Sidharth Malhotra’s ‘Shershaah’ experience ‘bigger than a film’
The actor feels lucky to have got opportunity to play real-life hero in the film
Bollywood actor Sidharth Malhotra, who will be seen playing the role of Kargil hero Vikram Batra in the upcoming film Shershaah, says he is fortunate to have been chosen to play the real-life hero on-screen.
The biographical war drama, directed by noted south film director Vishnuvaradhan, narrates the life story of Captain Batra and how he led the charge of his troops during the 1999 Kargil war. He was given the highest wartime gallantry award Param Vir Chakra posthumously.
In the film, Malhotra will be seen in the double role of Captain Vikram Batra and his twin brother Vishal Batra. “This day is extremely emotional for me. We started this journey five years ago with Vishal Batra ji. This is my first film where I have portrayed the life of a real-life hero. Shershaah has been an experience bigger than a film,” Malhotra said at the trailer launch event of the film on the eve of the 22nd Kargil Vijay Diwas.
“I would like to thank the Indian Army… This story is about true, real-life heroes like you. And I consider myself lucky that I got to play him,” the 36-year-old actor added.
Shershaah, which borrows its title from the martyr’s codename, also stars Kiara Advani, who plays Dimple Cheema — the romantic interest of Captain Vikram Batra in the film.
Advani said working on the film transformed her on a personal level. “Some films change you professionally but there are some that change you personally. Shershaah is that film for me. Thank you to the Batra family, Dimple and everyone who made this possible for us. I will forever be grateful. We can’t wait to share this with the world,” she said.
The 28-year-old actor also expressed her gratitude towards the Indian Army. “I am quite nervous right now because I am standing in front of the Indian Army for the first time. No amount of words would justify the gratitude we all have in it hearts for each of you. I would also like to thank the families here. We salute you for your support, prayers and for being true pillars of strength for men and women in uniform,” she added.
Director Vishnuvardhan, who makes his directorial debut in Hindi cinema with Shershaah, said that directing a film inspired by the life of Captain Batra was “once in a lifetime opportunity” for him. “Apart from reading and knowing about him (Captain Batra), it was the experience of meeting the people, all the officers, who fought by him,” he added.
The director said the team has tried to stay true to the events of the 1999 war.
Shershaah is scheduled to be released on August 12 on Amazon Prime Video. The film is jointly produced by Dharma Productions and Kaash Entertainment. Shershaah also stars Shiv Panditt, Raj Arjun, Pranay Pachauri, Himanshu Ashok Malhotra, Nikitin Dheer, Anil Charanjeett, Sahil Vaid, Shataf Figar and Pawan Chopra.
