Kaushal’s Kudos: Vir Hirani’s Leap from Clapboard to Camera

Vicky Kaushal applauds Vir Hirani’s acting debut in "Pritam & Pedro," recalling the young actor's early days of dedication on the "Sanju" set.

MUMBAI — Actor Vicky Kaushal has publicly shared his support for Vir Hirani, son of acclaimed filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani, following his acting debut in the newly released OTT series Pritam & Pedro. Kaushal, who previously collaborated with the senior Hirani on the 2018 blockbuster Sanju, reflected on his long-standing acquaintance with Vir, noting that he witnessed the young artist’s growth from a diligent crew member to a burgeoning lead actor.

The debut, which premiered on JioHotstar on July 3, 2026, has garnered significant attention, with viewers and industry peers alike praising the collaborative effort of the production team. For Kaushal, seeing Vir Hirani step into the spotlight is a "rewarding" journey that reflects years of hard work and behind-the-scenes learning.

A Legacy of Dedication

During recent promotional interactions, Kaushal reminisced about his time working on Sanju, where he first encountered a young Vir Hirani. Far from the typical expectations of a filmmaker’s son, Vir spent his time on set learning the craft from the ground up, even handling the clapperboard for shoots.

"I have known Vir since the time of Sanju, and I've seen him clap in front of me during the shoots," Kaushal stated in an interview. He emphasized that Vir’s transition to acting was marked by sincere dedication and a disciplined approach to the profession. Despite his family’s industry ties, Vir Hirani reportedly underwent a rigorous audition process for his role in Pritam & Pedro, a fact confirmed by Rajkumar Hirani to ensure his son earned the part based on merit.

Collaborative Success in "Pritam & Pedro"

Pritam & Pedro, which also marks Rajkumar Hirani's debut as a series creator, is a cyber-crime comedy-drama set in Goa. The series pairs Arshad Warsi’s "old-school" police inspector, Pedro, with Vir Hirani’s tech-savvy hacker character, Pritam. The show has seen strong engagement across multiple languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali, Marathi, and Kannada.

Kaushal was quick to credit the entire creative team for the show's success, highlighting the contributions of director Avinash Arun, co-star Arshad Warsi, and the broader ensemble. "The entire team is incredible... they have all come together to create something truly special," Kaushal remarked.

Why It Matters

The reception of Pritam & Pedro is significant as it signals a successful transition for Rajkumar Hirani into the streaming space and provides a high-profile entry point for Vir Hirani. For the industry, the series serves as a case study in effective mentorship and merit-based casting, as Vir’s performance has been validated by both critics and veteran co-stars who have watched his progression for nearly two decades.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Debut Series: Pritam & Pedro, a cyber-crime comedy-drama streaming on JioHotstar.

• Release Date: The series premiered on July 3, 2026.

• Lead Cast: Vir Hirani stars alongside veteran actor Arshad Warsi.

• Early Connection: Vir and Arshad Warsi previously shared a screen moment over two decades ago in Lage Raho Munna Bhai.

• Industry Support: Peers like Vicky Kaushal have lauded Vir’s long-term commitment and professional growth.

FAQ

Who is Vir Hirani? Vir Hirani is the son of filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani. He has recently made his lead acting debut in the OTT series Pritam & Pedro after years of training in theatre and film production.

What is the plot of "Pritam & Pedro"? The series is a buddy-cop drama centered on an old-school police officer (Pedro) and a young tech genius (Pritam) who team up to solve cyber-crimes in Goa.

How did Vicky Kaushal and Vir Hirani first meet? The two met on the sets of the film Sanju (2018), where Kaushal played a lead role and Vir Hirani worked behind the scenes as a production assistant.

Source: Times of India, Hindustan Times, Bollywood Hungama