A couple of days ago
Madhur Bhandarkar had put up pictures of his meeting with Olympic winners
Neeraj Chopra and
Saikhom Mirabai Chanu
on social media. In the pictures that went viral, he was seen having a conversation with gold medalist javelin thrower, Neeraj and the silver medalist weightlifter, Mirabai. Known to be a filmmaker who makes movies on hard-hitting subjects and tells stories that reflect real-life situations, however gritty, the post had many wondering if he was planning a film based on our Olympics stars or sportspeople in India.
Madhur says, “On Independence Day, I was in Delhi and I knew someone who could make this meeting possible. I followed the
Tokyo Olympics
closely. So, when I was in the same city where these champions were put up, I wanted to meet and congratulate them for their success and for making India proud. I didn’t meet them to discuss any film.”
Saikhom Mirabai Chanu with Madhur Bhandarkar
Madhur recollects Neeraj’s reaction when he asked him if he would ever be interested in acting in movies. “I told Neeraj that he has become such a superstar and has so many fans from around the world now. So, I jokingly asked him, ‘You are also very good looking, so ever thought of acting in films?’ He replied, ‘I don’t want to act, but focus on my game.’ From the conversation I had with him, I realised that he has a great roadmap ahead. He told me that he wants to achieve a lot more for the country. Likewise, I was also happy to meet Mirabai. They were just overwhelmed with the response and the love they have received from the people of India after their win at the Olympics.”
Though Neeraj attended the breakfast hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Olympic-returned Indian contingent on Monday at his residence in Delhi, the athlete was admitted to a hospital in Panipat after leaving a welcome ceremony at his village midway due to fever on August 17.
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