Taapsee Pannu confirms Mithali Raj's Biopic: She will play ODI Captain

After months of speculation, it is now confirmed that actor Taapsee Pannu will play the lead in cricketer Mithali Raj's biopic. Called Shabaash Mithu, the film will tell the inspiring story of Mithali's journey in the world of sports.

Taapsee Pannu will be soon seen essaying the role of cricketer Mithali Raj in Rahul Dholakia's next directorial venture. The film goes on floors mid next year and the actress finally opens up about her connection with the ace cricketer.

Taapsee took to Instagram to share pictures from her birthday and confirmed her participation. She wrote: "Happy Happy Birthday Captain @mithaliraj! You have made all of us proud in more than many ways and it's truly an honor to be chosen to showcase your journey on screen. On this Birthday of yours I don't know what gift I can give you but this promise that I shall give it all I have to make sure you will be proud of what you see of yourself on screen with

Taapsee Pannu delivered several hits this year, in the form of Badla, Game Over, Mission Mangal, and Saand Ki Aankh. The young actress has turned out to be a gamechanger in her own way and is already in talks for several projects. One of her passion projects happens to be the biopic on cricketer Mithali Raj. The biography has been in the making for a few years now and will be titled Shabaash Mithu. Raees director Rahul Dholakia will be helming the project.

We got in touch with Taapsee who said she has always been inspired by the ace cricketer. Ask her what about Mithali stood out to her and she reveals, "I had heard and read that interview in which Mithali was asked 'Who is your favorite male cricketer' and she asked that reporter, 'Do u ask the male cricketer who is their favorite female cricketer?' This struck a chord with me instantly. Since then, I have been following her achievements and it became a coincidence when this offer came to me. There was no way I was going to decline it."

But Taapsee also added that there's immense pressure on her to deliver and learn the sport. " I start the film by mid next year and I begin my training before. I have never ever played cricket so this is going to be one of the biggest challenges in life." Meanwhile, Taapsee will also be seen in Anubhav Sinha's next titled Thappad and is also in talks for Vinil Mathew's next under Aanand L Rai's banner.