Sagarika Ghatge, Vivan Bhathena reunite 20 years after 'Chak De! India'
Synopsis
Nearly 20 years after 'Chak De! India' made them household names, Sagarika Ghatge and Vivan Bhathena are back on set together for an untitled drama — and a muddy, grinning Instagram post confirmed it all. For Sagarika, it's also her first project since becoming a mother in April 2025.
Key Takeaways
Sagarika Ghatge and Vivan Bhathena are reuniting on screen nearly 20 years after 'Chak De!
The new project is an untitled drama , with a release expected next year .
Vivan confirmed the reunion via Instagram , with Sagarika responding in the comments.
This is Sagarika's first film since welcoming son Fatehsinh in April 2025 with husband Zaheer Khan .
India', Sagarika played Preeti Sabharwal and Vivan played her on-screen fiancé Abimanyu Singh . 'Chak De!
India' won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film at the 55th National Film Awards .
Sagarika Ghatge and Vivan Bhathena, co-stars of the landmark 2007 sports drama 'Chak De! India', are set to share the screen once again after nearly two decades, this time in an as-yet-untitled drama project. The reunion, confirmed by both actors on social media, marks Sagarika's return to sets following the birth of her son.
How the Reunion Was Revealed
Vivan announced the news through his official Instagram handle, posting a candid photograph of the two on set — both dressed in mud-streaked clothes with dishevelled hair, flashing victory signs. His caption read: '#reunion after 20 years...new film coming next year @sagarikaghatge.'
Sagarika responded warmly in the comments, writing: '19 years later so great to be back on a set together.' The exchange quickly drew attention from fans of the original film.
Sagarika's First Project Post Motherhood
This untitled drama is particularly significant for Sagarika Ghatge as it marks her first professional project since welcoming her son Fatehsinh in April 2025 with her husband, former Indian cricket captain Zaheer Khan. The project signals her return to active filmmaking after a personal milestone.
Their Roles in 'Chak De! India'
In 'Chak De! India', directed by Shimit Amin and produced by Aditya Chopra under the banner of Yash Raj Films, Sagarika played Preeti Sabharwal — a determined hockey player on the Indian women's national team. Vivan essayed the role of Abimanyu Singh, her on-screen fiancé and a cricketer whose priorities clash with Preeti's sporting ambitions.
The film starred Shah Rukh Khan as Kabir Khan, the disgraced former captain of the Indian men's hockey team who returns seven years later to coach the women's squad to world championship glory. The ensemble also featured Vidya Malavade, Shilpa Shukla, Chitrashi Rawat, Tanya Abrol, Arya Menon, Seema Azmi, and Nisha Nair, among others.
The Legacy of 'Chak De! India'
'Chak De! India' won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment at the 55th National Film Awards, cementing its place as one of Hindi cinema's most celebrated sports films. Nearly two decades on, its cast members remain closely associated with the film in public memory — making this reunion a moment of genuine nostalgia for audiences.
Details about the new project's director, producer, and release timeline remain undisclosed beyond Vivan's indication that it is expected to arrive next year.
Point of View
The real story here is Sagarika Ghatge's return to screens — her profile has stayed high through her marriage to Zaheer Khan, but her acting career has been intermittent. Whether this untitled drama gives her a genuine second act, or remains a footnote reunion project, depends entirely on execution. The absence of any production or directorial details at announcement is worth noting — it suggests the film is early-stage, and 'next year' timelines in Bollywood are notoriously elastic.
NationPress
8 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new project that Sagarika Ghatge and Vivan Bhathena are doing together?
The two are set to appear in an untitled drama film, with Vivan indicating on Instagram that it is expected to release next year. No further details about the director, producer, or plot have been disclosed.
How long has it been since Sagarika Ghatge and Vivan Bhathena worked together?
It has been approximately 20 years since the two last shared screen space in 'Chak De! India', which released in 2007. Sagarika noted in her comment that it was '19 years later.'
What roles did Sagarika Ghatge and Vivan Bhathena play in 'Chak De! India'?
Sagarika played Preeti Sabharwal, a hockey player on the Indian women's national team, while Vivan played Abimanyu Singh, her on-screen fiancé and a cricketer. The film starred Shah Rukh Khan as coach Kabir Khan.
Is this Sagarika Ghatge's first film after having a baby?
Yes, this is Sagarika's first project since she and husband Zaheer Khan welcomed their son Fatehsinh in April 2025. It marks her return to active filmmaking after a personal break.
What awards did 'Chak De! India' win?
'Chak De! India' won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment at the 55th National Film Awards. It remains one of the most celebrated sports dramas in Hindi cinema.
