keerthy Suresh’s Bollywood debut in Baby John has turned into a major talking point in the film industry. The actress, known for her versatile performances in South Indian cinema, opened up in a recent interview about how Samantha Ruth Prabhu played a big role in helping her land the part. Samantha, a leading star in her own right, had previously played a similar character in the Tamil blockbuster Theri (2016) directed by Atlee, on which Baby John is based.
Keerthy revealed to Galatta India that Samantha personally recommended her to director Atlee for the role in the Hindi remake. The film, which stars Varun Dhawan in the lead, has been making waves at the box office despite a slightly shaky start.
Samantha’s Thoughtful Gesture
During the interview, Keerthy said, “Samantha probably had me in mind for this role when everything was being planned. Varun even told me about it later. I can’t thank her enough. It’s not every day someone goes out of their way to suggest another actor for such an important film.” She also shared that Samantha’s portrayal in Theri remains one of her all-time favorite performances.
Adding a personal touch to the story, Keerthy shared that Samantha had posted a supportive message on Instagram after watching the Baby John trailer. The post read, “I wouldn’t have shared this one with anyone else, but you,” which deeply moved Keerthy. “It was such a sweet thing to say, and it really boosted my confidence ahead of the film’s release,” she added.
A Role Close to Her Heart
For Keerthy, Baby John has been a special project. She described it as one of her favorite characters to date, saying, “I was nervous because Samantha had already set such a high standard. But this was a dream debut for me. Everything from the storyline to the way my character was written felt perfect.”
Keerthy also reflected on her experience working with Varun Dhawan, praising him for his professionalism and energy on set. She mentioned how the entire team worked tirelessly to ensure the film appealed to audiences across India.
A Friendship That Goes Way Back
Keerthy and Samantha’s camaraderie goes beyond Baby John. The two had previously shared the screen in Nag Ashwin’s Mahanati (2018), where Keerthy portrayed legendary actress Savitri and won the National Award for Best Actress. Samantha played a key role in the biographical drama and the two bonded during the film’s shoot.
“Working with Samantha in Mahanati was a memorable experience. She’s always been supportive and kind, both on and off the set,” Keerthy said.
Bollywood’s Reception to Baby John
Since its release last week, Baby John has been making steady progress at the box office. Though it faced some dips after the opening weekend, the movie crossed the ₹30 crore mark by its sixth day. Critics have praised the film’s high-octane action sequences and emotional depth, while Keerthy’s performance has been particularly well-received.
Fans of both Keerthy and Samantha have been celebrating this moment, applauding their mutual respect and the bond they share. As Keerthy continues to gain recognition in Bollywood, it’s clear she cherishes the opportunities that have come her way and the people who’ve supported her.
For Keerthy, this is just the beginning. And as she puts it, “I’m so glad to be part of a film that connects with audiences and gives me a chance to do what I love.”
