RSVP’s next production is a biopic on the Hyderabadi superstar who put India’s tennis story on the global map
MUMBAI MIRROR (February 8, 2019)

For a nation where cricket is considered a religion, it takes unique talent, undeterred determination and single-minded focus for a female tennis personality to shine like a star. Sania Mirza managed to do this and how! She is the name that put India’s tennis story on the global map and now her life journey will now be showcased on the big screen. Fresh off the success of URI: The Surgical Strike, Ronnie Screwvala’s RSVP is set to bring the biopic of India’s tennis sensation and pride to the movies.

Born to a sports journalist, Sania was introduced to the game by her mother Nasima Mirza. Touted as one of the finest doubles players in the world and without doubt one of the best women’s tennis players to have ever represented India, Sania’s achievements also include laurels like Arjuna award, WTA newcomer of the year, Padma Shri, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and the Padma Bhushan to name a few. She has won 13 medals for the country. She was appointed the UN Women Goodwill Ambassador for South Asia and was also the first South Asian Woman to be appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador in the organisation’s history.

Sania is the highest ranked singles player in the men or women category in the last 30 years with number 27 in singles and world number 1 in doubles.

The story of the film promises to take the audience through the life of the remarkable female athlete—the roller coaster ride, the struggles, the ups and the downs—behind the phenomenal achievements.

Sania said, “It’s excitement combined with nervousness—a ‘butterfly in your stomach’ feeling—when you are about to let your life story out to the world. It’s what I felt when my biography was written and I feel exactly the same when my journey is going to be presented on the big screen. I know it’s in good hands with an astute producer like Ronnie (Screwvala), who’s known for telling stories impactfully. I am so excited to partner with him and his team at RSVP and honestly can’t wait for it to go on floors.”

Her journey off the court has been as fascinating as her on court achievements and is sure to pique the interest of the audience.

Producer Ronnie Screwvala said, “At RSVP, it is my endeavour to tell compelling and inspiring stories. Sania biopic is one such story that falls beautifully under both these categories. Her journey, the hurdles she faced and her resilience to overcome adversities that came her way is what makes her an inspiration. I am delighted to bring this fascinating story on celluloid.”

RSVP and producer Ronnie Screwvala believe in presenting content driven films and are focused on delivering films that are backed by power-packed performances by talented actors and directors. Having delivered the first blockbuster of 2019 with URI: The Surgical Strike, Ronnie Screwvala continues to back content driven films and the Mirza biopic promises to have all the makings of a blockbuster.