Acclaimed Indian actor Shabana Azmi has joined the cast of “USA v Raj,” the biographical legal drama that dramatizes the real-life ordeal of Dr. Raj Bothra.
The film will tell the story of Bothra, who faced 54 federal charges at age 79 before being cleared by a unanimous jury verdict in June 2022. The doctor spent more than 1,300 days incarcerated while repeatedly denied bail.
Azmi will portray Pammi Bothra, the resilient matriarch who became the pillar of strength for her family throughout their ordeal. Veteran actor Kabir Bedi stars as Dr. Raj Bothra, with Emily Shah joining the cast as Sonia Bothra, playing the physician’s daughter who stood by him during the legal battle.
Principal photography has commenced in London on the feature, which is being directed by award-winning cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran.
Prashant Shah of Bollywood Hollywood Productions is producing through his partnership with London’s Twickenham Productions. Post-production will be at Twickenham Studios.
The project adapts the book “USA v/s Raj,” written by Dr. Bothra with co-author Jennifer DeBellis and presented at this year’s Toronto Film Festival by “Sholay” director Ramesh Sippy and “Fire” filmmaker Deepa Mehta.
Oscar-winning sound designer Resul Pookutty (“Slumdog Millionaire”) heads the technical team, while the script comes from writers Zill-e-Huma, Shubho Deep Pal, Hussain Dalal and Abbas Dalal.
Dr. Bothra, who received India’s Padma Shri honor for his humanitarian efforts, previously collaborated with Mother Teresa and advised Pope John Paul II on global health issues. He also led charitable medical initiatives providing equipment to Indian hospitals.