Sanya Malhotra, Fatima Sana Shaikh join Vicky Kaushal for Meghna Gulzar’s ‘Sambahadur’
Bollywood actresses Sanya Malhotra and Fatima Sana Shaikh have come on board for Vicky Kaushal starrer “Sam Bahadur”, the biopic of on-field marshal Sam Manekshaw, the makers announced on Monday. Produced by Ronnie Screwvala and directed by Meghna Gulzar, the biographical drama is based on the life and times of the brave Sam Manekshaw, one of India’s great war heroes. Manekshaw was the chief of the Indian Army in 1971 when India fought the Bangladesh Liberation War with Pakistan. Gulzar said the team is excited to have Malhotra and Sheikh on board.
“Proud to celebrate 50 years of our army’s historic victory in the 1971 war. And it is very exciting to see Sanya Malhotra and Fatima Sana Shaikh join the team of ‘Sam Bahadur’. The film celebrates both their roles. What is needed is a lot of sensitivity, dignity and restraint and I am looking forward to the women who bring these characters to life,” the director said in a statement.
In the film, Kaushal is playing the role of war hero and Malhotra will play his wife Sillu, while Sheikh will be seen as former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Malhotra thanked Gulzar for giving him the opportunity to play Manekshaw’s wife.
The actress added, “Behind every great man there is a woman and for Sam Bahadur, Silu Manekshaw was that support and strength. I feel honored to play this role and bring to the fore his integral part and influence in the life of this war hero. I’m doing it.”
His ‘Dangal’ co-star Sheikh said that he is happy to be a part of ‘Sam Bahadur’.
“I am very happy to join the Sam Bahadur family and take on the challenge of playing the role of one of the most influential and celebrated women in Indian history,” she said.
Screwvala said that the team is excited to bring together some of the most talented actors for the film. “It’s a very special day for us as the ‘Sam Bahadur’ tribe continues to grow. We are very excited to bring together some of the most talented actors. Who are either pushing the envelope or making their mark to tell that story? Not afraid to get into the characters’ skin,” the producer said.
The project is the second collaboration between Gulzar and Kaushal after the 2017 blockbuster “Raazi” and Kaushal and Screwvala post “Uri: The Surgical Strike”. In 2019, the team shared the first look of Kaushal from the film. Bhavani Iyer has penned the screenplay of the film with dialogues from “Badhaai Ho” writer Shantanu Srivastava.
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