'Dada': Rajkummar Rao Begins Shooting For Sourav Ganguly Biopic

Actor Rajkummar Rao has commenced filming for Dada, a biopic of legendary Indian cricketer and former captain Sourav Ganguly. On social media, both Rao and director Vikramaditya Motwane shared the news of the shoot’s commencement. Motwane, known for directing acclaimed films like Udaan and Trapped, posted a monochromatic picture of the Sourav Ganguly stand at Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata.

Dada is being shot in Kolkata, which will be followed by schedules in London and Mumbai. The film is produced by Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg under the banner of Luv Films. The makers had earlier visited Sourav Ganguly’s home in Behala for a recee.

Born and raised in a wealthy family in Kolkata, Sourav Ganguly made his One Day International debut for India in 1992, followed by his Test debut in 1996. Dubbed the 'Maharaja of Indian cricket', he rose to fame as a left-handed batsman known for iconic off-side shots, and an occasional right-arm bowler. Ganguly played 113 Test matches and 311 ODIs in his career. Between 2000 to 2005, he served as captain of the Indian national team, reaching the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2003.

Sourav Ganguly retired from international cricket in 2008. He later served as President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India from 2019 to 2022. In Bengal, he continues to be celebrated as a popular television host, entrepreneur and cultural icon.

Motwane and Rao are reuniting for a film ten years after Trapped. In addition to Dada, Rao is headlining another biopic based on the life of renowned public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam.

Back in February, photos of Rao with a noticeably altered appearance circulated widely online, prompting speculation about the actor’s health. Rao later clarified that the change was deliberate and part of his preparation for Nikam. He added that he is reversing the process as he prepares for the biopic of Sourav Ganguly.