Mumbai: It is raining sports-themed films in Bollywood. The year 2021 is all set to bring us some refreshing Bollywood sports dramas which include biopics on legendary sports icons. Starting from cricket we have ‘Shabaash Mithu’ based on the life of Indian women’s ODI skipper Mithali Raj.
Bollywood actress Taapsee Pannu is all set to bring the life of Mithali in her biopic. As per reports, she is currently shooting for the movie and former cricketers Kavita Patil, Devieka Palshikaar and Nooshin Khadeer along with physical therapist Akanksha Satyavanshi are helping Taapsee prepare for ‘Shabaash Mithu’.
Taapsee had announced her association with the project on Mithali Raj’s birthday in 2019. She tweeted pictures with the cricketer and wrote: “Happy Birthday Captain. On this Birthday, I don’t know what gift I can give you but this promise that I shall give it all I have to make sure you will be proud of what you see of yourself on screen with Shabaash Mithu. PS_ I’m all prepared to learn the ‘cover drive’.”
Happy Birthday Captain @M_Raj03 On this Birthday, I don’t know what gift I can give you but this promise that I shall give it all I have to make sure you will be proud of what you see of yourself on screen with #ShabaashMithu
P.S- I’m all prepared to learn THE ‘cover drive’ pic.twitter.com/a8Ha6BMoFs— taapsee pannu (@taapsee) December 3, 2019
Last year, the actress released her first look from ‘Shabaash Mithu’ and wrote: “I have always been asked who’s your favourite male cricketer but you should ask them who their favourite female cricketer is.” The statement that made every cricket lover pause n introspect that do they love the game or the gender playing it. Mithali Raj, you are a ‘game changer’.”
“I have always been asked who’s your favourite male cricketer but you should ask them who their favourite female cricketer is.” The statement that made every cricket lover pause n introspect that do they love the game or the gender playing it.@M_Raj03 you are a ‘Game Changer’ pic.twitter.com/2VlxYpXmSM
— taapsee pannu (@taapsee) January 29, 2020
The Thappad actress is currently training under Al Khadeer. Nooshin, who has been a long-time friend and former teammate of Mithali Raj, is aptly suited to train and advice Taapsee for the movie. She will be teaching her not only Mithali’s iconic cricket style but also the other finer aspects of emulating the ace cricketer on the screen, such as her poise, stance, and unique traits.
This will be an amazing story as many sports lovers would be eager to know how Mithali made it big in cricket and is regarded as one of the greatest batswomen in the world.
‘Shabaash Mithu’ is helmed by Rahul Dholakia and produced by Ajit Andhare. The film was initially slated to release on February 5, 2021. However, due to COVID 19 lockdown, the shoot could not begin. The makers are yet to announce the new release date of the film.
