the most appealing sight."
The actor revealed additional pressure came from his family circumstances at the time. "On top of that, my father was then the chief minister, so I was also thinking about how it would be received, given that he was a public figure. It made the role even more challenging."
Extreme Preparation Methods
To authentically portray his female characters, Riteish Deshmukh went to remarkable lengths with his preparation. He revealed that his then-girlfriend (now wife) Genelia Deshmukh served as his primary consultant for the role.
"I was constantly in touch with Genelia about what to do and what not to do," he shared. "I even went a bit overboard – I did waxing and threading as part of method acting. It was the most painful experience, and my hair actually stopped growing for a while."
Genelia praised her husband's dedication to the role, saying, "I don't think anybody could have done it better than he did."
First Day Jitters and Audience Reaction
Riteish Deshmukh confessed to experiencing significant nervousness on his first day of shooting in female attire. "The first time I got ready, it took me 2–3 hours," he revealed. "As I walked from the van to the set, I kept my umbrella low because I didn't know how to face anyone."
Thankfully, veteran actors Anupam Kher and Chunky Pandey helped ease his anxiety. "They made me feel so comfortable. That was the most nervous I've ever been on set," the actor admitted.
The ultimate validation came from audience reactions. "Particularly in comedy films, while audiences watch the screen, we watch the audience," Riteish explained. "The laughter, the noise from the seats when audiences move as they laugh, that's what tells you if a scene is working. Hearing that sound was such a thrill, it made all the pain and preparation worth it."
About Apna Sapna Money Money
The 2006 Bollywood comedy Apna Sapna Money Money follows a diverse cast of characters engaged in a chaotic pursuit of wealth. Directed by Sangeeth Sivan, the film features an ensemble cast including Riteish Deshmukh alongside Suniel Shetty, Shreyas Talpade, Celina Jaitly, Koena Mitra, and Jackie Shroff. The film has gained cult status over the years for its over-the-top comedy and memorable performances.
This candid conversation on Sania Mirza's podcast offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs of comedic acting in Bollywood, while highlighting the enduring friendship and mutual respect between India's sports and entertainment icons.
