Farhan would be perfect for my biopic: Prannoy HS

Ace shuttler Prannoy HS, who received the prestigious Arjuna Award, recently travelled to Delhi for the ceremony. The 30-year-old has shown exceptional improvement in his game in the past few years, but he is not really satisfied with the support the sport receives in India. “A lot of work needs to be done. The government is investing a lot of money in cricket,” he shares.

“Badminton has been a very individualistic sport where only a couple of players have been in the limelight. Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu have been able to give a big push to the game, thanks to their big medals. They have been in the limelight for long. However, as a sport, we are a little behind and it will take time,” adds the Thomas Cup winner.

That being said, if ever a biopic on him is made, Prannoy would want actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar to step into the role. “[He] would be the perfect fit. There is no similarity as such but the commitment he shows is commendable. He has the dedication that a sportsperson needs. And he clearly showed it in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013). I was very impressed with that movie,” he gushes.

Citing the success of leagues in India and their role in popularising sports, he shares, “A lot of things need to change for a sport to really pick up. Local leagues need to be promoted. [Like] how the IPL has cracked the code for cricket lovers in India, and even kabaddi, with leagues taking place every year. Sadly, badminton has not been able to do it,” shares Prannoy, who is hoping for big changes for athletics in India after the appointment of the renowned track and field legend PT Usha as the first female president of the Indian Olympic Association.

He is also hopeful for the sport’s future after Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated them after their Thomas Cup win earlier this year. “He was one of the first who called us to congratulate, and also tweeted about it. He has been very supportive and he has that passion towards the sport,” he says.

He (Farhan Akhtar) has the dedication that a sportsperson needs. And he clearly showed it in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013).