Deepika Padukone joins '83 as Kapil Dev's wife, Romi

Actress Deepika Padukone has officially joined the cast of '83 (2020) in Glasgow, Scotland as Kapil Dev's wife, Romi Dev. Actor Ranveer Singh, Deepika's husband, called the move "genius casting" by director Kabir Khan and wrote, "Who better to play my wifey than my wifey?" This will be the first time the couple will be starring in a film together after their marriage last November.

The actress-producer, who recently wrapped up filming on her next film, Chhapaak (2020), directed by Meghna Gulzar, was in Glasgow to film her portions of the sports film. Khan's film, co-produced by Madhu Mantena, Sajid Nadiadwala and Reliance Entertainment, will recount the emotional journey of the former Indian captain, Kapil Dev, who lead his team to their maiden victory at cricket World Cup.

Dev married Romi, née Bhatia, in 1980. Their daughter Amiya was born in 1996. Incidentally, Amiya is an assistant director to Khan on '83 (2020).

Padukone's parents, Prakash and Ujjala, have known the Devs for years. The actress told Bombay Times about her interactions with Romi, "I have met her a few times, including our wedding reception, and I have interacted with her socially over the years. I am also referring to whatever material the director’s team has sent across to me. My parents have known their family for many years."

"So, I feel I know her and hope that she is proud and happy with the film. I intend to connect and spend some time with her before I start filming to be able to understand her perspective better," she added.

'83, which also stars Pankaj Tripathi, Tahir Raj Bhasin, and Saqib Saleem, is due to be released on 10 April 2020.