Producer not sure on how Black Prince will be received
The film is expected to broaden the spectrum on the relationship between Indians and their British colonists.
Jasjeet Singh who has co-produced the much talked-about historical Indie film The Black Prince about Maharaja Duleep Singh, known as the last King of Punjab and his stormy relationship with Queen Victoria and his biological mother Rani Jindan, is looking at a wide global release for his historical film.
“We’re releasing The Black Prince on July 21 in the optimum number of theatres across the world. In India, we’re sure that every Sikh knows the story of Duleep Singh, and would love to watch what we’ve done with the story. It’s the non-Sikh audience that I am somewhat worried about. Would they take to the story as wholeheartedly as the Sikh community?”
While the UK-based filmmaker Kavi Raz directs this fascinating cross-cultural saga set in Colonial India, the very popular musician Satinder Sartaj plays Duleep Singh.
Jasjeet Singh says that there is a very good reason why the musician without any acting experience was chosen. “He resembled Duleep Singh and he had the personality to carry it off. We just needed to be sure he could act. Also, his accent had to be worked on. We got him a voice trainer and Shabana Azmi who plays his mother really helped with the minute details.”
Jasjeet can’t get over the contribution of Shabana to the film. “She is virtually the backbone of our film. She is a legend in her lifetime, and yet so hands-on on the sets. Even after so many years of an iconic career, she is still so passionate and enthusiastic. I’d go as far as to say this film wouldn’t have been possible with Shabanaji. Her performance as Duleep Singh’s fiery mother is a highlight in The Black Prince.”
The film is expected to broaden the spectrum on the relationship between Indians and their British colonists.