Parineeti Chopra essays badminton champion Saina Nehwal in her upcoming biopic. The film, Saina, is directed by Amol Gupte. It is set for release in theatres on March 26.

The actor, who was in constant touch with Saina during the shoot, says, "Saina was very approachable and answered all queries I had. I literally discussed everything under the sky with her, from my training and fitness to if I was holding the racquet right. I wanted to look right for the part and do justice to the sport and Saina."

Parineeti says she was happy the badminton champ wasn't on set, as it could have made her nervous. "I remember visiting Saina Nehwal's house in Hyderabad to meet her and she had told me, 'I have never seen you play sports before.' When we returned, I knew I had to double my training as someone entrusted me with a responsibility to play the sport right. If I can play even 1% of what she played, I would consider myself lucky. I was glad only my coaches and trainers were there. If Saina herself had been there, it would’ve made me very nervous!"

Saina is produced by T-Series and Front Foot Pictures.

Meanwhile, Parineeti’s new film, Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar, is out in cinemas now.