Parineeti Chopra is set to play the female lead in Kesari, based on the Battle of Saragarhi. Directed by Anurag Singh, who is best known for directing Dil Bole Hadippa! and Jatt & Juliet, the film is bankrolled by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions.
The lead actress in #KESARI is ……..PARINEETI CHOPRA! @ParineetiChopra pic.twitter.com/kP2VV1fqp9
— Karan Johar (@karanjohar) January 10, 2018
Johar, who tweeted the first-look of Akshay Kumar in the film last week, tweeted the same image with Parineeti’s name. People on Twitter were quick enough to find the humour in it.
Here is @akshaykumar ‘s stunning action pic from Ishaqzaade! pic.twitter.com/0sEThUvgAy
— Keh Ke Peheno (@coolfunnytshirt) January 10, 2018
Here is @vindiesel new look in movie…. pic.twitter.com/zDqOIjOV4L
— Tipu ? (@PR1CELES5) January 10, 2018
It’s not your fault karan, even Arbaaz khan and Roger Federer are as identical as Akshay and Parineeti pic.twitter.com/BtB5N6DcwW
— Nationalist Joker (@EkAkeleSbkoPele) January 10, 2018
Spectacular make-up and prosthetics job. Unbelievable. https://t.co/kpb4TTx3QP
— Raja Sen (@RajaSen) January 10, 2018
Johar, however, clarified everything soon enough.
Ok guys that was meant to be an image of #KESARI whilst announcing the lead actress of the film! Clearly Twitter is quick to Jump and attack! Apologies!!!!! This is to re announce the wonderfully talented @ParineetiChopra as lead cast of #KESARI pic.twitter.com/5IXYjjDcgy
— Karan Johar (@karanjohar) January 10, 2018
The Battle of Saragarhi was fought before the Tirah Campaign on September 12, 1897 between Sikh soldiers of the British Indian Army and Pashtun Orakzai tribesmen. The British Indian contingent had 21 Sikhs of the fourth Battalion of the Sikh Regiment, who were stationed at an army post, was attacked by around 10,000 Afghans.
The Sikhs, led by Havildar Ishar Singh, chose to fight to the death, in what is considered by some military historians as one of history’s greatest last-stands.
News was out last year in October that the film had been shelved, but it looks like the film will continue with its release slated next year in March.