Pankaj Tripathi joins cast of Shakeela biopic, along with his Fukrey co-star Richa Chadda; film to roll in April

Richa Chadda, who is all set to play the lead in a biopic on Shakeela, a '90s adult films actress, is now joined by Pankaj Tripathi, who has won audiences and critics with his last two major outings, Newton and Gurgaon, as reported by DNA.

Pankaj Tripathi in a still from Newton. YouTube

The film tells the story of Shakeela, an actress from Kerala who entered the adult film industry at the age of 16 and acted in several adult films in languages like Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada. Shakeela has distinguished herself as a popular figure in an oppressively male-dominated industry. While Richa essays the role of Shakeela, Pankaj will essay the role of a debutante director who directs her in one of her most known films. The film will be directed by Indrajit Lankesh and goes on floors in April.

Both Richa and Pankaj are known for their acting talents, and playing an array of difficult and challenging roles. While Richa shot to fame after her role in Gangs of Wasseypur, Tripathi too had played a small role in the sprawling star cast of the film that chronicled the local mafia over decades. Now, Pankaj has also broken out with his impressive performance in Newton, which was also India’s official entry to the Oscars, as well as the critically acclaimed Gurgaon, that saw him play a malicious Haryanavi patriarch with an understated evil streak.

Chadda, known for her unconventional career moves, has a busy year ahead, with the actress excited for her upcoming roles in Love Sonia, co-starring Rajkummar Rao. Pankaj Tripathi has also joined forces with his Newton co-star Rajkummar Rao in the horror-comedy Stree.