The biopic of Sarabjit Singh, an Indian national convicted of terrorism and spying in Pakistan, is facing trouble at the Wagah border as authorities keep delaying to grant permission for the shoot.
The team of the upcoming film, Sarbjit, starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Randeep Hooda, has been in Amritsar for the last 20 days. The entire cast and crew is being affected as some crucial scenes were slated to be shot at the India, Pakistan border.
The producer of the upcoming film, Sandeep Singh, confirmed the news to Pinkvilla saying, “We are here since February 5 and it has been 20 days that we have been waiting for permission to shoot at Wagah Border.”
“The nation is going through so many issues right now. Our 150 crew members, including Randeep Hooda, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Richa Chadha, Darshan Kumar as well as director Omung Kumar, among many others are waiting for it to happen. We are waiting every single day for the permission to do justice to this biopic,” he added.
Further highlighting the importance of the matter, Sandeep said, “The scenes at Wagah Border are crucial to the film and we are losing money and time every day. We are stressed. BSF (Border Security Force) and every other department have passed it but one department is left and that’s where it is getting stuck,” said the producer.
The team is expecting to receive the permission today. Sandeep also revealed the next course of action, in case they fail. “Now, if we don’t get the permission, we will have to pack our bags and leave Amritsar with disappointment,” he said.
“We will be forced to head back to Mumbai and restart shooting there. A new set of Wagah Border will have to be reconstructed there (which will be done by Vanita Omung Kumar). This will add to our budget and hike expenses for us,” he added.
The cast has been shooting in different parts of Punjab and they have received a warm welcome so far. “Punjab has been very supportive. We shot at Golden Temple and we have been shooting peacefully near the border areas (Anarli village). But, we came to Amritsar to shoot the Wagah Border and if that doesn’t work out, it will be unfortunate,” said Sandeep.
He further ensured that despite the hindrance, the film’s release date will not be affected. “My actors are supportive and are patiently waiting here. It will not affect our release date anyhow,” he said.
Randeep will be seen as Sarabjit, while Aishwarya will play the role of his sister Dalbir Kaur in Sarbjit.
