Shivam Nair reveals Irrfan Khan was first choice for 'The Diplomat', Saif Ali Khan considered before John Abraham took the lead

Shivam Nair's 'The Diplomat', starring John Abraham as JP Singh and Sadia Khateeb as Uzma Ahmed, is a gripping true story that sends chills down the spine. In an interview with Firstpost, Nair shared his encounter with Uzma Ahmed, the inspiration behind the film, detailing her traumatic account of escaping Pakistan and his meeting with JP Singh.
Casting Choices: Irrfan Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and John Abraham
When asked if John was always the top choice for the role of diplomat JP Singh, Shivam explained that he initially approached Irrfan Khan when the story first emerged. However, Irrfan Khan mentioned he wasn't well, and Nair later learned about his illness. He then considered Saif Ali Khan, but Saif was hesitant, saying he needed time to think. The COVID-19 pandemic further delayed the project. Eventually, his producer partner presented the script to John Abraham, who read it and demonstrated a strong understanding of the role during their discussions about the story and geopolitics. Although John wasn't the first choice, he ultimately performed exceptionally well as JP Singh.
The Plot and Cast of 'The Diplomat'
'The Diplomat' is a true-story-based film starring John Abraham as J.P. Singh, an Indian diplomat. It follows Uzma Ahmed's (Sadia Khateeb) quest for refuge at the Indian embassy in Pakistan. The movie explores diplomatic challenges and moral dilemmas as Singh navigates Uzma's repatriation. The cast includes Kumud Mishra and Revathy, inspired by Sushma Swaraj. The film highlights complexities of international diplomacy and human rights.
Remembering Irrfan Khan
Irrfan Khan passed away on April 29, 2020, at the age of 53 due to complications from a colon infection. He had been battling a neuroendocrine tumor, a rare form of cancer, since 2018. The actor was admitted to Mumbai's Kokilaben Hospital shortly before his death, where he was under intensive care. His passing came just days after the death of his mother, Saeeda Begum, adding to the family's grief during India's COVID-19 lockdown.