"Didn't Want To Act Like Saina But Become Her:" Parineeti Chopra Transforms Into Nehwal

Parineeti Chopra Saina transformation: Ahead of her film Saina's release, the actor has opened up on the extensive training and physical hardships she went through on court in preparation for playing badminton champ Saina Nehwal. A video posted on Instagram reveals visuals from her long hours of practice to breakdowns she had on court due to the physical demands of the sport.

"Playing badminton was probably a secondary thing. I first had to get into the mind and physicality of being an athlete. We did a lot of training for agility, performance, strength, speed. You have to get serious skills to play an Olympian," Chopra says in the video.

Nehwal has represented India on the biggest sporting world events. An Arjuna awardee and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna awardee, she became the first woman to win Commonwealth gold in the badminton single event in 2010. In 2012, she created history again by becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in badminton. More on her achievements here.

Parineeti Chopra Saina Transformation Wows Audiences

On the toll practice took on her, Chopra says, "There have been days when I've cried on court and said I cannot do this film. I would immediately have a flashcut of the millions of people who would watch this film and that would immediately make me get up."

I didn't want to act like Saina, I wanted to become Saina: Parineeti Chopra

Her team added too, "She had major breakdowns on court and fatigue in her legs due to the agility required." Chopra won praise from her badminton coach who said the actor had great focus while getting into the shoes of Nehwal.

Nehwal has lauded Chopra for essaying her, even sharing her look from the film. Upon release of the film's first song Parinda on Monday, Nehwal shared it saying, "Turn up the volume and tune in to Parinda if you’re looking for a motivation-refill in your life."

Saina releases March 26 in theatres. More details here.