Mumbai: Producer Ashoke Pandit announced Tuesday he is set to make a film based on the life of Asian Games gold medallist Pinki Pramanik. The 64-year-old filmmaker has directed TV series Tere Mere Sapne and has co-produced the film The Accidental Prime Minister. Now he has acquired the life rights of the track-and-field athlete Pinky Pramanik.
Pramanik was also a of the Commonwealth Games silver medal-winning quartet in the 400m relay event in 2006. In 2012, Pramanik was embroiled in a gender controversy. Her woman friend accused her of rape and gender misrepresentation.
Pramanik was kept in custody for 25 days and was made to undergo sex verification tests to confirm her gender. She was cleared of rape charges by Calcutta High Court in 2014. She then resumed her work in Eastern Railway. Last September, the former athlete joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Pandit said writer Priyanka Ghatak, known for TV show Hongey Judaa Na Hum, narrated Pramanik’s story to him. He then instantly agreed to back the film.
“It is a story of fighting against all odds and coming out triumphant. It is high time that mainstream cinema addresses the issue of gender identity,” Pandit said in a statement.
Ghatak, who read about Pramanik in the media, believes her story is one of triumph and resilience. “I wanted the world to know the injustice and the horror I went through. I totally trust Ashokeji’s production that it will do total justice to my story with respect,” said Pramanik.
The makers will soon announce the lead cast and crew.