MID-DAY (August 10, 2016)

After two slice-of-life films, Shahid (2012) and Aligarh, which released earlier this year, Hansal Mehta is now planning a biopic on Irom Chanu Sharmila. Yesterday, Manipur’s Iron Lady ended her 16-year hunger strike demanding repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the state — the world’s longest fast. The 44-year-old was being force-fed through a nasal tube to keep her alive at a prison-turned-hospital in Imphal.

Says a source, “The filmmaker is known for chronicling true incidents and taking on controversial subjects. He had been closely following the Iron Lady’s struggle over the years and finds her never-say-die spirit remarkable. He has a near-complete script, but will now have to tweak it suitably. He has decided to produce the film and soon zero in on a director.”

Adds the source, “After hearing about her release, Hansal has already sounded off his team about his plan. The pre-production work will begin soon.”

Hansal is currently in the US, prepping for the shoot of his Kangana Ranaut-starrer Simran, based on a Punjabi NRI nurse, Sandeep Kaur, who paid off debts by robbing banks. The source says, “The biopic on Irom Sharmila will roll out after he wraps up Simran later this year.” Hansal remained unavailable for comment.

The struggles and success of another well known face from Manipur, boxing champ Mary Kom, had made it to the 70mm screen in 2014. Sanjay Leela Bhansali produced the biopic starring Priyanka Chopra. So, which actress will play Irom Sharmila? Watch this space.