Filmmaker Amole Gupte, who has directed the upcoming biopic Saina, says it was a pleasure getting to know the family of badminton star Saina Nehwal while making the film.

"I was excited to burrow neck deep into her life and her journey. I was taken aback by the world number one champion and her family's modesty. Their honesty, simplicity and humility left me awe-inspired," said Gupte, about Saina's family, who stay in Hyderabad.

The filmmaker says that he was inspired by Saina's story.

"I go where my heart leads. I was fascinated by Saina's story, when I saw this young girl go on to become the world number one in badminton, the first woman to achieve this feat for India. 'Saina' is a story of this simple girl from a simple middle-class background who worked towards becoming the champion," he says.

The film will see actress Parineeti Chopra play the role of Saina. It will hit screens on March 26. Other actors who will be seen in the film include Manav Kaul, Eshan Naqvi, Meghna Malik, Ankur Vikal and Subhrajyoti Barat. Gupte who has also written the film while Amitosh Nagpal has penned the dialogues and Amaal Malik composed the music.

(With inputs from IANS)