Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma announced her Bollywood comeback with the film ‘ChakdaXpress’, based on the life of Indian cricketer, Jhulan Goswami.
The actress didn’t just make the announcement, but also shared the first teaser with an inspiring note that read, “It is a really special film because it is essentially a story of tremendous sacrifice. Chakda Xpress is inspired by the life and times of former Indian captain Jhulan Goswami and it will be an eye-opener into the world of women’s cricket. At a time when Jhulan decided to become a cricketer and make her country proud on the global stage, it was very tough for women to even think of playing the sport.”
Anushka added that Jhulan’s life is a living testimony that passion and perseverance triumph over any or all adversities and ‘Chakda Xpress’ is the most definitive look into the world of women’s cricket back then.
“As a woman, I was proud to hear Jhulan’s story and it is an honour for me to try and bring her life to audiences and cricket lovers. As a cricketing nation, we have to give our women cricketers their due. Jhulan’s story is truly an underdog story in the history of cricket in India and the film is our celebration of her spirit.”
While fans were happy to have the actress back on screens again, many could not help but comment, “As much as I love her, she does NOT fit this role…”
Another said with crying emoticons, “Biopic bna rahe hun to kam se kam Skin colour hi match kar lete (If you are making a biopic, at least match the skin tone.)”
“A Bengali actress must have been chosen for this role,” said another in a tweet.
Still another asked, “Dark complexion wali actress kyu nahi use ki? Tum waalon ko kya problem hai dark complexion se? (Why didn’t you all use an actress with dark complexion? What problem do you have with dark skin people?)”
While some found a miss-match in the skin tone and height, others critiqued the actress’ Bengali accent. Cricket fans, on the other hand, tweeted, “Jhulan Goswami is a sports icon in India, she deserves better.”
Meanwhile, Jhulan also shared the teaser on her official handle and penned a moving note that read, “When you represent India, that’s all that is on your mind. Tum desh ke liye khel rahe ho, apne liye nahi. 11 women playing to place Team India’s name in history. It doesn’t matter if they said ladkiyan cricket nahi khel sakti. It doesn’t matter if sometimes a man’s accomplishments are placed above your own. It doesn’t matter if the stadiums are empty. When you pull up on to the pitch to bowl, all you see is the opponent holding the cricket bat and the stumps you need to knock out.”
“It’s this level of unblinking focus that lends itself to success. That, and remembering that you’re here not in spite of everything that went wrong, but because of everything that went right. It’s about knowing one’s place in the world and having one’s feet firmly on the ground. You deserve to be here. And this is only the beginning,” she added.
“Team India is not just the roaring sound of 1.3 billion voices cheering and praying. Sometimes, it is one girl from Chakda playing a game of cricket with her team shaking, screaming for, and rising together when the stumps are finally knocked out. Now is the time to watch the women shine,” she wrote in the powerful note.
Announcing the commencement of the film, she added, “It’s our time and we’re here to play. Today, you see us. Tomorrow, you’ll remember our names. Join us, as we cheer for Team India and bring to you this story. Chakda Xpress is now filming. Meet you on the field.”
