Would have been nervous if Saina Nehwal were present on sets, says Parineeti Chopra

Parineeti Chopra has admitted that Saina Nehwal's absence from the sets of her biopic, Saina, helped her. Directed by Amole Gupte, the film will be released in theatres on 26 March. 

Speaking about her interaction with the iconic sportswoman, Chopra said, "Saina was very approachable and answered all the queries I had. I literally discussed everything under the sky with her: my training, fitness or if I was holding the racquet right. I wanted to look right for the part and do justice to the sport and Saina.”

Despite this, the actress was glad that the badminton champion was absent from the set. She said, "I remember visiting Saina Nehwal's house in Hyderabad to meet her and she had told me, 'I have never seen you play sports before.' When we returned, I knew I had to double my training as someone entrusted me with a responsibility to play the sport right."

The actress joined the film late in 2019, before beginning preparations. She added, "If I can play even 1% of what she played, I would consider myself lucky. I was glad only my coaches and trainers were there. If Saina herself had been there, it would’ve made me very nervous!”

Saina, which features Manav Kaul and Ankur Vikal, is being produced by Bhushan Kumar's T-Series.