Bollywood actor Aparshakti Khurana, best known for his roles in Dangal, Stree, and Stree 2, has revealed a very personal cinematic goal: playing the role of renowned centenarian marathon runner Fauja Singh
in a sports biopic.
The Chandigarh-born actor has steadily established a reputation for accepting a variety of surprising roles since making his acting debut in Aamir Khan’s blockbuster Dangal in 2016. The actor, who most recently starred in Jab Khuli Kitaab, attributes his career decisions to his need for variety.
Aparshakti Khurana Wants to Play Fauja Singh
The Stree and Dangal actor, who is known for his comedic abilities and memorable supporting roles, has huge dreams, but the role he now wants to play is completely beyond his comfort zone.
In an open conversation with HT City, the actor expressed his desire to star in a sports biopic, with athlete Fauja Singh topping his list. The world was taken aback when Fauja Singh, the “Turbaned Tornado”, finished the London Marathon at the age of 100.
“There was this runner, Mr Fauja Singh, who ran marathons even when he was over a hundred years old. People like him really intrigue me. Stories of such personalities inspire me a lot. One day, I would like to play such a role,” Khurana said.
Khurana has his sights set on a dream project despite having a full schedule. “I find biopics to be really fascinating. I would like to appear in a biopic on a musician or athlete. Both are very close to my heart as they bring out the best in me,” he added.
About Fauja Singh
Fauja Singh began running at the age of 89 in order to cope with personal tragedy. He went on to accomplish remarkable feats, including breaking several records in the years that followed and famously finishing the London Marathon at the age of 100.
Bollywood previously took notice of Singh’s incredible tale. A biopic called Fauja, based on Khushwant Singh’s book Turbaned Tornado, was previously announced to be directed by Omung Kumar B. Producers described it as a cinematic experience about a man whose life takes him “on an epic journey, making him a world icon as he discovers his passion for running marathons.”
As a Punjabi who was born and raised in Chandigarh, Khurana has a strong emotional connection to Singh’s tale. The actor is clearly reluctant to shake the notion of bringing such a monumental life to the film.
Aparshakti Khurana on Workfront
Aparshakti Khurana considers his 10 years in Bollywood to be a master class in reinvention. The Chandigarh-born actor has slowly established a reputation for accepting a variety of unusual roles since making his acting debut in Aamir Khan’s blockbuster Dangal.
“Having completed a decade in the industry, I can say that I am very satisfied as an artist who has gotten the chance to work on different kinds of films. It has been a progressive and steady growth,” Khurana said.
The actor has been slowly broadening his repertoire, from his nuanced performance in Vikramaditya Motwane’s historical drama Jubilee to his portrayal of a Kashmiri terrorist in Dhokha: Round D Corner. The actor was recently seen in Jab Khuli Kitaab, written and directed by Saurabh Shukla.
Watch the full conversation here:
