Pankaj Tripathi meets the real Man Singh in preparation for '83

Pankaj Tripathi's preparation for '83 is on in full swing. The actor is playing the role of the Indian team manager, PR Man Singh, in the film based on India's 1983 cricket World Cup victory. To get his characterization right, Tripathi met the real PR Man Singh and spent some time with him recently.

The actor flew down to Hyderabad to meet Man Singh, who was the go-to man for Kapil Dev's team of underdogs in England. Man Singh now lives in Secunderabad, Hyderabad's twin city.

Tripathi, evidently, wanted to hear the real story from the man himself. Both the reel and real managers reportedly spent a good deal of time discussing 1983 World Cup trivia, factual stories, the struggle of getting the team to England and the journey of winning the first cricket World Cup for India.

Tripathi later said, "It was an amazing experience meeting PR Man Singh. He has an incredible love and passion for the game of cricket even today. He is a very disciplined person. He has created a huge museum in his house in Hyderabad with cricketing memorabilia. We spoke on various chapters of his personal and professional life. I got emotional a couple of times listening to his stories and life journey." 

The actor added, "I also met his family members and they all stood firmly like a pillar with PR Man Singh on his decisions. I visited his house and office and felt very positive with the hospitality. As an actor I will try my sincere best to portray PR Man Singh to the best of my abilities displaying his school of thoughts and justify this role by reflecting his ideology and faith on screen for the game of cricket."

Directed by Kabir Khan, '83 has an ensemble cast that includes Ranveer Singh, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Ammy Virk, Saqib Saleem and Jiiva, among others. The film will also see Deepika Padukone play the role of Romi, Kapil Dev's wife. 

'83 is planned for release in theatres on 10 April 2020.