Tabu in talks for extended cameo in Mira Nair's Amrita Sher-Gil biopic

Mira Nair's Amrita Sher-Gil biopic, Amri targeting a March 2026 shoot, is gaining momentum with Tabu in talks for a cameo. The ambitious period drama is facing financing challenges.

Tabu and Mira Nair

There have been rumours of possible casting additions and a production timeline set for 2026 regarding the highly anticipated biography of renowned 20th-century painter Amrita Sher-Gil, directed by the acclaimed Mira Nair. Amri is the working title of the film, and negotiations are on to have Tabu make an extended cameo. This would be the actor's third collaboration with Nair, after The Namesake (2006) and the miniseries A Suitable Boy (2020).

Tabu's anticipated involvement

As per a report in Mid Day, it is believed that the project will be much strengthened by the presence of a renowned and prominent actor such as Tabu. An insider who spoke about the film's difficult development phase told the tabloid that Nair has previously spoken about spending four years persuading the market to back the period drama, which is set between 1915 and 1941 and spans India, Hungary, and France. They added that having an esteemed actor like Tabu on board will be a huge boost.

After A Suitable Boy premiered in 2020, Nair revealed the biopic, which has been a long-term passion project of hers. This expansive biography will detail the brief but formative life of the Hungarian-Indian painter, who rose to prominence as a leading figure among modern art's most consequential figures.

ALSO READ: Mira Nair: The queen of cross-cultural films

Status of lead and ensemble casting

The lead casting is still up in the air, but the ensemble cast is supposedly growing quickly, with Tanya Maniktala refuting claims that she was cast in the eponymous part. More than 15 actors from the Hindi film industry are reportedly in Nair's plans for the film's massive cast.

Insiders say that by December of this year, the entire cast should be confirmed. The filmmaker hopes to start filming the project in March of 2026.

Challenges and moving forward

Due to its length and historical context, the period drama has encountered difficulties in obtaining financial backing. It portrays a life that spans numerous countries and a critical moment in the history of contemporary art. To do justice to Sher-Gil's varied history and profession, the multi-location shoot will span France, India, and Hungary. As the biopic moves from the concept to the pre-production stages, a big step forward has been the commitment to a big ensemble cast and a clear start date.

FAQs:

Q: Is Tabu starring in Mira Nair's Amrita Sher-Gil biopic?

A: Yes, acclaimed actress Tabu is reportedly in talks with filmmaker Mira Nair for an extended cameo role in the Amrita Sher-Gil biopic, tentatively titled Amri. If finalized, this will mark their third collaboration.

Q: What is the tentative title of the Amrita Sher-Gil biopic?

A: The Mira Nair-directed biopic on the acclaimed 20th-century painter Amrita Sher-Gil is currently titled Amri.

Q: When is the Mira Nair biopic on Amrita Sher-Gil expected to start filming?

A: Filmmaker Mira Nair is reportedly planning to roll the project by March 2026. The ensemble cast for the film is expected to be locked by December 2025.

Share