5 Indian athletes who deserve a biopic

Bollywood is opening up to the idea of biopics with several films hitting the big screen over the last couple of years. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag was a runaway hit thanks to a brilliant portrayal of Milkha Singh by actor Farhan Akhtar. The Flying Sikh couldn’t have asked for a better film to depict his life. The Indian running legend became better known to people across the country thanks largely to this film.5-time World Amateur boxing champion Mary Kom’s life in the ring was well documented by director Omung Kumar in the film Mary Kom. Priyanka Chopra played the lead role in the film. There are several deserving athletes, both present and past, whose stories should be told. Let us take a look at some of them.[Note: Karan Johar has bought the rights to make a biopic on hockey wizard Dhyan Chand and therefore is not part of the list. Cricketers biopic article can be read here.]

#5 Leander Paes

Leander Paes places country first

A warrior whose love for tennis transcends everything else in the world. Leander Paes epitomises all qualities that are needed to be a great champion. He entered 25th year on the ATP tour this year and is looking good to carry on forever. The Indian ace won his 15th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open last month partnering Martina Hingis. His passion for the country keeps him going and he is not shy of expressing his emotions on the court.

His chest bumps with his partner upon winning a point is widely known and his energy rubs onto his teammate. His best moment in singles came at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996 where he clinched bronze. The Kolkata lad looks to add another medal when he takes to the court at the Rio Olympics next year. It will be his seventh Olympic Games!

Paes is not immune from off-court controversies. After separating from his partner Rhea Pillai, Paes is battling for the custody of his daughter Aiyana. Mahesh Bhupathi and Paes haven’t been the best of friends over the years and it all adds to a perfect potboiler.