The new Netflix series 'Single Papa', starring Kunal Kemmu, is winning hearts with its touching take on modern fatherhood. While the entire cast, including Manoj Pahwa, Ayesha Raza, Prajakta Koli, and Neha Dhupia, is receiving acclaim, one particular casting decision has become a major talking point. The show's creators have explained their inspired choice to cast CID fame Dayanand Shetty in the pivotal role of a manny, or male nanny.
The Vision Behind the 'Manny' Character
In an exclusive conversation with Mid-Day, co-creator Neeraj Udhwani detailed the origins of this unique character. The manny was an integral part of the 'Single Papa' script from its inception. The creative team, which includes Udhwani and his real-life partner Ishita Moitra, was determined to make the role distinctive and unforgettable. The character was conceived as a person of immense physical strength and a macho exterior, but with a deeply soft and caring heart. This deliberate contrast was key to the narrative, aiming to generate both warmth and humor by placing a typically action-oriented figure in the gentle, everyday chaos of childcare.
"The role was always written as a very strong-built, muscular, macho man, but someone who is a softie at heart," Udhwani stated. He encapsulated the concept with a vivid image: "someone who breaks bones, changing diapers." This juxtaposition was central to challenging stereotypical views of masculinity and caregiving.
Casting Against Type: The Dayanand Shetty Masterstroke
The idea to approach Dayanand Shetty emerged organically during the casting discussions. Neeraj Udhwani revealed that it felt like an instinctive choice for everyone involved, including Netflix. They sought 'casting against the grain', deliberately subverting audience expectations by having an actor famous for playing a tough police officer embrace a nurturing role.
To illustrate the timelessness of this character archetype, Udhwani drew a classic Bollywood parallel. He suggested that if 'Single Papa' had been made decades ago, the legendary Dharmendra would have been the ideal choice. Co-creator Ishita Moitra beautifully summarized the casting philosophy, saying, "He represents the kind of masculinity that we believe in. He's always strong and gentle." This statement underscores the show's core message of redefining strength to include vulnerability and empathy.
The Real-Life Inspiration for 'Single Papa'
The seed for the entire series was planted by a simple, observed moment. During a trip to Goa, the creator couple witnessed a macho-looking man holding a baby at an airport, anxiously searching for a diaper-changing station. This fleeting visual sparked a profound question: why is caregiving still predominantly perceived as a woman's domain? That reflection evolved into 'Single Papa', a tender comedy-drama that explores adoption and parenting through a fresh, contemporary lens.
The series, which marks a notable performance by Kunal Kemmu, is now available for streaming on Netflix. It stands as a heartfelt narrative that not only entertains but also gently questions societal norms, making Dayanand Shetty's unconventional casting a perfect symbol of its refreshing perspective.
