‘IT’S CHALLENGING FOR AN ACTOR TO PLAY AN ATHLETE’
Saina Nehwal, who has a massive fan following in the world of badminton, is a fan of Bollywood movies. She loves reading tid-bits on the film industry, gossip included. “I’m a big movie buff and love watching Bollywood films. Whenever I get the time, I enjoy reading news and gossip about the industry,” smiles Saina.
With a biopic on Saina in the making in Bollywood, one can assume that the fondness has only grown. Actor Shraddha Kapoor will play the famous sportsperson in the film. Saina shares that when she was approached with the idea of a film on her journey, she readily agreed. “I’ve been there for the last 10 years; everyone knows about me and what I do. So, I think a film on sports personalities will make the sport more popular. Hopefully, the film will inspire young kids to take up professional badminton,” she says.
The Padma Bhushan awardee is happy that Shraddha is playing the titular role in the film. Hopeful that it will turn out well, she says, “Shraddha is working hard to understand my style and posture. Her dedication is praiseworthy. When actors try to play an athlete onscreen, it’s challenging. Shraddha has a coach in Mumbai and he is helping her out. In between my tournaments and practice, I’ll be there for her too. I plan to watch her sessions to understand her progress.”
It was reported that the biopic was delayed, as Shraddha is unable to get the nuances of the sport right. However, the director confirmed that the film is on track. There were also reports that Shradhha might train under Saina’s coach Pullela Gopichand, but the latter has denied it.
I’m a big movie buff. Whenever I get the time, I enjoy reading news and gossip about the film industry. SAINA NEHWAL, BADMINTON CHAMP