MUMBAI: As India and the UK celebrates 70 years of partnership, the film The Black Prince, produced by Brillstein Entertainment (Academy Award winning film 12 Years A Slave) is set to tell the poignant life story of the last King of Punjab – Maharajah Duleep Singh – also known as The Black Prince.
The film is a historical biopic, based on the fascinating true story and legacy of Maharajah Duleep Singh and his relationship with Queen Victoria, Godmother to his children, set for international release on 21 July 2017.
*The film is poised to create a wave of intrigue in India and the UK as the story touches upon the historically significant and priceless Kohinoor diamond, which was purportedly gifted by a young 13-year-old Maharajah Duleep Singh to Queen Victoria in a ceremony held in 1850, at Buckingham Palace, London.*
The film stars acclaimed Sufi singer Satinder Sartaaj who plays the role of Maharajah Duleep Singh, and the legendary screen actress Shabana Azmi (City of Joy) as Rani Jindan, the exiled King’s mother. They are joined by a respected cast including Jason Flemyng (X-Men: First Class, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), David Essex, and Amanda Root (Their Finest).
• The Black Prince is a period drama, filmed widely across the UK and India
• As the last King of Punjab, The Black Prince chronicles Maharajah Duleep Singh's lifelong struggle and daring journey of self-discovery in order to reclaim his identity, his faith, and the Kingdom that was rightfully his.
• This ultimately leads him to meeting his mother after 13 years of her being in exile. The Black Prince spotlights Queen Victoria’s cordial relationship with Maharajah Duleep Singh, as he begins adjusting and embracing the English culture he was drawn to at the age of 15.
• He had a fragile relationship with Queen Victoria, who was Godmother to his children
• The film also sheds light into his upbringing as an aristocrat in the UK who converts to Christianity under the influence of his foster parents, but later longs to return to his Kingdom, mother and roots.
• His character, as it evolves is torn between two contrasting cultures – his royal ancestry from the Kingdom of Punjab as its last King, set against his upbringing in the UK as he embarks in a new journey of exile, away from his mother.
The cast includes:
• Acclaimed singer-poet Satinder Sartaaj marks his acting debut in The Black Prince, essaying the character of Maharajah Duleep Singh
• Jason Flemyng (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch) as Dr. Login, the foster parent for the Maharajah
• English stage, screen actress Amanda Root (The Iron Lady), who portrays the bold role of Queen Victoria
• veteran actress Shabana Azmi (City of Joy) as Rani Jindan, the exiled King’s mother.
• The film also features Keith Duffy, David Essex OBE, Canadian actor Rup Magon in supporting roles.
