Jio Studios recently unveiled an impressive lineup of films and series that feature a wide variety of content in different languages and genres, emphasizing the studio’s dedication to storytelling in India. One of them is a biopic on India’s only professional female sumo wrestler Hetal Dave titled Sumo Didi, starring Shriyam Bhagnani. The newly released teaser featuring actress Shriyam showcases her in a tough and determined character, grappling with ropes as she trains for her part of a sumo wrestler. The teaser has generated significant buzz, with Shriyam’s portrayal of a sumo wrestler earning praise and generating buzz among viewers.
Jayant Rohatgi, who is making his directorial debut with Sumo Didi, has helmed the upcoming web series. Alongside Shriyam Bhagnani, the show features a talented cast including Nitesh Pandey, Chaitanya Sharma, and Raghav Dhir. Speaking about her debut act, Shriyam Bhagnani shared, “Portraying the character of Hetal Dave, India’s sole female sumo wrestler, in Sumo Didi is a great honor for me. Preparing for this role has been both demanding and rewarding, and I am thankful for the chance to embody such a courageous and influential figure on screen. I hope that our film will inspire women of all ages to chase their dreams and never give up, no matter the challenges they face.”
She added, “For me, this is a grand debut, and I recognize the weight of the significant responsibility I am undertaking, quite literally. As a biopic based on a real-life individual, I consider it my greatest responsibility to portray Hetal Mam’s journey accurately in Sumo Didi. It’s my sincere desire to do justice to her story and legacy through my performance in the film.”
Sources have revealed that Shriyam underwent several months of rigorous physical training to transform herself for the role, collaborating with celebrity trainer Sahil Rasheed to build muscle mass and enhance her athleticism. To achieve a more authentic appearance, the actress has also gained a considerable amount of weight, which is evident from the teaser and behind-the-scenes photos shared by Sahil Rasheed on Instagram. Hetal Dave, the inspiration behind the series, made history as India’s first and only female sumo wrestler, and in 2008, she even made it into the Limca Book of Records. She has represented India in various international championships, including Poland, Finland, Estonia, and Taiwan. In the 2009 World Games, she placed fifth in the women’s middleweight category.
Sumo Didi is a film that promises to inspire and empower viewers with its portrayal of a remarkable woman who shattered stereotypes and demonstrated that one’s gender doesn’t restrict their potential. The film, set to release soon, is certain to captivate audiences with its compelling narrative and outstanding performances.
