Kabir Khan: I told Deepika it wasn’t a long role, but significant one

Deepika Padukone

Last week's release, 83 has Ranveer Singh at the front and centre offering a retelling of India's victory at the 1983 Cricket World Cup. The actor, who portrays then-captain Kapil Dev, is aided by a strong ensemble cast that makes up the on-screen Indian cricket squad. While the spotlight is naturally on them, Deepika Padukone does justice as Dev's wife, Romi Bhatia. Casting Padukone in such a brief role might be an unusual decision, but director Kabir Khan says she was the only choice to essay the part.

A still from 83

"When I was writing the screenplay, I realised Kapil is incomplete without Romi. There is a strong energy behind him in the form of Romi. I had access to Deepika and could ask her to play the role, but [the fear was that] I may end up over-casting. When you cast a superstar like Deepika and the screen time [offered] is not much, you can go wrong," admits the filmmaker. But the more he studied Romi's character, the more he saw Padukone in it. "Deepika has such great energy on screen. So, I wanted her to establish that energy in the film. I told her it was not a long role, but a significant one. She was so moved by the story that she said, ‘I want to be part of this.'" Padukone's belief in the material also led her to come on board as one of the producers.

Kabir Khan. Pic/Yogen Shah

The reason for Padukone's affinity to the character might go well beyond the script. "It resonated with her because she is also the daughter of a world champion [Prakash Padukone]. She has seen her mother go through similar struggles when her father was training."

The sports drama has opened to rave reviews. Asked what it takes to make a story engaging when the world knows the plot beforehand, Khan says, "When you enter the theatres, you know [the gist]. But when the lights go off and the images start coming on the screen, you will get immersed in that world. You will follow their struggles and triumphs. Sports stories are popular because ultimately, they talk about the triumph of the human spirit."