Neeraj Chopra, a gold medalist in javelin throwing at the previous Tokyo Olympics, had stated that he would like Akshay Kumar to play him in a biopic. In an unexpected twist, Akshay also wishes Neeraj to play him in a film based on his biography.
In response to Neeraj’s suggestion, Akshay was reported by The Quint as revealed in an interview, “I would say Neeraj Chopra is a very good-looking guy. Agar mera koi biopic karega toh woh kar sakta hai (If a biopic about me is made some day, he should play me in the film).”
Previously, in 2018, Neeraj told The Quint that it would be “wonderful” if a film based on his life was made and that he would like Akshay or Randeep Hooda to portray him.
Following Neeraj’s Olympic gold, meme creators pulled up that old photo of Akshay holding a stick and filled the web with memes implying that the actor already was preparing to play the athlete in a film.
Akshay responded to the viral memes by saying, “I saw that meme where I’m clutching a stick in my palm.” It’s from my first feature, Saugandh. People began to say, ‘Arre, abhi se practice chalu ho gayi! (He has already started practicing for Chopra’s biopic)’. I found that very funny.”
Furthermore, Neeraj appears to have changed his mind about directing a biography. During an interview after his Olympic victory, he told the Hindustan Times, “Don’t make a biopic on me yet. I’m still playing (the sport), and would like to continue doing so. I believe there are more stories to be added to my journey, and main chahta hun aur medal leke aaun. Jab tak career chal raha hai tab tak ruk jana chahiye (I want to win more medals. Until I am still playing, the biopic should be on hold). I want to focus on my game. I’d like it if a biopic is made on me, but after my journey is over and I retire from sports!”
Akshay has already played a variety of roles based on real-life characters in films such as PadMan, Rustom, and Kesari. He is now preparing for the premiere of the action thriller BellBottom, in which he portrays an undercover agent tasked with rescuing hostages from a hijacked plane. The film, which also stars Lara Dutta, Vaani Kapoor, and Huma Qureshi, will be released in theatres on August 19.
Other projects in the works for Akshay include Prithviraj, Sooryavanshi, Bachchan Pandey, Raksha Bandhan, Ram Setu, and Atrangi Re.
