Director Amar Kaushik’s latest film, *Stree 2*, has been a massive success, showing no signs of slowing down even weeks after its release. The film has captivated audiences with its engaging story and standout performances, including a notable cameo by Tamannaah Bhatia.
In an exclusive interview with , Kaushik opened up about his initial hesitation in casting Tamannaah for the role of Shama. The role required Tamannaah to portray a character with a bald look, a significant departure from her usual glamorous appearances. Kaushik admitted that this aspect of the role made him reluctant to approach her at first.
Despite his reservations, Tamannaah accepted the role with remarkable ease. According to Kaushik, “I was a little hesitant to ask her because the character must be shown bald in the climax sequence. I approached her, and she was very cool about it. She did not even question the scene and was okay with shedding the vanity. When the actors come up with this energy, it works, and everyone is talking about the role.”
The casting choice was strategic, aiming to match the film's high standards set by its predecessor. Kaushik explained, “Just like the first film, the script demanded us to have a dance number like Nora’s. But this time around, we wanted to ensure that the dance is not just dance but it has to have some meaning. The story developed in a way where we thought of introducing Shama and then the idea was to get someone on board who can dance well and is also a good actress. We had two or three suggestions and Tamannaah had done a show with Maddock, and we thought she was the right cast.”
*Stree 2* also features a talented ensemble cast, including Abhishek Banerjee, Aparshakti Khurana, and Pankaj Tripathi, alongside the lead actors Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor. The film's success is evident from its impressive box office performance, having crossed Rs 500 crore.
Kaushik’s insights into the casting process and Tamannaah’s contribution highlight the thoughtful approach behind the film's production, showcasing the dedication and flexibility of the cast and crew in bringing this successful sequel to life.
