Rajkummar Rao undergoes intense prep for Saurav Ganguly’s biopic, shares details

Actor Rajkummar Rao has announced that he will portray former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly in an upcoming biopic, with filming set to start next year. Although the title and director of the film have not been revealed, the actor explained that the postponement arises from the significant preparation needed to honor the life and heritage of a legendary Indian sports icon.

In an interview, the actor said, “Everybody is taking a lot of care in recreating Dada”s life for a theatrical experience. We have pushed the shooting to next year as we needed some time for the prep. It’s a big responsibility to play one of our most iconic heroes in cricket.”

Rao is undergoing intense training for the role, especially to adapt his style to that of Ganguly, who is a left-handed batsman. “While I know how to play cricket, being a left-handed batter is a different ballgame altogether. The muscle memory is all about being a right-handed batter. So, I need some time to practise. I have deliberately not met Dada yet. I want to meet him when we fully get into prep mode,” he added.

In an earlier interview, Rao had confirmed the casting, saying, “Now that Dada has already said it, let me also make it official – yes, I am playing him in his biopic. I am nervous. It’s a huge responsibility, but it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Ganguly, who scored over 18,500 runs and 38 centuries in his international career, gave his nod to the actor’s casting and assured full support. “I think the right person is doing it. I’ll help him with everything,” said the legendary cricketer, who is widely regarded as one of India’s most successful captains.

In the meantime, Rajkummar Rao will start filming a new dark comedy helmed by Aditya Nimbalkar. As the Ganguly biopic remains in pre-production, the actor is finding time to delve into new genres before taking on the role of Dada.