Dadasaheb Phalke’s Grandson Backs Aamir Khan-Rajkumar Hirani’s Biopic Over SS Rajamouli’s ‘Made in India’

In a surprising development, Dadasaheb Phalke’s grandson, Chandrashekhar Srikrishna Pusalkar, has extended his support to the upcoming biopic on the legendary filmmaker helmed by Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani, expressing reservations about a rival project previously announced by director SS Rajamouli.

Actor-producer Aamir Khan and filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani recently revealed their collaboration on a biographical film based on the life of Dadasaheb Phalke, regarded as the 'father of Indian cinema'. The announcement has sparked interest and speculation, particularly since Rajamouli had already announced a separate biopic titled Made in India in 2023, reportedly with Jr NTR in the lead role.

In an interview with Amar Ujala, Chandrashekhar expressed his displeasure with Rajamouli's team for not involving the Phalke family in their research or planning. “I have been hearing discussions about Rajamouli's project, but he never contacted me for it. No one spoke to me on behalf of Rajamouli. If someone is making a film on Phalke ji, then at least the family should be talked to. The family cannot be ignored, it’s we who know the real stories.”

Contrasting this with Aamir and Hirani’s approach, Chandrashekhar praised their thoroughness and sincerity. “Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani’s project was a surprise for me too. I just got to know that they have tied up, but their assistant producer, Hindukush Bhardwaj, has been in touch with me for the last three years. He used to come to meet me again and again, do research, and ask for details. I told him clearly, you guys are working honestly, you go ahead, I have no objection.” He added that the team “worked hard to gain our trust”.

Chandrashekhar expressed confidence in Aamir Khan portraying his grandfather, describing him as a “serious fellow” who works with “honesty”. He also suggested that actress Vidya Balan would be an ideal choice to play his grandmother, Saraswatibai Phalke.

While Aamir and Hirani are expected to commence work on the biopic following the release of Sitaare Zameen Par in June, Rajamouli’s Made in India is being produced by Varun Gupta and SS Karthikeya under Max Studios and Showing Business.

The contrasting approaches taken by the two camps have brought family sentiment into focus, with authenticity and consultation appearing to play a critical role in gaining the Phalke family's blessing.