Filmmaker Kabir Khan has dismissed rumours of former cricketers being “unhappy” with the remuneration that they received for sharing their story for his upcoming film ’83 and told a leading daily that he “laughed” over rumours as such. In ’83, Ranveer Singh has been cast as cricket legend Kapil Dev while the film is being directed by Kabir.

Last month, a report published in a national daily suggested that several cricketers of Kapil Dev’s World Cup team were unhappy about the fee that they were paid to share their respective stories for the film. Kabir, however, responded otherwise. "It is far from the truth. Sandhu sir and I were laughing at the story because it stated that the players had got together to discuss the pay disparity, when in reality, they weren't even in town,” Kabir told the daily.

[caption id="attachment_209019" align="aligncenter" width="647"] Ranveer Singh with legendary cricketer Kapil Dev[/caption]

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The report, published in February, had also mentioned that the makers paid the former cricketers “a paltry Rs. 15 lakh each for their participation”. Kabir, meanwhile, added that the cricketers have been gracious enough to help in the training of the actors. True enough as Ranveer began training for ’83 with Balwinder Singh Sandhu, a member of the 1983 winning team, in February.

[caption id="attachment_201720" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Kabir Khan photographed in Mumbai[/caption]

"All these players are helping us train the boys. Sandhu sir is on the ground from 7 am every morning. If there was an issue regarding the remuneration, do you think Sandeep Patil's son Chirag would be portraying him? They are an integral part of the project,” Kabir added.

’83 is based on the Indian cricket team’s historic victory in the 1983 World Cup.