EXCLUSIVE: Raaj Shaandilyaa picks Akshay Kumar and Alia Bhatt as best in comedy; reveals his favourite comedy film and which 90s stars Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video actors Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri could play

Raaj Shaandilyaa recently sat down with Bollywood Hungama for a rapid-fire round where he shared insights into his career, favourite actors, and his take on the film industry. Shaandilyaa, the director behind Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video, starring Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri, offered a peek into his creative world.Comedy Icons and InspirationShaandilyaa didn’t hesitate when asked about his favourite comedy film. His all-time pick? Katha. When it comes to comedic timing, he holds Akshay Kumar in high regard, calling him the best in the industry. In a light-hearted exchange, Shaandilyaa was asked to rate some of Bollywood’s leading actors on their comedic timing. He awarded Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal a perfect 5. He rated Ayushmann Khurrana and Rajkummar Rao closely behind, with scores of 4.5, and Kartik Aaryan followed at a solid 4. When asked to name the female actor with the best comedic timing, he responded with a quick “Alia Bhatt.”Genre Shift and Dream ProjectsShaandilyaa’s love for comedy is evident, yet he’s open to exploring other genres. He mentioned a desire to create an emotional film, specifically referencing Tere Naam as a model of the kind of moving storytelling he’d like to pursue. When asked which recent film he would have liked to direct, he pointed to 12th Fail as an example of a story that captured his interest. However, the Vidhu Vinod Chopra directorial was released last year. When mentioned that he could pick Stree 2, which was released recently, he acknowledged the film’s appeal and expressed an interest in exploring something fresh and suggested a biographical film like Srikanth.Casting Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri for a 90s FlashbackWhen prompted to imagine Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri in a 90s-inspired biopic, Shaandilyaa suggested they could channel the iconic pairing of Govinda and Raveena Tandon. What Sets Stars Apart: Shaandilyaa’s Take on Triptii, Ayushmann, and NawazuddinIn a rapid-fire analysis of unique qualities among his favourite actors, Shaandilyaa described Triptii Dimri as a “very quick learner.” Praising Ayushmann Khurrana’s versatility, he highlighted Khurrana’s musical talents as an asset that sets him apart. Shaandilyaa was also impressed by Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s remarkable comic timing, underscoring the actor’s often-underestimated sense of humour.Navigating Bollywood’s Challenges: Honesty and HumorShaandilyaa didn’t shy away from offering his honest take on Bollywood’s culture. When asked whether the industry is truly supportive, he responded with a candid “No. 100%.” He also said “No” when asked if debuting in Bollywood is more difficult for a director than an actor.The Social Media QuestionIn a world where social media has become an integral part of celebrity life, Shaandilyaa was asked whether he’d choose social media or filmmaking if forced to decide. Without hesitation, he picked social media, noting that his primary passion lies in creating and sharing stories rather than social engagement.Starry Tantrums and the Vijay Raaz EffectAs a director who has worked with actors across the spectrum, Shaandilyaa shared a humorous anecdote about Vijay Raaz, a frequent collaborator. When making his first film, he was warned that Raaz had a reputation for being difficult on set. Shaandilyaa, however, had a completely different experience. “He is in all my films. He never threw any tantrums. He comes very nicely, shoots, and goes,” he said, countering the myth surrounding the actor’s temperament.The Dilemma: Mallika Sherawat and Romantic PairingsIn a playful question about casting Mallika Sherawat opposite either Vijay Raaz or Nana Patekar, Shaandilyaa chose Vijay Raaz, stating that the pairing holds a unique, somewhat comedic appeal. “It’s a difficult question,” he admitted, but ultimately, he felt that Raaz and Sherawat make a memorable, unconventional on-screen couple.Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Raaj Shaandilyaa BREAKS SILENCE on apologising publicly to Stree makers for reference in Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video; says, “You can call a woman Stree; it is not a matter of copyright”