National Sports Day: Actors who aced the role of sportspersons

In the realm of cinema, the art of stepping into the shoes of real-life sports legends requires immense dedication, skill, and passion. These actors have proven their mettle by embodying the essence of sports personalities on the silver screen, leaving audiences in awe of their transformative performances.

Ranveer Singh in 83

Ranveer Singh's portrayal of cricketing legend Kapil Dev in the film '83' stands as a testament to his commitment as an actor. The movie chronicles India's historic victory in the 1983 Cricket World Cup, a moment that forever etched itself into the nation's memory. Ranveer's portrayal captured Kapil Dev's charisma, leadership, and cricketing prowess, earning him accolades and contributing to his own monumental career achievement.

Salman Khan in Sultan

The body transformation that Salman went through for this film, we all are aware of. The Ali Abbas Zafar sports drama not only showed the journey of wrestlers but also the complexities that may arise among couples, and how insecurities can wreak havoc in a relationship. Salman’s portrayal of a wrestler and the highs and lows of his life was highly appreciated by the audiences and the critics. 

Saiyami Kher in Ghoomer

Saiyami Kher's portrayal of a paraplegic cricketer in 'Ghoomer' exemplifies her dedication to the craft. Playing a sport she herself is passionate about, Saiyami's performance resonated deeply with audiences. To ensure authenticity, she went to great lengths by restraining her dominant hand and learning to execute tasks with her non-dominant hand. This commitment translated into a performance that not only showcased her acting prowess but also highlighted the resilience of differently-abled athletes.

Farhan Akhtar in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, helmed by Farhan Akhtar, was based on the life of the athlete Milkha Singh, aka "The Flying Sikh." The film received critical acclaim and was a commercial success. Farhan Akhtar's portrayal of Milkha Singh was highly praised for his dedication and transformation into the character.

Parineeti Chopra in Saina

Directed by Amole Gupte, the movie featured the brilliant Parineeti Chopra donning the role of ace badminton player Saina Nehwal along with the remarkable Manav Kaul, Meghana Malik and Eshan Naqvi in pivotal roles. Though the movie received mixed responses, for Parineeti, it was a “fulfilling experience”.

Priyanka Chopra as Mary Kom

Priyanka Chopra's depiction of the iconic Indian boxer Mary Kom in the biographical drama showcased her transformative abilities. The film delved into Mary Kom's struggles, determination, and eventual triumphs in the world of boxing. Priyanka underwent rigorous training to master the art of boxing and accurately portray Mary Kom's style and technique. Her dedication paid off, as she not only won critical acclaim but also ensured that the film became a resounding success.

Kangana Ranaut in Panga

Known for her versatility, Kangana Ranaut once again proved her acting prowess in 'Panga.' Playing the role of a kabaddi player, Kangana embodied the essence of determination and resilience that define athletes. Her dedication to perfection shone through, despite the film not performing as expected at the box office. Kangana's portrayal was lauded by both critics and audiences, showcasing her commitment to her craft and her ability to bring depth to every character she takes on.

Diljit Dosanjh in Soorma 

Dosanjh's transformation into hockey player Sandeep Singh for 'Soorma' showcased his dedication to his craft. The film narrated the inspiring journey of Singh, who battled adversity after a life-changing injury. Diljit, who had no prior experience in hockey, undertook intense physical training to convincingly portray Singh's athletic prowess. His commitment to the role, coupled with the emotional depth he brought to the character, made 'Soorma' a heartfelt tribute to a real-life sports hero.

Fatima Sana Shaikh in Dangal

Making her debut with a role that demanded not only acting prowess but also physical transformation, Fatima Sana Shaikh left an indelible mark with 'Dangal.' Portraying the real-life wrestler Geeta Phogat, who clinched a Commonwealth Games medal, Fatima's dedication to her role was undeniable. She underwent rigorous training and a disciplined routine to embody the strength and determination of a champion wrestler. Her commitment paid off, and her portrayal of Geeta became a shining example of an actor's dedication to authenticity.