Where There Is Fear, There Is Fun: Rajkummar Rao Preps to Play Sourav Ganguly as Dada Turns 53

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As cricketing legend Sourav Ganguly celebrates his 53rd birthday today, the buzz around his much-anticipated biopic continues to build. At the heart of this excitement is acclaimed actor Rajkummar Rao, who is all set to portray the former Indian captain on the big screen - a role both challenging and deeply meaningful.

In a recent conversation with FilmiBeat, Rao opened up about the responsibility of playing one of Indian cricket's most iconic figures.

"It's a big responsibility to play his role as he is one of the finest captains we ever had in this country. The kind of team he built, no one has ever managed to do it again till date," Rao said.

"We still have time. We will be shooting next year sometime. I've not met him officially for the film, but I will spend a lot of time with him. We'll talk a lot and I'll keep observing him as much as I can."

''I am excited to play this role but it comes with challenges and where there is fear, there is fun'', he further added.

Rao, known for his powerful performances in films like Shahid, Newton, and Srikanth, is not unfamiliar with biographical roles - but bringing Ganguly's legacy to life presents a unique challenge.

In another interview with NDTV, he admitted to being both "nervous" and "excited," especially about perfecting Ganguly's Bengali accent. His wife, actor Patralekhaa, is reportedly helping him with language and diction.

Meanwhile, Ganguly has expressed his faith in Rao. Speaking to PTI and NDTV, the former captain said:

"Rajkummar Rao is a fantastic actor. I think he's the right person to play me. I'll help him with everything he needs."

Ganguly also shared that the film's pre-production is already underway, with shooting expected to begin in January 2026. The biopic, directed by Vikramaditya Motwane and produced by Luv Films, will chronicle Ganguly's journey from a bold debutant to the captain who transformed Indian cricket in the early 2000s.

As fans across the country celebrate the birthday of the "Prince of Kolkata," the stage is now set for a cinematic tribute that promises to be as inspiring and unforgettable as the man himself.