Saina Nehwal and Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra catch up to discuss the biopic on the badminton star
Saina Nehwal and Parineeti Chopra. Picture/ Parineeti's Instagram
After delivering acclaimed movies like Stanley Ka Dabba and Hawaa Hawaai, director Amole Gupte is all set to collaborate with Parineeti Chopra for Saina Nehwal’s biopic. While the director had been working on the movie for years, Parineeti and Saina had to meet up and discuss the file in detail.
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Talking about how the director keeps on giving frequent updates about the scenes and the shoots, Saina said, “I am happy that he’s directing my biopic. He knows how to handle such stories and he knows everything about my life very well. He knows what I am doing, where I am and even the results of those matches that aren’t aired on TV. He also gives me regular updates about the scenes that are being shot and Parineeti’s on-going prep.”
Parineeti went on to elaborate on how she is never herself when she leaves her vanity van. She said, “When I reach the set, I’m me, but when I leave my vanity van, I’m Saina Nehwal. That’s the first step. There’s so much that goes into playing someone who is so revered for her skills and achievements in a sport. I’ve never looked the way I do when I am on Saina’s set. It’s a blessing that our physical attributes match; not ticking those boxes would have made things tough. So far, we have been shooting the dialogue-driven scenes. Now, we will start shooting the historic matches. The real struggle will begin then, but I’ve never been more motivated in my life. With this new phase in my career and life, this project fits like a glove.”
When asked about the emotional and physical investment, the versatile actress had to put while practising and shooting for the biopic, Parineeti shared, “I didn’t want to miss a 45-day spell of training! I am not a sportsperson, so if am portraying one on screen, I have to be convincing. That’s not an easy task. After meeting her, I’m nervous about how she will assess everything. I hope the effort makes her happy.”
To which the former World No 1 badminton player said, “Playing a sportsperson on-screen when you are not one must be very challenging. I know how tough it must be for her to imitate my style on the court. I just wanted to tell her that I’m there with her to motivate her and guide her wherever she needs me. This sport can be tough for someone who doesn’t know its intricacies. Today, Parineeti knows the lifts, serves and certain shots. She’s worked to get them right. She’s come a long way in just a few months. With what she’s doing, I think it will be an emotional moment for me to see my life unfurl on the big screen. During my conversation with Parineeti, I realised just how similar we are as people. The fact that she’s a little tomboyish and has the right personality to play me is so reassuring.”
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