'Saina' Director reveals why Parineeti replaced Shraddha in the biopic

After stirring speculations on the replacement of 'Saina' lead actress, the director Amole Gupte has finally initiated about how and why Shraddha Kapoor, who was initially cast to play badminton player Saina Nehwal in the biopic, being replaced by Parineeti Chopra. The film is set to release on 26th March, in theatres.

Director Amole said in an interview that the decision to let go, Shraddha Kapoor, was a studio mandate and as producer Bhushan Kumar wanted a lead actor for Street Dancer 3D. Released on 24 January 2020 in India, the film performed only moderately well at the box office, considering its hefty budget.

In fact, he was 'happy happy' with the change. "Perhaps because I haven't spoken about this, many have felt that there was actually a conflict behind-the-scenes. Luckily for me, that wasn't the case" he disclosed.

He continued, "Shraddha was actually in full preparation that's why we begin shooting. She trained hard to match Saina and was indeed doing good work. However, she got dengue and grew fragile after spending a month in bed. She kept asking me if she could try and return, and we kept pushing. Still one day, she confessed that she was feeling too weak."

Amole stated that Saina is not that type of film in which an actor can deliver a performance without much physical exertion. "Here, you're deemed to play badminton for at least 12 hours." He confirmed that it was all agreed to relieve Shraddha and go for the filming of Chhichhore since their team had already booked a shooting location that won't be available for later. And once she wrapped the project, producer Bhushan Kumar (recently won the National Film Award for best Hindi film) requested Amole if she could be allowed to work on Street Dancer 3D instead, as he was in a 'crisis' and required a 'heroine'.

While speaking about replacing Shraddha, Parineeti said that "Of course, she was not able to do the film due to certain date issues and had other films that were scheduled. Besides, there was never really any problem to begin with. This was something that the media made that we had some big problem with each other. She is the sweetest girl and we both are friends."

'The Girl on the Train' actor Parineeti Chopra will next be seen in 'Saina'. Directed by Amole Gupta, Parineeti is playing the role of badminton star Saina Nehwal in her biopic.