Manmohan Singh's biopic: Akshaye Khanna to play Sanjaya Baru
What's the story
Akshaye Khanna has been roped in to play Sanjaya Baru in 'The Accidental Prime Minister', a biopic on former PM Manmohan Singh. Baru was Singh's media adviser.
Also, German actress Suzanne Bernett will be portraying former Congress President Sonia Gandhi on the big screen.
The film is based on Baru's controversial book called 'The Accidental Prime Minister: The Making and Unmaking of Manmohan Singh'.
Details
"Thrilled and excited to be a part of the venture"
Talking about his character in the film, Khanna told a news portal, "My role in the movie is outstanding and the screenplay divine. I am thrilled and excited to be a part of a venture which will be path breaker."
The actor also clarified that there is absolutely no agenda behind the political thriller.
Update
Suzanne will be stepping into the shoes of Sonia Gandhi
The makers of the film had initially approached an Italian actress but later finalized Bernett for the part.
The change of heart happened after they stumbled upon a self-recorded audition tape of Bernett.
The 35-year-old actress had already played Sonia Gandhi in an Indian TV series before. The show was hosted and directed by Shekhar Kapur.
A massive starcast
The biopic will feature over 140 actors
'The Accidental Prime Minister' will have Anupam Kher essaying Manmohan Singh, whereas Congress President Rahul Gandhi will be played by Arjun Mathur who has previously worked in films like 'My Name Is Khan' and 'Luck By Chance'.
The movie has been raising eyebrows as it will be hitting the screens on 21 December, just months before the 2019 general elections.