Executive producer Vishakha Singh on bringing ‘Real Kashmir Football Club’ from paper to screen. The show stars Manav Kaul and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub
(L-R) Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub as Shamin Meraj and Manav Kaul as Sandeep Chattoo in ‘Real Kashmir Football Club’. Pics/AFP, Yogen Shah, Instagram, X
The vibrant sporting culture of Kashmir, a football club built by locals, supported by the youth, and symbolising hope, piqued executive producer Vishakha Singh’s interest in telling the story of Real Kashmir Football Club, starring Manav Kaul and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub. The project faced several hurdles since its inception — from budgetary constraints to developmental challenges.
“I saw a generation in Kashmir that wants what all young folks in the rest of India have — opportunity, dignity, and a chance to dream,” says Singh, adding that the story showed the human side of the youth in Kashmir, which was important to tell. “[Didn’t focus on] the political lens but real people trying to build something meaningful.”
Vishakha Singh
Holding on to that intent through the long development process of the SonyLIV series proved challenging. Singh reveals that the biggest hurdle was not creative disagreement, but “holding the project together over six to seven years”. “We went through delays, funding cycles, rewrites, and the pandemic. Then the biggest emotional blow, the sudden passing of Sandeep Chattoo, the founder of the Club [on whose life our story is inspired] on December 31, 2023,” shares Singh, adding that while the team stayed strong, the emotional and logistical strain remained relentless.
Even though it took time, authenticity was non-negotiable for Singh, both in representing Kashmir and depicting football credibly on screen. “Our writers Simaab Hashmi and Umang Vyas spent time in Srinagar watching matches, meeting players, and absorbing the local rhythm,” she says, crediting Kashmiri creatives, sports experts, and the Film Facilitation Office for its support.
“We received guidance from Kashmiri creatives like director Danish Renzu and dialogue support from Adhir Bhatt, which helped us get the cultural tone right,” she recounts. Recalling the journey, Singh adds, “Watching our actors transform into absolute pros on the field was incredible. When Anmol Dhillon struck a shot with precision, we believed he was a trained footballer. It was a full ‘Bend it Like Beckham’ moment."
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