Sidharth Malhotra is on a roll. A Gentleman has come and gone, but the in-demand actor has Ittefaq and Aiyaary coming up soon. And from what we hear, he has signed his next — a biopic on Kargil martyr, Captain Vikram Batra.
A source claims that Sid has been in talks for the role, “for quite some time,” adding, “he loves the script and feels that Vikram’s is a heroic story that needs to be told. Whatever happens, it will be him, who plays the role. He’s tight-lipped about the project for now, but he has given it the green signal.”
The late Captain Batra’s bravery is the stuff of legend across army rank and file, something Sid is well aware of, thanks to his background (his grandfather was in the army). “He understands the space and the emotions attached to it. He’s done his research on Batra and is raring to go,” says the source.
While Sid has liked another film (directed by Raj Kumar Gupta), it is highly likely that he will work on the biopic, right after Aiyaary. Which, incidentally, will be his first foray into the genre.
The source adds, “Sidharth has been offered biopics, but he was keen on doing an inspirational story — and what better than one on Captain Vikram Batra’s life! Aiyaary is based on real incidents, but this will be a proper biography on screen — Sid’s first.”
Two Sids again!
While he didn’t have a double role in A Gentleman, Sid’s role in the Vikram Batra biopic will see him in one. “Captain Batra has an identical twin brother, Vishal. Sid will play Vishal in the film as well,” adds our source.
ABOUT CAPTAIN VIKRAM BATRA
Famous last words: “I’ll either come back after raising the Indian flag in victory or return wrapped in it, but I will come for sure”.
Killed in action: July 7, 1999 (aged 24), during the Kargil War between India and Pakistan. KIA clearing enemy positions.
Awarded: The Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest award for valour.
Had he returned alive... Would have been a General by now.
Best known for: Snatching Point 5140 from right under the enemy’s nose on June 19, 1999.
Last known mission: Commanding a mission to rescue an injured officer.
The nickname: The Pakistan Army was so afraid of him, they called him Sher Shah (Lion King) in the intercepted messages of the Pakistan army.
