Bollywood is ready to pay tribute to one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated pioneers — V. Shantaram. The biopic, an ambitious cinematic project, will see Siddhant Chaturvedi stepping into the shoes of the legendary filmmaker, while Fardeen Khan joins the cast in a key role.
The film, produced by Kiran Shantaram, aims to bring the timeless legacy of the visionary director, producer, and actor to life for a new generation of audiences. A source close to the project shared that the film is already in advanced stages of preparation. “The team is extremely enthusiastic about bringing V. Shantaram’s extraordinary journey to life on screen.
Siddhant has completed a look test, and the resemblance is truly remarkable. The film is expected to go on floors within the next couple of months,” the source revealed. The source also shared that the film will explore Shantaram’s personal life alongside his illustrious career. “Shantaram was married three times, and hence, three actresses will be cast to play his wives in the film,” the insider revealed. His first wife was Vimla, followed by actress Jayashree, with whom he had two children, and later, Sandhya, who became not only his wife but also a frequent collaborator in his films.
A visionary ahead of his time, V. Shantaram reshaped Indian cinema through stories that blended artistry, innovation, and heart. His celebrated works — Do Aankhen Barah Haath, Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje, and Navrang — continue to be landmarks of creative brilliance. Fondly remembered as Annasaheb, he passed away on October 30, 1990, in Mumbai, leaving behind not just films but a philosophy of cinema that continues to inspire. For Siddhant Chaturvedi, taking on the role of such an iconic figure marks a major step in his career — one that will test both his emotional range and ability to embody a man whose vision shaped generations of Indian storytellers.
Meanwhile, the makers are keeping details about Fardeen Khan’s character under wraps, heightening curiosity around the project. Currently in its final stages of pre-production, the yet-untitled biopic promises to be a heartfelt homage told with sincerity, scale, and attention to detail. As the source summed up, “It’s a story that deserves to be told — with the kind of respect and depth that V. Shantaram’s legacy commands.”
