A documentary on Indian tennis legend Vijay Amritraj is coming
Time Studios, the Emmy-winning production company, has teamed up with Oscar nominee Sami Khan for a feature documentary on Indian tennis legend Vijay Amritraj. The film aims to share the inspiring story of one of tennis' most beloved figures with a global audience. It will chronicle Amritraj's journey from being a sickly child in Chennai, India, to his rise as a tennis star and Hollywood figure.
Amritraj's recent induction into Tennis Hall of Fame
The documentary will also showcase Amritraj's recent induction into the Tennis Hall of Fame, where he and fellow Indian Leander Paes became the first Asian men to receive this honor. "My life's journey has been nothing short of a miracle," said Amritraj. "I always wanted to share it with youngsters in India and around the world, and I am absolutely thrilled that Time has come on board to produce my documentary."
Amritraj's tennis career and beyond
Amritraj's tennis journey is nothing short of remarkable, boasting 405 singles wins and 16 ATP titles. He holds the record for the most wins by any Asian man in tennis history. His success didn't stop there; he also made waves in doubles, snagging 13 titles alongside his older brother Anand. Off the court, Amritraj took on the role of a United Nations Messenger of Peace and became a prominent voice against apartheid.
Amritraj's influence in Hollywood and sports commentary
Amritraj also made significant contributions to Hollywood, becoming one of the first Asian actors to achieve prominence with roles in films like Octopussy and Star Trek IV. He further established himself as a respected tennis commentator, enhancing his status as a multifaceted public figure. The documentary is being co-produced with Sterling Road Films, led by Prakash Amritraj, Amritraj's son and former ATP pro who has transitioned into acting, producing, and commentary.
Time Studios and Sterling Road Films's collaboration
Loren Hammonds, who's the head of documentary at Time Studios, spoke about the project with Variety. "Vijay Amritraj is the kind of leader who transcended sports to become a cultural beacon for so many." Khan chimed in, saying, "As someone who grew up idolizing Vijay and his heroics on the court and on the silver screen, telling his story is the privilege of a lifetime." The film will be represented by UTA in all territories.
