'We want to make it as convincing as possible' - Taapsee Pannu on playing the role of Mithali Raj

Mithali Raj is by far the most loved and popular cricketer in India when it comes to women’s cricket. She has had a career spanning over 20 years for India and she has achieved almost everything that is to get in the world of cricket. Raj has led India to two World Cup finals, has a double century to her name in Test cricket and is the leading scorer in ODIs.

Therefore, the cricket fraternity was elated when it was announced on her birthday that Bollywood will be producing a biopic in her life and eminent actress Taapsee Pannu will be playing the titular role. It is a very tough role for Taapsee to portray despite her playing a hockey star in Soorma. Recently, the first view poster of the movie ‘Shabaash Mithu’ was unveiled and Pannu had opened up on the troubles she faced in getting ready for the role of a cricketer.

‘I was constantly in touch with Mithali Raj while shooting’: Taapsee Pannu

Many had pointed out the lack of resemblance between Taapsee and Mithali in the poster. “I was roped in because Mithali and I have similar life approaches and ideologies. We want to make it as convincing as possible but it is not as important to look like her as it is to perform and behave like her. I just want her to say this after watching the movie. We don’t want to replicate the look to the tee,” Pannu was quoted as saying by Mid-day.

The actress also revealed that she is training to get the cricketer’s signature cover drive shot perfect and is working with Mithali’s friend Nooshin Al Khadeer. She further mentioned how Khadeer has taught her all of the cricketer’s shots and techniques and made her realize it will be a tough training regimen.

Mithali had made her debut at the age of 16 in 1999 in an ODI against Ireland and made a century on debut, becoming the youngest to do so. She also holds a variety of records as well, like playing 109 consecutive ODI matches between 2004 and 2013, the most for an Indian player. She also had 74 consecutive innings without scoring a duck in between 2000 and 2007.

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