She wanted to make a movie on Sarabjit Singh while he was in prison, but it was only after nearly two years of his death that Dalbir Kaur met actor Randeep Hooda prepping to play her brother on screen and felt he was perfect for Sarbjit.

Directed by Omung Kumar, Sarbjit is based on the Indian national, who died following an assault by fellow prisoners at a Pakistani jail. “Randeep is excellent. He has played my brother perfectly. When I first came and saw Randeep, I saw my brother in him. He was in a cell when I saw him and I could not help but cry. I broke down,” said Dalbir.

“My blood pressure went high and I almost fell ill. It was extremely emotional for me. I had told them that I doubt whether I’ll be able to watch the film. Now I am much better,” she said.

Sarabjit was convicted of terrorism and spying by a Pakistani court. He died aged 49.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will essay the role of Dalbir, who fought for her brother’s freedom, relentlessly, for over two decades. “I met Aishwarya and told her that I am extremely happy that she is playing a role based on me. She had researched about it too from her end. She has done full justice to the part and she is an exceptional actress.”

Interestingly, she wanted to make a film on her brother while he was in prison in order to ignite a movement and perhaps push the government to help free Sarabjit. “When he was in jail, some people wanted to make a film on him. We were keen too as it would have helped us. After his death, many people contacted me wanting to make a film on him but I was not in a state of mind to think something like this could be done,” Dalbir said.