Olympic gold medallist's kin upset with Reema Kagti for snubbing them

Akshay Kumar

Soon after his patriotic turns in films, including Airlift (2016) and Baby (2015) received rave reviews, Akshay Kumar took to Twitter in October to announce that his upcoming project, Gold, would revolver around, "the historic story of India's first Olympic medal as a free nation." Reports of the actor playing the Indian hockey player Balbir Singh, who was part of the team that brought home the cherished victory in 1948, soon made headlines, but the veteran sportsperson's daughter Sushbir Kaur claims she hasn't been approached by the makers.

"The media has reported that Gold (directed by Reema Kagti) is based on my father's life since he was the star of the Olympics show. But, we aren't sure about the subject and how much of it will delve into my father's struggle. The 1948 Olympics revolves around many key players," she tells mid-day.

Balbir Singh

For the country, the Olympic victory in London is significant for multiple reasons, the foremost being that it was the first time the Indian National Anthem was played at an international event, post-Independence. "The tiranga was hoisted on foreign shores and my father was an important part of it," says the daughter of the man who scored the opening goal at the game. "He was instrumental in getting the gold and we are his immediate family. Ideally, we should be consulted on this [film]," she says matter-of-factly, without a hint of grouse towards the makers. "As of now, there is no clarity on the film," she reasons, adding that the family would be happy to help facilitate the creation of an authentic story that redefined the history of Indian sports. "In 2012, my father was chosen as one of the 16 iconic Olympians of all times. His life's story makes for a solid biopic and his trajectory of scaling such great heights despite humble beginnings will inspire the youth."

Reema Kagti

Sushbir believes Akki will successfully fit into her father's shoes. "Akshay is fantastic and as fit as my father was when we were growing up."

The film is set for an Independence Day release. We contacted Kagti, who is currently putting together an 11-member cast, but she remained unavailable for a comment