Fatima Sana Shaikh to play Indira Gandhi in Sam Bahadur; Sanya Malhotra also joins in

Fatima Sana Shaikh is all set to essay the role of the late prime minister Indira Gandhi in Meghna Gulzar’s Sam Bahadur (2022). Starring Vicky Kaushal, the film is based on the life of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, the man who was India's army chief in the decisive 1971 war against Pakistan which resulted in the birth of Bangladesh in erstwhile East Pakistan.

The film will also see Shaikh, who broke through with Aamir Khan's blockbuster hit Dangal (2016), reunite with Sanya Malhotra, her co-star in the sports film, who will be playing the general's wife in Sam Bahadur.

This will be Shaikh and Malhotra’s third film together after Ludo (2020), although in that film they did not have any scenes together.

On bagging the role of Mrs Gandhi, Shaikh said in a statement, “I’m very happy to join the Sam Bahadur family and take on the challenge of essaying the role of one of the most influential and talked about women in Indian history. What intrigued and excited me the most was the passion with which the makers hope to honour [Manekshaw's] memory and legacy through this film.”

On her casting as Mrs Manekshaw, Malhotra said, “Behind every great man is a woman and Silloo Manekshaw was that support and strength to Sam Bahadur. I’m honoured to essay this role and bring to light her integral part and influence in this war hero’s life. I’m also thankful to Meghna Gulzar and looking forward to this exciting journey with her.”

On Shaikh and Malhotra joining the cast, leading man Vicky Kaushal said, “Sanya and Fatima with their characters bring more character and substance to the story of Sam Bahadur and I am very excited to be working with them together for the first time.

"Their characters have been among the most influential personalities we have heard about and now the audience will witness the story of their valour, commitment and resilience. I welcome both of them to our Manekshaw family and look forward to sharing the screen with two of the most talented and diligent actors of our generation.”

The casting announcement came on the day Meghna turned 48. She expresses her happiness, saying, “I have much to celebrate. There is pride in the commemoration of 50 years of the historic win of our forces in the 1971 war. And it’s exciting to have Sanya Malhotra and Fatima Sana Shaikh join the team of Sam Bahadur. Both their roles in the film require a great deal of sensitivity, dignity and composure and I’m looking forward to the ladies bringing these characters to life.”

Producer Ronnie Screwvala of RSVP added, “It’s a special day for us as the Sam Bahadur tribe grows bigger and we also celebrate the birthday of our director Meghna Gulzar. Manekshaw’s legendary status, in war and life, are fondly remembered and remain relevant to this day. We are so excited to bring together some of the most talented actors who aren’t afraid to push the envelope or get in the skin of their characters to tell that story.”