File photo of Azharuddin and Sangeeta Bijlani
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin has said he has no objection over the two important phases of his life, the match fixing episode and his marriage, being shown in his upcoming biopic Azhar.
Directed by Tony D'Souza, the film traces the journey of the former skipper's career and his turbulent personal life.
Actor Emraan Hashmi will play the titular role.
The film's producer Ekta Kapoor said will show three key aspect's of the cricketer's life - Khuda (God), marriage and the match-fixing controversy.
"The three important phases of my life will be seen in the film. They will be showing all the phases correctly. If I had an objection I wouldn't have said yes. I have read the script and they have taken my inputs as well, so I don't have any objection," Azharuddin said here at the teaser launch of the film today.
"In a biopic, personal life is as important as professional. We will have three aspects of his life - Khuda, shaadi and the match-fixing case," Ekta Kapoor said.
Azharuddin, who was one of India's most successful captains, kicked up a major controversy after his name cropped up in a high-profile match-fixing case. The ICC and BCCI banned Azharuddin for life, following a CBI inquiry into the case.
On the match-fixing episode, Azharuddin said, "It is very hard for me to say about it right now. Once you see the film you will get the right perspective."
He revealed Hashmi has been his favourite actor and said the actor will be known as Azhar only once the film is out.
"He is apt for the role. Many people asked me why Emraan Hashmi for this role. He has been my favourite actor and I have watched all his films. I am sure he is going to work hard for it. After this movie he will be called Azhar most of the time," he said.
He said audience, who relates Hashmi with kissing scenes, will get see the actor's acting skills.
The former cricketer made headlines with his link-ups with former model and actress Sangeeta Bijlani, whom he later married in 1996 after divorcing his first wife Naureen. Azharuddin and Sangeeta Bijlani separated in 2010.
Produced by Balaji Motion Pictures,
Azhar is slated for release on May 13 next year.