With the unveiling of the first look poster for ‘Dada. The Sourav Ganguly Story’, Rajkummar Rao step into the shoes of India’s most defiant cricket captain. However, the announcement also triggered waves of nostalgia and bitter memories online. Before Rajkummar Rao was locked in to recreate the iconic shirtless celebration of the Lord under the direction of Vikramaditya Motwane, the late Sushant Singh Rajput was aggressively pursuing the project. Fresh off the massive success of MS Dhoni. The Untold Story’, Rajput is extremely excited to portray ‘Dada’ on screen and has even started personal talks with the cricketing legend in 2018 to get his life rights.
Sushant Singh Rajput’s reported interest in the biopic
According to Pinkvilla, Sushant Singh Rajput is excited to headline a film based on the life of Sourav Ganguly after winning praise for his portrayal of Mahendra Singh Dhoni of ‘MS Dhoni. The Untold Story’. The actor reportedly wants to continue exploring sports and believes that Ganguly’s journey will make for an inspiring cinematic story. Reports suggest that Sushant is very interested in portraying the former Indian captain and has even started efforts to acquire the rights of Ganguly’s life story. The report says, “He is also trying to get the life rights of Sourav Ganguly as he is eager to play him on screen. Sushant loved Dada and after meeting him, he asked his team to start talks with the former Indian captain.Reports say that discussions between Sushant’s representatives and Sourav Ganguly took place in 2018. However, Ganguly was reportedly not ready to do a film on his life at that stage. The report further claimed, “Ganguly was not too keen on a film being made on his past life and politely declined the offer. Sushant was a bit upset about it but also asked the cricketer to give him the rights to his biopic, if he felt comfortable.” He also smiled and agreed at that point.” Although the project did not materialize then, the reported interaction continues to be remembered by fans after Sushant’s death.
Sushant Singh Rajput’s untimely death and the family’s need for answers
In June 2020, Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead at his residence in Mumbai. His death became one of the most widely discussed cases in the country, leading to numerous investigations and widespread public attention. Over the years, his sister Shweta Singh Kirti kept seeking updates about the investigation. In March 2024, he shared a video message urging the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene.
Rajkummar Rao stepped into Ganguly’s shoes
The biopic has now officially gone ahead with Rajkummar Rao playing Sourav Ganguly. The recently released first look poster recreates Ganguly’s iconic celebration on the balcony at Lord’s Cricket Ground after India’s memorable victory in the 2002 NatWest Trophy final. Before Rajkummar Rao’s casting was officially confirmed, reports were also doing the rounds Ranbir Kapoor in the project. However, Sourav Ganguly later announced that Rajkummar will headline the film.Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, ‘Dada. Sourav Ganguly Story’ is scheduled to hit the theaters on May 14, 2027.