Ranveer Singh to play Kapil Dev
After acting in two historical drama films, Indian actor Ranveer Singh is now set to play the role of Kapil Dev―the World Cup winning captain―in the movie '83.
Ranveer is very excited about the movie that will portray the 14 mens' journey in 1983's World Cup campaign.
"I am really looking forward to it but it is going to be a while before I commence work on it. It should be exciting to get into the skin of such a legendary player," he reportedly said.
“I was born at the time when cricket was big time. When Kabir Sahab (director Kabir Khan) had come to me and said that there will be a film on 83, I was like finally. And when he was narrating it to me, I was like woooh. It is not a story just about cricket but a human story.”
“How am I going to do this? I am honoured that I will be a part of the biggest story. Goosebumps and goosebumps in the second part of the film, right Kabir sir?” added Ranveer.
Kabir Khan, who will be directing the film, has also shared his take on the movie.
He said, “As a young schoolboy when I watched India win the 1983 Cricket World Cup I had no idea that from that day onwards Cricket in India will change forever. As a filmmaker, for me, the journey to that win, filled with raw energy and sheer passion of that young Indian team, is probably one of the most exciting stories I have worked on. And it’s great to have Ranveer come on board to play Kapil Dev, as honestly, I could see no one else for the role, ever since I started finalising the script.”
"Members of the 1983 World Cup squad will be helping us, they will be there as consultants and coaches for the team. It will begin next year," Kabir reportedly told in an interview.
The director thinks Ranveer is the perfect choice to play his character in the movie.
"Ranveer is an actor, he will play according to the demand and requirement of the character. I have always admired Ranveer as an actor," Kabir said.
The World Cup winning team in 1983 comprised of ace-cricketers like Kapil Dev, Mohinder Amarnath, Sunil Gavaskar, Kirti Azad, Yashpal Sharma, Krishnamachari Srikkanth, Roger Binny, Balwinder Singh Sandhu, Sandeep Patil, Syed Kirmani, Madan Lal, Ravi Shastri, Dilip Vengsarkar, Sunil Valson and their manager PR Man Singh.
"In case of the 1983 World Cup, I think the players are the real stars. We are looking for good actors. We are in the casting process.” Kabir added.
Ranveer was also unveiled as India's first brand ambassador of the English Premeir League on friday. He shared his experience of meeting Arsenal and French legend Theirry Henry.
"I had a memorable experience meeting my childhood hero Thierry Henry. I remember the kindness and grace with which he greeted us. He is an Arsenal legend and a true hero for me. In spite of being such a legendary figure he is so polite. He kind of changed my perspective on a fan and celebrity interaction."
