Amole Gupte: Playing Saina Nehwal not easy for Shraddha Kapoor

Amole Gupte reveals Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor is undergoing intense training to perfect role of ace badminton player Saina Nehwal, biopic to go on floors later this year

Shraddha Kapoor and Saina Nehwal

Amole Gupte has his hands full with his upcoming projects. The filmmaker is shuttling between promotional work of his upcoming children's spy-thriller, Sniff, and shooting for the biopic on badminton champion Saina Nehwal.

Talking about the training being given to his leading lady, Shraddha Kapoor, Gupte says, "She is currently going through an intensive regimen with Jitesh Padukone (former badminton player) and is practically transforming herself into Nehwal. She is committed. Playing Nehwal will not be easy, so I want Shraddha to be ready before we start rolling."

Amol Gupte

After having spent two years with Nehwal, Gupte says he's now certain of the aspects of her life that he wishes to highlight on the big screen. "The film will trace her journey to becoming the number one player in the world. I spent a lot of time with Nehwal before deciding to make the film. I don't want to waste this opportunity by making it look so unbelievable that it almost seems fictional."

Apart from interacting with the player, Gupte also spent time with those close to her. "Since my film also portrays the life of her family before her birth, I had to meet her parents [Harvir Singh and Usha Rani]. I also spent time with her coach Pullela Gopichand, and her friends."

The filmmaker suggests that he may title his biopic, Maar Dungi, based on the phrase Nehwal uses before a match. "Before she goes for the match, she says, 'Mujhe jaana hai aur maarna hai,' or, 'Usko maar dungi,'" he laughs.

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