Lasyapriya Sundaram (BOMBAY TIMES; September 29, 2018)

Shraddha Kapoor is all set to sink her teeth into the role of badminton champion Saina Nehwal for the upcoming biopic on her life. The film, produced by Bhushan Kumar’s T-Series and directed by Amole Gupte, went on floors on September 22. Now, the makers have released the first look of the film, which shows the actress channelling the spirit of the game. Saina’s achievements in the sport include a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2010 and an Olympic bronze medal in 2012. That’s not all, she is also the only Indian female badminton player to be ranked World No 1 (in 2015).

Talking about her prep for the role in the film, which included 6 am training sessions, the actress says, “I have already clocked 40 classes of badminton in preparation for this biopic. It’s a really tough sport, but I am enjoying myself. To get an insight into the life of a sportsperson is fascinating. Saina’s journey itself is so interesting — right from her misses to her injuries and victories. I can relate to her journey in a big way, because I have gone through similar experiences in a different field. Despite everything, she has not let her focus shift and that’s what’s truly inspiring.”