‘Shakeela’: Pankaj Tripathi owns the screen as a superstar

What’s intriguing about the much-awaited biopic of ‘Shakeela’ is not just Richa Chadha playing her on-screen to perfection but also Pankaj Tripathi who is playing the role of a superstar actor. Pankaj, riding high on the success of Ludo and Mirzapur, will be seen in his element. Dressed in snazzy clothes, the actor plays the part in all its glory.

Talking about it, Pankaj says, “I am thrilled that our little labour of love Shakeela is all set to release in theatres this Christmas. I am so excited about the film because I have worked with the very talented friend Richa Chadha in this film.” Check out the poster right here:

Image Source - Instagram

Talking more about the film, Pankaj Tripathi says, “I have a beautiful part in the film. I play an actor for the first time in my career. I have always wanted to play an actor on screen and bring out the idiosyncrasies of artists on screen. It’s an interesting and colourful character.”

Inspired by a shocking true story about the life of superstar Shakeela, the film traces her journey – filled with hurdles and discrimination – from playing side characters to becoming the face of B-grade films and eventually reaching the pinnacle of glory. Soon, she began threatening the stardom of the biggest superstars of that era in the South film industry.

Born in a conservative Muslim family, Shakeela began her career at the age of 16. Having worked in about 250 films, she emerged as an adult star who ruled the South film industries in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Talking about the film, director Indrajit Lankesh says, “Shakeela is my passion project. I have known her since 2003 when I worked with her. Her rags-to-riches story caught my attention. I did some extensive personal interviews with her and came to know so much about the person that she is behind that image of a star. And I knew that it is only Richa who can nail the part. This film will help youngsters who aspire to be part of the film industry understand that there is more to the overlying glitz and glamour.”

The film is all set to release this Christmas across cinemas in India.

Also Read: ‘Shakeela’ Poster: Richa Chadha’s spunky South superstar act to take over screens this Christmas

Prateek Sur

Born a Movie Buff, working as a Film Critique and enjoying life as a Bollywood Reporter.

Email: editor@bollywoodbubble.com Phone: +91 8355910465