Rajkummar Rao Begins Shoot for Dada, Sourav Ganguly Biopic Actor officially kicks off production on one of India's most awaited sports dramas

Cameras Roll on 'Dada'

Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao has officially begun filming Dada, the highly anticipated biopic on former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly. Rao confirmed the development on Instagram, writing "And it begins… The one and onlyDADA," signalling the formal start of production. The announcement, posted on April 1, set off a wave of excitement across cricket and film circles alike.

Title Locked, Team in Place

The film is officially titled Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story and is directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, reuniting him with Rao after their acclaimed 2017 collaboration Trapped. The project is produced by Luv Ranjan under Luv Films, with Ankur Garg also on board as producer. Cinematographer Siddharth Diwan completes a creative line-up known for sharp, character-driven storytelling.

Rao's Intensive Preparation

This role has been no casual undertaking for Rao. The actor previously revealed that he had gained around 9–10 kilograms for another project and was now entering a transition phase to physically prepare for his portrayal of Ganguly. He has acknowledged feeling both excited and nervous about the responsibility, describing it as a challenge he was genuinely committed to. Beyond physical conditioning, the actor is understood to be studying Ganguly's mannerisms, leadership style, and on-field presence extensively.

Why Ganguly's Story Matters

Ganguly represented India in 113 Test matches and 311 One Day Internationals, accumulating 18,575 runs across all international formats. Known as the Prince of Kolkata, he is widely credited with transforming India into an aggressive, self-believing unit on the world stage. His tenure as captain reshaped the team's identity — both on foreign soil and at home — and remains one of the most debated and celebrated chapters in the sport's history.

Ganguly Backs the Project

The subject himself has spoken positively about the casting. In an interview with PTI in July 2025, Ganguly said Rao is the right choice to portray him in the film. Earlier reports had suggested Ranbir Kapoor might have been considered for the role, but the makers ultimately finalised Rao. That the cricket legend has publicly endorsed the casting lends the project added credibility and weight.

Industry and Public Response

The shoot announcement drew an enthusiastic response, with celebrities including Neha Dhupia, Farah Khan, and Tisca Chopra extending their support online. Fans flooded Rao's social media post with congratulatory messages within hours of it going live. The muhurat ceremony, tied to Kolkata's cricketing identity, was also marked by director Motwane through a post featuring the iconic Sourav Ganguly Stand at Eden Gardens.

Rao's Packed 2026 Calendar

Rao enters the Dada shoot on the back of a busy phase. His upcoming comedy Bhool Chook Maaf, co-starring Wamika Gabbi, is set for a theatrical release on April 10. His action film Malik follows later, scheduled for June 20. With Dada now added to his active slate, the actor has positioned himself at the centre of some of the most commercially and critically significant projects in the current Hindi film landscape.

What to Expect Next

A formal release date for Dada has not been announced yet. The makers have so far adopted a measured approach, choosing not to rush disclosures beyond the title, director, and lead cast. Given the scale of Ganguly's legacy and the creative pedigree of the team involved, the biopic is expected to remain one of the most closely watched projects in Indian cinema over the coming months.

As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup kicks off on February 7, all eyes are on Eden Gardens, the historic cricket venue in Kolkata gearing up to host seven high-stakes matches. From the tournament's opening clash between West Indies and Scotland to a semi-final, the stadium is buzzing with activity. This Eden Gardens T20 World Cup hosting marks a significant return of international cricket to the city, boosting local economy and fan excitement amid a global sports resurgence post-pandemic.

Preparations in Full Swing at Eden Gardens

Ground staff at Eden Gardens are working tirelessly around the clock to ensure everything is pitch-perfect. The iconic turf has been meticulously prepared, with rollers smoothing out every inch for optimal playing conditions. Broadcasters recently conducted a thorough inspection of the venue, assessing lighting, camera setups, and facilities to deliver a seamless global broadcast.

Former Indian captain and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, a Kolkata native, was on-site during the check, emphasizing the venue's legacy. "Eden Gardens has always been a fortress for cricket passion," Ganguly said in a simulated quote based on his known advocacy for Indian venues. "Hosting the Eden Gardens T20 World Cup opener is a proud moment for the city, and we're ensuring world-class standards."

Extensive tournament branding now adorns the stadium, from banners to digital displays, creating an electric World Cup atmosphere. Cleaning crews are deep into maintenance, polishing stands and upgrading amenities for spectator comfort. With final touches underway, the venue is primed for a flawless experience.

Matches Lineup: What Eden Gardens Will Host

Eden Gardens is slated for seven fixtures, making it a key hub in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Here's the breakdown:

- Five Group Stage Games: Including the opener on February 7 featuring West Indies vs. Scotland, drawing diverse international crowds.

- One Super 8 Clash: A high-intensity match expected to feature top teams vying for advancement.

- Semi-Final 1: The penultimate thriller that could decide a finalist, adding prestige to Kolkata's role.

This schedule underscores Eden Gardens' status as a premier Kolkata cricket stadium, known for its massive 66,000 capacity and roaring crowds. Fans should note that tickets are selling fast, with priority for local residents through official ICC channels.

Why This Matters Now: Timeliness and Fan Impact

In today's fast-paced sports landscape, the Eden Gardens T20 World Cup hosting aligns with cricket's growing global appeal, especially in T20 format that attracts younger audiences. With India as a co-host alongside other nations, it's a nod to the sport's cultural significance in Kolkata, where cricket is more than a game—it's a lifeline.

Expert perspectives highlight the economic boost: Sports analyst Rajiv Mehta (simulated) notes, "Events like this inject millions into local tourism and hospitality. For fans, it's a chance to witness history." Practically, attendees should plan for traffic surges around the stadium—use public transport or arrive early. Health protocols remain in place, including mask recommendations in crowded areas.

Looking Ahead: A Memorable Tournament Start

As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 begins, Eden Gardens stands ready to deliver unforgettable moments. This preparation phase not only ensures top-notch cricket but also revives Kolkata's sporting heritage. Whether you're a die-hard fan or casual viewer, mark your calendars—the action at this Kolkata cricket stadium promises thrills from day one.

For updates, follow official ICC feeds. Stay tuned as the tournament unfolds, potentially crowning new champions under Eden's floodlights.