Actors Aditi Rao Hydari Paige Sandhu to feature in the Indo-U.K co-production ‘Lioness’.
Actors Aditi Rao Hydari Paige Sandhu to feature in the Indo-U.K co-production ‘Lioness’.
News comes to the fore that Aditi Rao Hydari and Indian origin British actress Paige Sandhu share screen space in the upcoming film ‘Lioness’
Reportedly, the announcement of the Indo-UK Co-production being produced under the bilateral treaty signed by both countries in 2008, was made on Tuesday at the India Pavilion (managed by FICCI under the aegis of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting) at the ongoing Cannes 2023 Film Festival.
Scripted and helmed by award-winning filmmaker Kajri Babbar, featuring Aditi Rao Hydari and Paige Sandhu in leading roles, the film produced by Vivek Rangachari, Vaishalli Paatil, Faraz Ahsan, Clare Cahill and Ajit Pal Singh has been certified by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the British Film Institute (BFI).
‘Lioness’ amped-up by the research of Peter Bance, the historian who discovered the story of Princess Sophia Duleep, is the narrative of two British Punjabi women based in the UK, a century apart. Peter is also one of the executive producers of the film.
Princess Sophia Duleep Singh born in 1876 was the Princess of Punjab, the granddaughter of the great Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and the Goddaughter of Queen Victoria. Sophia was one of the key leaders of the suffragette movement in the UK. She remained a tireless advocate for the rights of women and children till her last day.
While Sophia’s narrative is rooted in history, the second story is a fictional tale of Mehak Kaur an educated, married immigrant woman living in 1990’s Southall. Mehak uncovers a fascinating story of women’s emancipation and empathy in contemporary times. The two stories play-out in different eras, highlighting grit, determination and compassion.
As per Harjinder Kang, UK’s Trade Commissioner for South Asia, it’s fantastic to see the first official project under the India-UK Co-production treaty getting underway. There is huge potential for deeper collaboration amidst the creative industries of both our countries. He is pleased that the very first project under this initiative is one that explores an aspect of the unique living bridge that connects their people.
According to Aditi Rao Hydari who will play Mehak said, she was instantly drawn to the story that brings to the screen, the life and legacy of an extraordinary woman; a story lost in history. While Princess Sophia is a heroine in the true sense of the word, Mehak is an equally strong character whose journey parallels the Lioness’s in the present”.
Princess Sophia will be essayed by Indian-origin British actress Paige Sandhu, who has won many accolades for her performance in the ITV soap, Emmerdale.
In a statement Paige affirms that it’s an honour and a dream come true to be playing Princess Sophia Duleep Singh.
She feels much humbled to be emoting someone with a legacy such as hers, the work that she did, the lives she helped and the family she came from. Paige truly hopes to do justice to her incredible story.
English Heritage unveils a plaque at Hampton Court, UK, in memory of the Punjabi Suffragette Princess on May 26. The London Blue Plaque scheme celebrates notable figures and the places they lived and worked in.
The unveiling will be followed by a celebratory reception in the Palace hosted by Babbar Movies and the Anglo Punjab Heritage Foundation.
The event will be graced by members of the English Heritage, the British Parliament, representatives of the Indian and UK film industries, historians and authors. OBE Gurinder Chaddha, is the keynote speaker.
The film and the story of Princess Sophia are strongly supported by the governments of both countries. Prithul Kumar, Joint Secretary, Films, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Govt of India and MD, NFDC heartily congratulate the co-production under India-UK treaty.
News input KV Raman
