Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; June 27, 2019)

Sports biopics seem to be the flavour of the season. With many being shot and several underway, the latest to dabble in this genre is Deepika Padukone. Besides, Chhapaak, which is based on the life of acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal, she is also shooting for '83. This film focusses on India’s 1983 cricket World Cup victory, and while Ranveer plays the legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev, Deepika plays the cricketer’s wife, Romi Bhatia.

It’s only natural that the actress will be drawn to sports biopics given her sporting background. So, when we asked her if there is a sports biopic she would want to see being made, the actress took her father — badminton legend Prakash Padukone’s name. And if gender wasn’t an issue, she would’ve loved to play the part, too. Deepika says, “I understand the gender issue (smiles). But if I had to play a sports person, then it would be him or any sports legend from that era. That’s because of what they achieved in the circumstances, within the limited exposure and knowledge versus the kind of funds, facilities and visibility available to athletes today. But in spite of all that, to achieve that greatness and legendary status is commendable. Our yesteryear athletes inspire me.”