exclusive: Calabasas Films + Media and Sterling Road Films collaborate to produce the first official documentary on former tennis player and actor Vijay Amritraj.
Directed by Oscar-nominated director Sami Khan (saint louis superman), the currently untitled film is produced by Calabasas partners Kapil Mahendra and Paul Bihan, along with Prakash Amritraj and Dhawal Desai.
The documentary traces Amritraj’s rise from childhood in India, overcoming serious health problems, to becoming the greatest actor in the 70s and 80s, defeating Jimmy Connors, Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe.
Along with his older brother Anand, Vijay Amritraj was an integral part of the Indian team that boycotted the 1974 Davis Cup final against South Africa to protest apartheid. Vijay is also the older brother of Ashok Amritraj (himself a former tennis player), a longtime film producer who is currently the CEO of Hyde Park Entertainment and previously the CEO of National Geographic Films.
In the mid-1970s, Vijay, Anand and Ashok moved to Southern California, where they became the first members of World Team Tennis, the All-Star League co-founded by Billie Jean King. Amritraj played for Jerry Bass’ colorful Los Angeles string team before Bass took control of the Lakers.
Amritraj was well known for his style, elegance and athleticism. But some thought he could go even further in sports. He has never won a major championship. Some claimed he was “too good to win”. In a culture that often celebrates merciless victory over athletes, the documentary explores the cost to athletes.
After tennis, Amritraj will continue to speak out against apartheid and the film will explore how he used his platform for good.
He also became one of the first Indians of American television, starring in a 1983 James Bond film. Octopus, Star Trek IV: Journey Home and the American sitcom of Viacom What country! He was also a regular on the NBC series. last district and including guest star shows From deer to deer.
Director Sami Khan said, “Vijay Amritraj has been a legend and an inspiration in my home and it is an absolute honor to help pass on her story. Amritraj was a pioneer for South Asian athletes and I know our film will have immediate resonance today. Kapil, Paul, Prakash and Dhavali are amazing partners on this journey and I look forward to sharing Amritraj’s story with the public soon.
“Telling the story of Vijay after working together for so many years for charity is really exciting,” added Kapil Mahendra. “The stories he shares with us on and off the pitch, meeting and interacting with sports and Hollywood legends are exceptional.”
Prakash Amritraj added: “For a long time people of color have been told ‘you can’t’ and ‘you won’t’, Vijay has always been a symbol of ‘I can’ and ‘I will’. And he did it with God in his heart and his family and India in tow. He was my best example of what it means to be a man and a hero. It is a dream come true to bring his story to the screen with Calabasas Films and to star in the glorious Sami Khan. “
Source: Deadline
Elizabeth Cabrera is an author and journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a talent for staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, Elizabeth is dedicated to delivering informative and engaging articles that keep readers informed on the latest developments.
