I am on my own, says Deshmukh junior

Another son has risen. Another film has hit theatres in town. But this time round, the political class, among others, is rooting for the hero.
For, Maharashtra CM Vilasrao Deshmukh’s son Ritesh Deshmukh, who has made his acting debut with Tujhe Meri Kasam, has added a twist to the usual tale.
‘‘Apna hero hai — this is how people in politics refer to me,’’ says Ritesh, who took acting lessons in New York before he was ‘‘spotted by cameraman Kabir Lal and recommended for the role of Rishi in Tujhe Meri Kasam.’’ Yes, the curiosity factor definitely works to Ritesh’s advantage.
‘‘But, on a more serious note,� says Ritesh, “I believe that my current position is akin to that of an actor’s son trying to make a mark in politics. The obvious disadvantage is that my father’s legacy can’t help me establish myself as an actor.
Had I opted for politics, I would have easily inherited my father’s goodwill and found a safe seat to fight the elections. But, being an actor, I am on my own. If the audience likes me, I have a future in the industry; otherwise, it’s goodbye forever.’’ Directed by K Vijaya Bhaskar, Tujhe Meri Kasam is a film about two friends —a girl and a boy — and their lives. ‘‘It is not the routine boy-meetsgirl love story. The film is about two friends who are inseparable,’’ says Ritesh, whose costar in the film is another newcomer, Genelia.
Having been signed on by Vashu Bhagnani for Bisaat, which will be directed by Satish Kaushik, Ritesh maintains that he will soon have an idea about whether or not acting spells the perfect career for him. ‘‘I believe in following the call of my heart. Even if the audience rejects me, it’s okay. The idea is not to regret about letting the chance to be an actor slip by later on.’’
Ritesh Deshmukh might not have followed in his father’s footsteps, but he is familiar with the politics of life.And that, as everyone knows, is the first step towards success.

On Thursday, Vilasrao Deshmukh took a break from his official duties. ‘‘Just for a day, affairs of the state can take a backseat.’’ Taking the frontseat for the Maharashtra CM was his son’s maiden movie. Vaishali, Ritesh’s mother, has also seen Tujhe Meri Kasam — and she likes what she has seen. ‘‘He has laboured hard. But the audience will decide his destiny.’’ Tomorrow is another day. Today, Ritesh is shaping his future in films.