It takes a lot of time, effort and the right people to make a movie and turn a raw idea into a cinematic piece. 

The filmmaker makes sure every person involved fits right into the frame and character he or she is playing. Especially if it’s a film based on a real-life story of an influential personality. 

Kabir Khan also wanted the perfect actor to play Kapil Dev in his biopic 83 and as we all know, he chose Ranveer Singh to essay the role.   

© Instagram/Kabir Khan

Anyone who has watched the trailer of sports drama 83 can see the uncanny mannerisms and the exact look Ranveer has managed to portray of the former Indian cricket team captain. It is now clear that no one could play him better. 

© Instagram/Kabir Khan

However, there were rumours going on for years that another actor was the first choice to play the part. It was Arjun Kapoor who, according to the rumours, was approached for the film and was supposed to play Kapil Dev. 

© Instagram/Arjun Kapoor

However, the director of the film, Kabir Khan has finally addressed the rumours and cleared the air once and for all. He said, “Ye ek gut and instinct hota hai (it’s a gut and instinct). Ever since I was asked to make the film, I had only Ranveer on my mind. Ranveer is a chameleon. See his last 4 films and you feel there’s a different human being in each of them. I knew Ranveer would be a perfect choice. I told him it’s not a look-alike contest, you need to imbibe Kapil’s persona.” 

© Instagram/Kabir Khan

He further added, “83 is a big responsibility for me. I knew if I don’t recreate this correctly, the country will not forgive me. Ditto for Ranveer: If he won’t portray Kapil correctly, the audience will not forgive him. And as you see from the trailer, he has done it brilliantly. He worked very hard," he said, praising the actor.  

© Instagram/Kabir Khan

Arjun was also asked about the same in 2017 during an interview to which he had said, “This is not my film, it’s a film made for India. It is a very important film for the country. I don’t want to trivialise it by talking about the personal aspect of it. That is not necessary,” he said. 

© Instagram/Arjun Kapoor

Well, he isn’t wrong. And, every Indian and cricket fan would agree that Ranveer Singh, who eventually bagged the role, did an amazing job at it.  

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