Bollywood filmmaker Meghna Gulzar’s ambitious project Sam Bahadur has officially been announced. The newly married Vicky Kaushal, who plays the titular role, will now have Pagglait actress Sanya Malhotra play his reel wife and Fatima Sana Shaikh will essay the role of legendary former Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi. The film’s story revolves around the life of Sam Maneckshaw who was the first Indian Army officer to be promoted to the rank of Field Marshal. India won the 1971 Indo-Pak war under Sam’s command as Chief of Army Staff. 

The announcement of Sam Bahadur comes on director Meghna Gulzar’s birthday. With the extensive cast now in place, Meghna said, “I have much to celebrate... There is pride in the commemoration of 50 years of the historic win of our forces in the 1971 War. And it’s very exciting to have Sanya Malhotra and Fatima Sana Shaikh join the team of Sam Bahadur. Both their roles in the film require a great deal of sensitivity, dignity, and composure and I’m looking forward to the ladies bringing these characters to life.” 

Vicky who married actress Katrina Kaif a few days ago added, “Sanya and Fatima with their characters bring more character and substance to the story of Sam Bahadur and, I am very excited to be working with them together for the first time. Their characters have been one of the most influential personalities we have heard about and now, the audience will witness the story of their valour, commitment and resilience. I welcome both of them to our Manekshaw family and look forward to sharing the screen with two of the most talented and diligent actors of our generation.” Sam Bahadur is produced by Ronnie Screwvala. Sanya and Fatima have previously shared screen space in the Aamir Khan starrer Dangal that was one if the biggest hits of that year.