As Bollywood biopics boom, we ask stars who they'd like to play if given a chance

Every few years, the craze for a particular genre of films dries up and is replaced by another. The latest trend doing the rounds in Bollywood is that of "biopics". The biopic boom can be traced back to Paan Singh Tomar, starring Irrfan Khan.

The film was well accepted by audiences, which naturally raked in high Box Office numbers. After Paan Singh Tomar, Rakesh Om Prakash Mehra came up with a biopic on Milkha Singh starring Farhan Akhtar, and the film went on to collect over Rs 100 crore at the box office. Following this, the Priyanka Chopra-starrer Mary Kom also did well on the screens. With the increasing number of biopics in the industry, we take a look at what the stars have to say about this recent trend.

Dharmendra as Salman, or Salman as Dharmendra?

On asking Salman Khan, if he would like a biopic made on him, he says, "Really? No chance. Are you mad? My life is beautiful and interesting and that's the reason why I won't let anyone make my biopic. On a fun side, I think Dharamji can play me on the big screen. (Laughs Out Loud). Haa Yaar, Dharamji should play me on the big screen. He would say 'Puttar' and he would add a certain colour to it."

On the other hand, Veteran Actor Dharmendra believes that Salman can best portray him on screen. He says, "I think Salman can do a biopic on me. Salman is a darling. He has some habits like me. You all know Salman and his habits well. He has gone on me."

SRK can do without a biopic

Shah Rukh Khan responded to the same question in an interview to DNA. He said that though he would like to be a part of a biopic, he would not want one made on him. "I will be very honest. It is very awkward to think of myself as so important and probably I would play myself on screen. I would rather say to myself, 'Tum bohut baade star ho, itne chhote aadmi ke life ke baare mein hum tumko nahi le sakta' I would never get cast to play my own life because I don't think my life is so important or interesting."

Kareena is too complicated to do, or be a biopic

Kareena Kapoor has a different opinion. "I don't believe in trends. Just because biopics are being made today, everyone wants to be a part of it," she says. On asking her if she would like a biopic on her life, she says, "Not at all! I don't want to see that. It's scary from the word go. I am very complicated. I think I can't play anyone and nobody can play me."

Akshay Kumar isn't sure, but would attempt a biopic

The Khiladi of Bollywood Akshay Kumar confesses that he hasn't been offered a biopic yet, but believes that if he gets a chance and if he does justice to the character, it would be a great learning experience for him. "I don't know which real life personality I can play. It is difficult for me to name anyone," says the actor.

Ranbir Kapoor as Sanjay Dutt

Ranbir Kapoor has already confirmed that he is a part of Sanjay Dutt's biopic to The Times of India.

"Apart from doing a Rajkumar Hirani film, I think what is more challenging is to celebrate Sanjay Dutt's life on screen. The best part is that I know Sanjay sir on a personal level. Sanjay Dutt is one of the most loved stars in Bollywood, so it is quite a responsibility to portray him on screen."

Shahid keen on a biopic, post playing the unusual Haider

For actor Shahid Kapoor, it is a dream to be a part of a biopic, especially after his last release Haider.

"I would love to do it. I was thinking about doing one, because after playing a role like Haider, where you are creating and playing a character that is nothing like you, and having enjoyed it so much, a biopic will be another great experience. I think such films give you an amazing opportunity to play a different person altogether. And that's something that I want to do as often as I can in my career."

Varun Dhawan wants to play his dad

Varun Dhawan would love to be a part of a biopic on the life of his father David Dhawan, said the actor in an interview to DNA. "Biopics - real life stories do interest me. Doing a biopic on a character is a great responsibility. I don't think I am yet ready for that. In fact, a biopic on a film-based personality, especially an actor would be more exciting. There are lots of actors I want to play on screen. I would love to tell my father's story on screen because it's actually a rags to riches story. His journey should be celebrated."

Anushka is curious, but can't name anyone

After NH 10, Anushka Sharma finds being a part of biopic a very interesting idea. "I would love to do a biopic, but I don't know who I would like to play. It is fun to understand the life of a different person," she says.

Parineeti cares more about the script

Similarly, Parineeti Chopra is open to the idea of featuring in a biopic. "I would love to be a part of biopics. I don't know, and honestly, I don't have knowledge of enough interesting personalities. It just has to be an interesting person, with all due respect to everybody out there. And it has to be a good script," the actress told Hindustan Times.