Lioness (upcoming film)

Lioness is an upcoming historical drama film written and directed by Kajri Babbar. The film centres on two British-Punjabi women living in England a century apart. One of the stories is based on the life of Sophia Duleep Singh, the Princess of Punjab and one of the key leaders of the suffragette movement in the United Kingdom, who is portrayed by Paige Sandhu. The other focuses on married immigrant Mehak, who lives in Southall in the 1990s, and is portrayed by Aditi Rao Hydari.

Peter Bance, a Sikh historian who did research into Princess Sophia Duleep Singh, inspired the project and it will be the first co-production between the National Film Development Corporation of India and the British Film Institute.

Premise
Mehak uncovers a fascinating story of women's emancipation and empathy in contemporary times. The two stories play out in different eras, highlighting grit, determination and compassion.

Cast

 * Paige Sandhu as Princess Sophia
 * Aditi Rao Hydari as Mehak
 * Jaaved Jaaferi as Pir Saheb

Production
Lioness was announced on 23 May 2023. It will be the first co-production between the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC) and the British Film Institute (BFI). Peter Bance, a Sikh historian who did research into Princess Sophia Duleep Singh, inspired the project. Writer and director Kajri Babbar will make her feature film debut on Lioness, with the producer team consisting of Vivek Rangachari, Vaishalli Paatil, Faraz Ahsan and Clare Cahill. Researcher Bance, joined by Ajit Pal Singh, will act as executive producers.

The two central cast members were announced on 23 May 2023. Paige Sandhu was confirmed to be in the role of historical figure Princess Sophia, the Princess of Punjab, goddaughter of Queen Victoria and a key figure in the suffragette movement in the UK. Aditi Rao Hydari was announced as Mehak, a fictional immigrant living in Southall in the 1990s. Sandhu described it as "an honour and a dream" to be portraying someone with an important legacy. Hydari was drawn to the project due to the storytelling of two extraordinary women. She said that despite Princess Sophia being a true heroine, her character was equally as strong.