Dingko Singh biopic may drop Shahid Kapoor, says Raja Menon

Filmmaker Raja Krishna Menon has said the long-delayed biopic of boxer Ngangom Dingko Singh may no longer star Shahid Kapoor. Speaking to Variety India, Menon said the actor might not be interested now because Dingko was in his 20s during the key events of his life, and the film needs a younger lead.

Menon said Dingko's story remains close to his heart. He called the late Manipuri boxer an incredible man who transformed his home state into a sports hub and noted the story's socio-political angle. Menon first planned the biopic years ago with Kapoor attached, but he now feels the casting must be reconsidered.

Dingko Singh won gold in the 54kg category at the 1998 Asian Games and competed in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. He received the Arjuna Award and the Padma Shri. He died in 2021 at age 42. Menon admitted the film is not easy to make but said he would love to do it if the pieces fall into place.