Laila Majnu, which has steadily grown into a cult classic over the years, owes much of its enduring emotional impact to the grounded performances of its leads—Avinash Tiwary and Triptii Dimri. In a recent conversation with Mid-Day, director Sajid Ali opened up about the long and demanding process behind selecting the film’s central characters, and why the search had nothing to do with glamour.
Laila Majnu director Sajid Ali on casting Triptii Dimri and Avinash Tiwary; says, “We needed faces without stardom”
“We knew right from the start that we needed fresh faces—people who could completely disappear into the characters without the baggage of stardom. But even then, we didn’t expect the process to take so long. We auditioned close to a thousand actors over a span of years. It was exhaustive, but we weren’t willing to settle. We were looking for a certain rawness, a certain honesty,” Sajid shared.
On casting Avinash Tiwary, he explained, “Avinash had this quiet intensity. When he performed, you could feel something bubbling just beneath the surface—he had the emotional range and physicality we needed for someone who would eventually become ‘Majnu’. His transformation felt real, not performed.”
Discussing Triptii Dimri’s portrayal, Ali said, “Triptii, on the other hand, brought spontaneity, freshness, and a sharp emotional intelligence. She didn’t over-rehearse, and that’s what made her performance so alive. Often her first take would be the one we kept. She understood Laila’s contradictions—her impulsiveness, her rebellion, her vulnerability—with incredible instinct.”
Reflecting on the chemistry between the two leads, he added, “Together, they created something beautiful and tragic. Their chemistry was born not from trying to be romantic, but from surrendering to the characters’ inner chaos.”
In 2024, the film saw a theatrical re-release, following consistent audience demand. With its raw storytelling and emotionally charged performances, Laila Majnu continues to resonate deeply, especially for those drawn to tales of love that defy logic, comfort, or convention.
More Pages: Laila Majnu Box Office Collection , Laila Majnu Movie Review
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