Meghna Gulzar REVEALS Vicky Kaushal was not her FIRST choice for Sam Bahadur; says, “For this role, we needed someone…” : Bollywood News

Actor Vicky Kaushal is set to embark on a cinematic journey that will see him portray one of India's most iconic war heroes, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, in the upcoming biopic Sam Bahadur.

Meghna Gulzar REVEALS Vicky Kaushal was not her FIRST choice for Sam Bahadur; says, “For this role, we needed someone…”

Speaking about his preparation for the role, Kaushal revealed the meticulous process he underwent to capture the essence of Sam Bahadur. "When I was approached to become Sam Bahadur and when Meghna met me, she had come so thoroughly prepared that how Sam Bahadur looked, how he walked and how he was by nature, she had done a lot of work in the research. A look test was done and I met his family," he shared with ANI.

Later, director Meghna Gulzar shed light on the casting process for Sam Bahadur. "Vicky wasn't my initial choice," she admitted. "I had worked with him in Raazi and knew his talent, but for this role, we needed someone who could portray Sam Bahadur's entire life, from a young soldier to a seasoned veteran."

However, fate had other plans. Gulzar further added, “When I was working on this story, Vicky was not really in my mind because we had to show the journey from 20 years to 60 years. Because I had worked with Vicky in Raazi and I knew what a good actor he was, then we met, a lot of look tests were done, Vicky worked hard and the result is in front of you.”

Fatima Sana Shaikh, who plays the role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the film, also shared her initial apprehensions. "I was a bit scared when I was offered the role," she confessed. "But the director assured me, and after reading the script, I was fascinated by the relationship between Mrs. Gandhi and Sam Bahadur.”

Speaking of the film, it is slated to release on December 1, clashing with Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal.

Also Read: Sam Bahadur’s Vicky Kaushal does Khukuri dance with Gorkhas: “Pleasure of matching their steps”, watch video