Hyderabad: Indian badminton great Saina Nehwal has revealed that Shraddha Kapoor was her preferred choice to portray her on the big screen, even though the 2021 biopic Saina ultimately starred Parineeti Chopra in the lead role.
In a recent interview with journalist Vickey Lalwani, the Olympic medallist opened up about the casting journey of the film, which was directed by Amole Gupte. Nehwal said that if the film were to be remade, Kapoor would remain her top choice.
Shraddha Kapoor was initially cast
Nehwal confirmed that Shraddha Kapoor was originally attached to the project and had even begun preparing extensively for the demanding role of a professional badminton player.
“We are still in touch and I’ve met her many times. She’s a very sweet girl,” Nehwal said. “She had agreed to do the film but had to opt out due to dengue.”
Industry reports at the time had indicated that Kapoor underwent rigorous badminton training for months to authentically portray the former world No. 1 shuttler. However, a combination of health concerns and scheduling conflicts eventually led her to step away from the project.
Her exit paved the way for Parineeti Chopra to take on the titular role.
Parineeti Chopra’s effort appreciated
Despite her original preference, Nehwal acknowledged Chopra’s dedication and hard work in bringing her story to life. The actor reportedly trained intensively to master badminton techniques before filming began.
“She worked very hard and performed extremely well. I even got emotional watching the film,” Nehwal said, appreciating the commitment shown by Chopra.
However, Nehwal also clarified that she and Chopra did not develop a close personal bond during the making of the film. “We never became friends,” she said, attributing it to time constraints and professional schedules rather than any differences.
The biographical drama traced Nehwal’s journey from her early days in badminton to becoming one of India’s most decorated athletes, including her historic Olympic bronze medal at the 2012 London Games. The film aimed to highlight the discipline, sacrifice and resilience that shaped her career.
Social media buzz revisited
The film recently returned to the spotlight after fans noticed that Parineeti Chopra had unfollowed Nehwal on Instagram. The development triggered speculation online about a possible fallout between the two.
Nehwal, however, downplayed the issue, suggesting that Chopra may have simply moved on to other projects and commitments. She did not indicate any lingering tensions over the matter.
The episode reflects how celebrity social media activity often becomes a subject of public scrutiny, even years after a project’s release.
A story that continues to inspire
Saina Nehwal remains one of India’s most celebrated badminton players, credited with elevating the sport’s profile in the country. Her career includes multiple Super Series titles, Commonwealth Games gold medals and an Olympic bronze — milestones that inspired a new generation of players.
The biopic sought to capture not only her achievements on court but also the personal struggles and relentless determination behind her rise.
With Nehwal now expressing her original casting preference, the revelation offers a fresh perspective on what could have been a different cinematic portrayal. While Parineeti Chopra ultimately headlined the film, the athlete’s admiration for Shraddha Kapoor’s commitment underscores the rigorous preparation required for such roles.
As biopics continue to gain popularity in Indian cinema, Nehwal’s comments highlight the importance of authenticity and dedication in bringing real-life stories to the screen.
For now, Saina remains a significant chapter in sports-based storytelling in Bollywood, even as fans imagine how a different casting choice might have shaped the narrative.