Tuesday Trivia: When Vikram Batra's family said Kiara Advani was exactly like Dimple Cheema

Kiara Advani receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for Shershaah: Picture Courtesy: PR

Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani's film 'Shershaah' was one of the most acclaimed films of 2021. The former played Captain Vikram Batra and the actress essayed the role of his fiancee Dimple. Bagging the Best Actress Critic's Choice Award at Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2022, Kiara Advani dedicated her honour to Dimple Cheema, who she portrayed on screen in her film Shershaah.

In an interview with mid-day last year, the actress, talking about the film, said, "Even at a script level, we knew this film had the potential to move people. But the response has surpassed our expectations."

Asked if she has heard from Dimple Cheema yet, Advani - who plays Batra's love interest in the Amazon Prime Video offering - said, "I messaged her after the film. This is an emotional movie for her. I want to respect her privacy right now. When I met Captain Batra's family after the film, they said I was exactly like [Dimple]. That moved me to tears. I know the songs have deeply touched her. She must be proud that the story is resonating with people."

The film's post-credits reveal that after the Kargil War hero's demise, Cheema decided to not marry. The actor said she bought into their love story instantly, rare as it was. "I believe in that kind of eternal love. I have seen examples of that in my parents, and now, in Dimple's love story. It is aspirational for a generation like ours, which is more fast-paced."

And recently, talking about the film as she received the award, Kiara said, "This film (Shershaah) is truly special for not just us a cast and crew but I think the entire nation. The biopic on Captain Batra has been unanimously loved by the audience and the critics, there's just so much gratitude in my heart."

Expressing her thankfulness for the honour, Kiara poured her heartfelt gratitude saying, "This award I want to dedicate to Dimple who I portrayed in the film. It's been the most emotional journey and this is to Dimple and all the unsung heroes who have been the force behind the armed forces, for their dedication, unconditional love and support for the nation."