Omung Kumar who is waiting for the release of next directorial venture ‘Sarabjit’ says he was unwilling to do the film.

“Firstly I choose to do Mary Kom but not thinking it as a biopic. Since I wanted to make an impact, I wanted to work on an interesting story and an actress driven story. Later it happened to be a biopic. Next, I was not inclined to do a biopic again. Unexpectedly Sarabjit landed in my lap. Initially, I said no to it. As I didn’t want to get branded as a biopic director.” He said at an exclusive interview.

“Then I started to realize why I am thinking this, who am I trying to prove. If it is a fantastic story that’s it.  I went through Dalbir Kaur’s video and that shocked me. If somebody portrays her role would be the best role in her life. Moreover, the story interests me in such a way that I was affected.  I went into the details realized what happened to him should not happen. Through this film, I wanted to give a message,” added the Priyanka Chopra starrer “Mary Kom” helmer that went on to bag National Award. 

His latest film “Sarbjit” is based on Sarabjit Singh, an Indian national, who was jailed in Pakistan on the charge of spying. The film stars Randeep Hooda in the titular role while Aishwarya Rai Bachchan plays his sister Dalbir Kaur.

Speaking about his two leading women in the both of his films, cited the director, “Both (Priyanka & Aishwarya) are dedicated in their own way. Priyanka was apt for Mary Kom, I can’t see anyone else to portray the character. For that particular film, she was appropriate and did a fabulous job. Mary Kom gave me respectability to my second film. Ash is the epitome of beauty. Yet, how did he change herself for this role! Hats off to her. She is a fantastic actor. She just changed herself into my Dalbir Kaur. She is an absolutely dedicated and focused actress.”

“Sarbjit” is scheduled to release on May 20.