'Single Papa’ makers reveal why Dayanand Shetty was shown as Manny; reveal casting plans if it had been 70s or 80s: ‘We would have cast Dharmendra’

Kunal Kemmu is receiving high praise for his performance in ‘Single Papa’, a heartfelt family drama that looks at fatherhood through a refreshing lens. Created by real-life couple Ishita Moitra and Neeraj Udhwani, the series stars Manoj Pahwa, Ayesha Raza, Prajakta Koli, Neha Dhupia, and Dayanand Shetty. But one casting choice has especially caught attention. The makers recently revealed why CID fame Dayanand Shetty was chosen to play a manny, or male nanny, in the show.In a recent interview with Mid-Day, Neeraj Udhwani explained that the character of the manny was part of the script from the very beginning. The team wanted the role to feel different and memorable. “Manny’s character was always written from the beginning. So we knew that we had to do something different and unique here.”He added that the character was imagined as physically strong but emotionally soft. “The role was always written as a very strong-built, muscular, macho man, but someone who is a softie at heart.” The contrast was intentional. Seeing a tough, action-driven persona handle everyday childcare moments was meant to bring warmth and humour. As Neeraj put it, it was about “someone who breaks bones, changing diapers.”The idea of approaching Dayanand Shetty came instinctively during the casting process. Neeraj Udhwani shared, “And then as soon as the casting process began, I think instinctively all of us including Netflix thought that if we approach someone like Daya, it could be casting against the grain.”The makers wanted audiences to see masculinity differently. Neeraj even drew a classic comparison. “If this show was made in the 70s or 80s, we would have cast Dharmendra.” Ishita Moitra summed up the thought behind the decision, saying, “He represents the kind of masculinity that we believe in. He’s always strong and gentle.”The idea for Single Papa came from a simple airport moment during a Goa trip. "We saw this visual of a macho guy holding a baby in his arms, and he was trying to find a diaper station.” It made them question why caregiving is still seen as a woman’s role. That reflection slowly shaped Single Papa into a tender comedy-drama about adoption, parenting,‘Single Papa’ is streaming on Netflix.