After Mary Kom, Bhag Milkha Bhag and Dangal struck gold at the box office, it’s no surprise that there’s a film being made chronicling India’s ace tennis player Sania Mirza. Rumours were floating about the project since last year, but it’s only recently that Sania herself confirmed the rumours in an interview to the daily, Mumbai Mirror. “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,” she told the newspaper. What we wonder though, is who will star as Sania in the film? We did some thinking, and here are our picks.
Sania’s close pal Parineeti tops our list. On a popular podcast couple of years ago, Pari had revealed how she and Sania became friends, thanks to an interview where Sania had expressed her wish of Pari playing her, if the biopic was ever made. Sania had explained her choice to Pari saying, ‘You look like me and you know we all are blessed in the chest area, and I think you will look the most like me.’ Considering how Parineeti is looking her fittest best these days, we’re placing our bet on her.
Parineeti Chopra (Photo: AFP)
Jacqueline is the first to come to mind when we think sporty. She’s expressed her desire to act in biopics before and is a squash player too. She’s our second choice.
Jacqueline Fernandez (Photo: AFP)
If you’ve seen Sonakshi recently, you’ll know that she’s lost oodles of weight, and is probably the healthiest version of herself. She works out regularly and has an outgoing personality that matches Sania’s. Sonakshi’s hardly offered a chance to actually act in films, and this film could be her winning ticket.
Sonakshi Sinha (Photo: AFP)
Anushka is on this list because we know that if the role is offered to her, she’ll probably not deny it. Anushka’s delivered a string of commercial flops lately, – Zero, Sui Dhaga and Pari – she needs a film to bring her back to the top slots. Also, with those strong shoulders and serious face, we think Anushka can do justice to show expressions ranging from immense hard work and eventual success, that sum up Sania’s journey.
Anushka Sharma (Photo: AFP)
After watching her action in Manikarnika, we’d like her to swing the tennis racquet too. Kangana’s acting is malleable and she fits beautifully into any mould the director puts her in. We’d like her to go fierce again with Sania’s life story.
Kangana Ranaut (Photo: AFP)
Relatively fresh-faced Sara Ali Khan will make it easier for the audience to recognise her as Sania in the film. The women are similar in height and build, and the film will be Sara’s chance to prove her acting chops.
Sara Ali Khan (Photo: AFP)