Sourav Ganguly biopic: Rajkummar Rao starts shooting at Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Rajkummar Rao has started shooting for Sourav Ganguly’s biopic at major locations in Kolkata. The schedule describes Ganguly’s early life during the production of the film, the Bengali setting and the cast.
The filming of the biopic of former India captain Sourav Ganguly has started in Kolkata after the completion of the Mumbai leg. The film has shifted to the city for a 15-day schedule, with shooting taking place across multiple locations spanning Ganguly’s life and cricket journey.
Rajkummar Rao, who plays the role of Ganguly in the film Dada: The Sourav Ganguly StoryReached Kolkata earlier this week and was seen at the Kolkata grounds on Wednesday. After completing his morning workout session, the actor spent the entire day filming scenes for the biopic. There is enthusiasm among fans about the film based on Bengal’s beloved ‘Dada’.
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The first leg of the Kolkata schedule focuses on Ganguly’s childhood and upbringing, including his journey from the streets of Behala to becoming a cricketer.
The shooting started on Tuesday morning at Sourav Ganguly’s Behala residence. On Wednesday, Kolkata’s historic East Bengal Club ground was abuzz with activity as the production recreated the stage when Sourav played cricket for Aryan Club. Amid tight security, elaborate sets were erected in the complex, where Rajkummar Rao was seen filming as ‘Dada’ in a red tracksuit.
The city is now witnessing a recreation of the first chapter of Sourav’s remarkable journey – from his early struggles in Kolkata to the iconic shirt-waving moment at Lord’s that cemented his legacy as the ‘Lord of the Off-Side’. Shooting has also taken place in Eden Gardens.
With the IPL season concluding at the Eden Gardens on Sunday, the makers were finally able to begin filming at the iconic stadium. Scenes are also being shot at Dukhiram Cricket Coaching Center located below Aryan Club. Saurav’s residence in Behala remained an important part of the filming schedule. The former cricketer himself was present during the shooting both at his home and at Eden Gardens.
The film is directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, while music director Pritam has been roped in for the project. Motwane is reportedly planning to infuse a strong Bengali essence into the film through music and overall treatment.
Tanya Maniktala has been cast to play the role of Donna Ganguly, Sourav’s wife. The film is expected to explore the romantic phase of Sourav and Donna’s relationship in detail, with sources suggesting that parts of their journey will be depicted through a musical sequence.
To maintain the authentic Bengali flavour, many actors from Bengal have been cast in the lead roles. Aparajita Aadhya plays the role of Sourav’s mother Nirupa Ganguly, while Saswata Chatterjee plays his father Chandi Ganguly. Many supporting characters are also being played by Bengali actors.
Srija Bhattacharya will play the role of young Donna in the film. Srija, a Class 7 student from Sonarpur, has reportedly been acting since childhood.
For years there was speculation as to who would play the role of ‘Maharaj’ on screen. With time, names of many Bollywood stars including Ranbir Kapoor were revealed. However, the role ultimately went to Rajkummar Rao, who is widely considered one of Bollywood’s most versatile actors.
The filming of the biopic is being done at locations like Behala, Maidan, East Bengal Club, Aryan Club, Dukhiram Cricket Coaching Center and Eden Gardens. As the Kolkata schedule continues, the film is capturing different phases of Ganguly’s life, from his early years in the city to the big journey that made him one of the most recognizable figures of Indian cricket.