The feat of Rakesh Sharma, the only Indian to travel to space, will be brought alive on the silver screen by Shah Rukh Khan. The actor confirmed he is on board the prestigious project.
“Yes, I will be acting in the film. It’s a project that is very close to my heart. As Indians, we all are proud of the achievement,” the 53-year-old told DH on Thursday.
Wing Commander (Retd) Sharma had famously replied “Saare Jahaan Se Achcha” when Indira Gandhi, the then prime minister, asked him how India looked from outer space. That moment of pride for millions of Indian TV viewers, who watched the telecast, will be a highlight of the movie. In fact, that could also be the title.
Shah Rukh Khan revealed that, as of now, two titles have been thought of — Salute and Saare Jahaan Se Achcha. “We are applying our mind; we will eventually zero in on one of these titles,” he said.
This is the first time that SRK has confirmed he is essaying the role of India’s first astronaut.
IAF pilot Sharma, an Ashok Chakra recipient, flew aboard Soviet rocket Soyuz T-11, which blasted off from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic on April 2, 1984. He spent 7 days 21 hours and 40 minutes at Salyut 7 Orbital Station before returning to earth.
“In fact, in our growing days, he was one of our heroes,” SRK said.
“After the launch of Zero, I have a break till the project starts. I will go and meet him (Rakesh Sharma), listen to him, understand him, speak about him, his mission, the space flight...,” said Khan, ahead of the December 21 release of his next, Zero.
Earlier, Aamir Khan was roped in for the role. However, for various reasons, the project did not take off. And it was Aamir who persuaded SRK to take up the project after his exit.
The project is expected to go on floors mid-2019.