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Rajkummar Rao Opens Up About Playing Sourav Ganguly: Biopic Delayed to 2026 Due to Intense Prep
A Legendary Role Requires Legendary Preparation
Acclaimed actor Rajkummar Rao is all set to step into the shoes of one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, Sourav Ganguly, for an upcoming biopic. Known for his powerful screen presence and unmatched versatility, Rao is taking on one of the biggest challenges of his acting career — portraying the life and legacy of the former Indian cricket captain. However, fans will have to wait longer to witness this transformation, as the actor recently confirmed that the film’s shooting has been postponed to 2026.
Why the Delay? The Challenge of Becoming ‘Dada’
In a candid interview with Mid-day, Rajkummar Rao revealed the rigorous physical and mental preparation needed to accurately represent Ganguly on screen. While Rao is no stranger to cricket-centric roles — having played a cricketer-turned-coach in the 2024 film Mr & Mrs Mahi — this role comes with unique demands.
“I’ve played cricket before, but switching from right-handed to left-handed batting is no small feat,” Rao admitted. “The muscle memory just doesn’t support it naturally.”
Portraying Ganguly’s iconic left-handed batting style, his leadership on and off the field, and his larger-than-life persona is a tall order. Rao emphasized that he doesn’t want to deliver a half-baked performance, and therefore, both he and the production team agreed to push the shoot to 2026 to allow more time for physical training and script refinement.
The Pressure of Representing a Cricketing Icon
Bringing the life of Sourav Ganguly, affectionately called Dada, to the big screen is no ordinary task. From leading India through some of its most memorable victories to his bold captaincy style, Ganguly redefined Indian cricket in the early 2000s.
“It’s a huge responsibility to portray someone who is not just a cricketing hero, but a national icon,” Rao shared. “The team wants to do justice to his life in the most cinematic and respectful way possible.”
Rao revealed that although he was offered opportunities to meet Ganguly, he has deliberately postponed their interaction, choosing instead to focus on building his version of the character independently before absorbing Ganguly’s real-life traits.
From Mr & Mrs Mahi to Ganguly: The Journey So Far
The biopic reportedly came to Rao following his compelling performance in Mr & Mrs Mahi (2024), where he played a failed cricketer coaching his wife, played by Janhvi Kapoor. That role showcased his capability to handle sports-based characters and might have influenced the makers’ decision.
The Ganguly biopic, currently untitled, is still in the scripting phase. The creators are reportedly consulting cricket historians, former teammates, and sports analysts to ensure that every nuance of Ganguly’s personal and professional life is captured accurately.
What’s Next for Rajkummar Rao?
While fans eagerly await more updates on the Ganguly biopic, Rajkummar Rao is currently enjoying the success of his recent film Maalik, which boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Manushi Chhillar, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Huma Qureshi, Saurabh Shukla, and Medha Shankar. The film has further solidified Rao’s position as one of India’s most bankable stars.
For more on sports biopics and Bollywood updates, check out our article on Top 5 Bollywood Cricket Biopics Ranked.
For an in-depth look at Sourav Ganguly’s cricketing career, visit his ESPNcricinfo player profile.
