Bollywood filmmaker Rahul Dholakia has officially confirmed that he is quitting the biopic of woman cricketer Mithali Raj, titled ‘Shabaash Mithu’- starring Taapsee Pannu in the lead role.

As per ANI, Rahul confirmed the news on his Twitter handle by issuing an official statement that reads, “There are some films which you know you have to do. Shabaash Mithu was that film. When I read the script I was certain, this film I had to do; that was almost a year and a half ago – unfortunately, I have to end the journey that started in November 2019. I won’t be directing the fabulous script written by Priya Aven, and conceived by Apt Andhare.”

Good luck #ShabaashMithu !! And for any further comments on this matter kindly contact @MandviSharma ! Thank you all ! pic.twitter.com/FLHTCMFTnR

— rahul dholakia (@rahuldholakia) June 22, 2021

He also added, “I have so many fond memories attached to this film that I can’t help but get emotional when I wrote this note. This film was always about passion – The passion of Mahal’ Raj, the greatest Indian woman cricketer ever, and her story which we were trying to tell.”

The filmmaker further praised the whole cast and crew and signed off by stating that due to ‘schedule clash’, he has stepped back from the film.

The report came after reports surfaced on social media speculating that Rahul will be replaced with Begum Jaan’s director Srijit Mukherji of ‘Shabaash Mithu’, but neither the makers nor Srijit himself has made any comment on the same.

Written by Priya Aven, ‘Shabaash Mithu’ revolves around the life of Indian women’s ODI cricket team captain, Mithali Dorai Raj, who is considered a beacon of women’s cricket across the world.

The film is being produced by Viacom18 Studios.

Apart from ‘Shabaash Mihtu’, Taapsee’s will also be seen in ‘Loop Lapeta’, ‘Haseen Dillruba’, ‘Rashmi Rocket’, and the sci-fi thriller titled ‘Dobaaraa’ directed by Anurag Kashyap.