Parineeti Chopra was not the first choice to play Saina Nehwal in her biopic. It was Shraddha Kapoor who was first offered the biopic and the actress had even shot for a few scenes for the film and started the prep with Saina. However, due to various reasons unknown, the actress opted out of the film and Parineeti was roped in to play the shuttler in the film Saina.
Now, director Amole Gupte has finally opened up about the reason why Shraddha stepped down from her role. In an interview, Amole said Kapoor's health made it difficult for her to train for long and exhausting hours for the sports drama. "Initially we had Shraddha in the film, who was completely prepared for the role, which is why we started shooting. But then she fell ill, she got dengue which took the wind out of her. Since it was a sports film, she couldn't muster the courage to come for 12 hours and stand on a badminton court while she was unwell," the filmmaker said.
Amole then said that Shraddha joined Street Dancer 3D afterward. "Bhushan Kumar needed someone because the film was about to go on floors. So Shraddha went there. Then Bhushan brought in Parineeti for 'Saina'. It was a win-win for all of us," he added.
Saina, a biopic on badminton player Saina Nehwal, showcases her stellar journey from being a young girl who aspires to win medals for her country and the actual process of turning her dreams into reality. Produced by Bhushan Kumar and directed by Amole Gupte, the film will hit the screens on March 26.
(Source: TOI)
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