Los Angeles/ New Delhi, Dec 4 (UNI) Acclaimed Indian actor Shabana Azmi has joined the cast of “USA v Raj,” a biographical legal drama chronicling the real-life ordeal of Dr. Raj Bothra, reported Variety.
The film follows Bothra, who faced 54 federal charges at age 79 and spent over 1,300 days in incarceration, repeatedly denied bail, before being cleared by a unanimous jury verdict in June 2022.
According to Variety, Azmi will play Pammi Bothra, the resilient matriarch who became her family’s pillar of strength throughout the legal battle. Veteran actor Kabir Bedi stars as Dr. Raj Bothra, while Emily Shah portrays Sonia Bothra, his daughter who stood by him during the trial.
Principal photography has begun in London, with award-winning cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran directing the feature. The project is produced by Prashant Shah of Bollywood Hollywood Productions in collaboration with London’s Twickenham Productions, with post-production set at Twickenham Studios.
The film adapts the book “USA v/s Raj,” written by Dr. Bothra with co-author Jennifer DeBellis, which was showcased this year at the Toronto Film Festival by directors Ramesh Sippy (Sholay) and Deepa Mehta (Fire).
The technical team includes Oscar-winning sound designer Resul Pookutty (Slumdog Millionaire), while the script is penned by Zill-e-Huma, Shubho Deep Pal, Hussain Dalal, and Abbas Dalal.
Dr. Bothra, a recipient of India’s Padma Shri for his humanitarian work, has previously collaborated with Mother Teresa and advised Pope John Paul II on global health issues. He also spearheaded charitable medical initiatives, supplying essential equipment to hospitals across India.
