Neeraj Pandey's next, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, is among the most anticipated films of the year. The film will trace the life and career of one of the most iconic sportspersons in India, MS Dhoni. Dhoni is one of the most successful cricket captains in India's sporting history, and has a massive fan following. The film promises to unveil many secrets about Dhoni's enigmatic personality. One of them is the tragic story of his first love.
A national daily had first reported that the tragic story of Dhoni's first love will be an integral part of the film. According to sources, the tragedy happened when MS Dhoni was still in his 20s and finding his footing in the Indian cricket team. The story goes that he met and fell in love with a girl named Priyanka Jha. The captain believed that this was the girl of his dreams, and was even ready to marry her. His career had taken off to a great start, particularly in the ODI format. Having been picked for the India A squad on tour to Kenya and Zimbabwe in 2003, he scored 362 runs in the series. The performance caught the eye of then Indian captain, Saurav Ganguly and selector Ravi Shastri. Dhoni was immediately tipped to be the next big thing in Indian cricket.
Even as Dhoni was basking in the adulation of his new found success, tragedy struck his love life. He returned home to learn that the love of his life had suffered a fatal accident. It almost shattered Dhoni, and he spent a year mourning in 'secret'. Not many were told of this tragedy, out of the fear that it might affect the player's performances on the field. Dhoni, however, managed to find new strength in this suffering and went on to become one of the most iconic cricketers of his time. He would go on to marry Sakshi Rawat in 2010.
Apparently, this story has found a place in Neeraj Pandey's biopic, with the consent of MS Dhoni himself. The incident would mark the turning point in the cricketer's life, played by Sushant Singh Rajput. It took some convincing for Dhoni to agree to part with this story, and allow it to be shown in the film. Considering the importance of the event in his life, he eventually agreed. Even Sakshi Dhoni will find a place in the film, and will be played by Kiara Advani. This piece of information only adds to the excitement surrounding the film.
MS Dhoni: The Untold Story will release on 30 September.