Dinker Sharma to play Kirti Azad in ‘83

Dinker Sharma is the latest addition to the cast of Kabir Khan’s ‘83. The actor will be playing India batsman and off-spinner Kirti Azad. The film is based on India’s 1983 cricket World Cup victory in England. 

The film will mark Sharma’s feature film debut. He was seen this year in the highly acclaimed web-series, Delhi Crime, on Netflix earlier this year. He acted in one episode where he played the character of Ashwin. 

The makers announced his casting in the film on their official Facebook page. “Dinker Sharma is all geared up to ‘bowl’ us over and bat his way to our hearts as Kirti Azad. #CastOf83,” said the caption on the film's page. The film will also see Ranveer Singh essaying the role of India’s captain Kapil Dev. 

Azad represented India in 25 one-day internationals and seven test matches. He was a part of the playing eleven in the finals of the 1983 World Cup when India beat the mighty West Indies. 

Azad hails from Bihar. He was the son of the state’s chief minister Bhagwat Azad Jha, who belonged to the Indian National Congress. After retiring from cricket, he also joined politics, but he joined Congress’ rival, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He was elected member of parliament from the BJP party in 2014. Following differences with the party, Azad later joined the Indian National Congress in 2019. 

'83 is directed by Kabir Khan, and is scheduled to release on 10 April 2020.