It was reported earlier that Gulshan Grover’s son, Sanjay, had bought the film rights of the life of Kashmir based football player Afshan Ashiq who was tagged as a stonepelter when a picture of here’s throwing stones at security forces had gone viral.
Ashiq, who is a great footballer and met with the Chief Minister of Jammu And Kashmir for putting together and training a group of women footballers.
The biopic, titled Hope Solo, will be directed by Manish Harishankar, who has previously assisted Rajkumar Santoshi on Ajab Prem ki Gazab Kahani, Halla Bol and Phata Poster Nikla Hero, and is written by Saiwyn Quadras (of Mary Kom, Neerja and Parmanu fame).
Now, reports say that Athiya Shetty has been signed to play the lead in this film and is practising the sport everyday, as she focuses on her fitness. “Unlike most Indian biopics, this film will not be a success story but an emotional journey that portrays one girl’s fight against a system. It will focus on several movements like Khelo India, a national programme for the development of sports in the country, and the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao scheme for women empowerment. Afshan’s dream has always been to be a national-level goalkeeper and represent India in international womens’ football. The film will focus on these aspirations,” a source told a leading daily.
This will be Shetty’s third film after Hero and Mubarakan.
Bombay Balloon 