Shoaib Akhtar Biopic: In a much delight for the cricket fans, Pakistani singer-actor Umair Jaswal announced Wednesday that he will play the lead role in Pakistan pace legend Shoaib Akhtar’s biopic ‘Rawalpindi Express’. The announcement ended all the speculations for the role after Akhtar had announced that his biopic is in works, earlier this year. Follow Shoaib Akhtar Biopic LIVE updates with InsideSport.IN
Jaswal, sharing the poster of the biopic on his Instagram account, said that “I’m honoured to play the living legend, Mr. Shoaib Akhtar on the big screen in Rawalpindi Express. With Allah’s blessings may we succeed in our endeavours. We look forward to bringing to you a first of its kind biopic film worthy of worldwide recognition”.
The filming will begin in December with Pakistan, Dubai, New Zealand and Australia decided as its prime shoot locations. Directed by Muhammad Faraz Qaiser, written by Qaiser Nawaz and produced under the banner of Q Films Productions, the biopic will release on November 16, 2023.
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Shoaib Akhtar Biopic: Pakistani singer-actor Umair Jaswal to play LEAD ROLE in ‘Rawalpindi Express’ – Check RELEASE DATE, Other DETAILS
“The film will span across 1975 to 2002 and requires physical transformation to be shown by an actor. Umair Jaswal perfectly fits the role as he is a sports and fitness enthusiast and has worked on his body and fitness level for several months. His dedication is unparalleled and he recognises the gravity of the role, and commitment required to bring in the persona of legendary cricketer Shoaib Akhtar live on screen,” Faraz said in a press release.
The director was highly impressed with Jaswal’s dedication towards imbibing characteristics for the biopic. The singer-actor, meanwhile, regarded the biopic his ‘dream project’.
“His life is an inspiration. He is not just a superstar in Pakistan but for all cricket lovers globally. It is a huge responsibility to shoulder, and I am completely aware of this. I am cherishing every moment of this journey and I will always treasure the time spent with him in preparing for this role which required a new level of dedication and effort,” said Jaswal.
The biopic will be a chance for the cricket fans to relive Akhtar’s highs and lows in his controversial international career which spanned from 1997 to 2011. The fastest bowler in the international cricket, till date, retired with 178 wickets in Tests, 247 in ODIs and 19 in T20s to his name.
