Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: 'Sarbjit' was a huge responsibility

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Portraying the ordeal of Indian death row convict Sarabjit Singh on screen was a challenge for Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as the actress feels the subject of the film "Sarbjit" was sensitive.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Pic/Santa Banta

In the film, which released today, Aishwarya plays the role of Sarabjit's sister Dalbir Kaur, who moved heaven and earth to call the world's attention to her brother's plight in a Pakistani prison.

"The film is the result of everybody's labour. It can't be an individual's effort. Every department has put an effort. The script of 'Sarbjit' was brilliant and all of the actors in the film have given their soul in it. We had a huge responsibility," she told reporters here during the promotion of the film.

Though the film has opened to mixed response from critics but for the 42-year-old actress, getting a thumbs up from Sarabjit's family was most important. "The most important impression for us was when Dalbir held Randeep's (Hooda) hand and said 'we have given full justice to her brother through this film'."

The former Miss World said it was a conscious effort to not to meet Dalbir before starting the film. "Her character was nicely accounted in the media, so I had enough material on her. Omung (director) and I had loads of discussion on Dalbir's character and mannerism. I always wanted to meet her but not in the perspective of observing her. I wanted to meet her personally."

Directed by Omung Kumar of 'Mary Kom' fame, 'Sarbit' stars Randeep Hooda and Richa Chadha in pivotal roles.