Shershaah: 'Teary Eyes, A Lot Of Emotions Floating Everywhere,' Says Sidharth Malhotra About Reaction Of Capt Vikram Batra's Family On Watching The Film-EXCLUSIVE
Shershaah, based on the story of Captain Vikram Batra and the 1999 Kargil war, is all set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video today (August 12). In an exclusive chat with SpotboyE, Sidharth Malhotra, who plays Batra in the film, spoke about how the Param Vir Chakra recipient's family reacted when they watched the movie
Shershaah, based on the life and times of Captain Vikram Batra, certainly makes for an emotional watch as it speaks of true heroism and patriotic fervour. Batra was posthumously honoured with a Param Vir Chakra as he died fighting the enemies during the 1999 Kargil war. In an exclusive chat with SpotboyE, Sidharth Malhotra, who plays Capt Vikram Batra in the movie, shared how the latter's family reacted when they watched it.
Sidharth Malhotra and Captain Vikram Batra’s family were present during a special screening of the film in Delhi. When asked about their reactions, Sidharth said, “It was incredible to just spend time with them afterwards. Obviously, it was a very difficult watch for them. Teary eyes, and a lot of emotions floating everywhere."
"But [there are] a couple of things [that] as an actor you feel so happy [about]. I met the youngest generation of their family, who are all in their early 20s. And they all said that we've not known Chachu (referring to Captain Vikram Batra). We've not seen him, and we've heard stories, but we never had the visuals to the details of whatever he must have gone through," Malhotra said, adding, "I was just filled with gratitude."
The Shershaah actor also shared what Captain Vikram Batra’s twin brother Vishal Batra’s reaction was, after watching the film. Sidharth shared that Vishal Batra said 'You know Sid I've only seen him (Vikram Batra) off duty and whenever he came back from duty. I've never seen him in action, and now, whenever I think of him (Vikram Batra) during the war, I'll get your visions.' Also Read: Sidharth Malhotra-Kiara Advani's Shershaah: Param Vir Chakra Winner Vikram Batra’s Twin Brother Vishal Batra Says, 'For The Country, Vikram Is Shershaah But For Me, He’s The brother And Closest Friend, I Lost So Early
Sidharth added, "These are such genuine emotions. I was so happy... Anyone will be so happy that they are contributing to someone's legacy."
In Shershaah, Sidharth has portrayed two very distinct looks to showcase the younger phase of Vikram and his Army phase. It's said he has transformed himself completely to get the looks right. The actor will also be seen playing the role of Vishal Batra in the film.
Sidharth Malhotra told SpotboyE that it was “surreal” to be a part of the film, which is being made 20 years after the 1999 Kargil War. He said, “It’s been a wonderful journey; a very far-fledged one.”
The actor also opened up about his experience of meeting with the Batra family - Vikram Batra’s parents in Palampur. He said that the experience of knowing them got him emotionally connected to the film.
"Of the members of Capt Vikram Batra's family, I met Vishal Batra first. Then I met his father. And then I met all of them in their house in Palampur. And the first thing that struck me was the culture," Sidharth, who also belongs to the Punjabi Khatri community, said.
"Even though they grew up in Palampur, a middle class Punjabi household of the North is very, very similar. Captain Vikram Batra's family could very well be my rishtedaar, my cousins, my aunt, [and] my uncle. My grandfather was in the army. My father was in the Merchant Navy. I have an uncle and a cousin who've joined the Army," Sidharth said, adding, "I think it was such an instant connect seeing the house he grew up in and meeting his sisters, parents and family. That made me emotionally connected to this film."
Remembering the 1999 Kargil war, Sidharth Malhotra said, "When the Kargil war was actually happening in 1999, I was 13 or 14 and I vaguely remember the interviews on television. It was a surreal experience, after so many years, to come and shoot this film."
In Shershaah, Kiara Advani plays Dimple Cheema, Vikram Batra's fiancee. She did not get married to anyone else after Batra's untimely demise. But Kiara is a Sindhi by faith, but has a lot of Punjabi dialogues to speak in the movie. So did she face any problem? And did Sidharth help her?
"No. I have to give her full credit for that. Kiara does not know any Punjabi. She learnt it from scratch," Sidharth said, adding, "She worked really hard."
Image source: Instagram/ SpotboyE Archives