Shraddha Kapoor set to play badminton ace Saina Nehwal in biopic

Shraddha Kapoor appears to have been bitten by the biopic bug. After playing gangster Dawood Ibrahim’s sister in the forthcoming Haseena: The Queen Of Mumbai, Kapoor is set to play Saina Nehwal, the former world No 1 badminton player.

The film will be directed by actor-filmmaker Amole Gupte and is set to be released next year. It is being produced by T-Series.

“Most girls have played badminton at some point in their lives in school," Kapoor told The Times of India newspaper. "I feel so lucky to be playing Saina, who has not just been the world’s No 1 badminton player, but is also a youth icon. I can’t wait to start prepping for my role."

Nehwal, too, has given a thumbs up to Kapoor to essay her life into the biopic. “I was aware of the film, yes, but I didn’t know about the casting," she said. "It’s great if Shraddha plays me because she is a very talented actress and very hardworking. I am sure she will do justice to the role."

The best part, Nehwal said, is that Kapoor is a good friend as well. "So it will be easier to teach her some badminton skills," she told the daily. "A lot of people did tell me that we look similar and I think that’s a huge compliment, because Shraddha is very good looking."

This, however, will not be Kapoor's first sports-based film. Her upcoming Half Girlfriend sees her play basketball at college level. 

Nehwal has been a top-ranked player in the world, having reached the top of the women’s rankings in April 2015. She has 23 international titles to her credit. She also bagged a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics. Sadly, however, she lost today in the first round of the Badminton Asia championship.