Imagine getting a random message on Instagram asking you to help make a movie on triathlon. Sounds like a prank, right? That’s exactly what I thought when, in January 2023, I received a DM from someone claiming to be involved in the making of a movie. They wanted my expertise on the technical aspects of triathlon. No mention of Yash Raj Films, no formal emails—just a casual message. I ignored it at first, but persistent follow-ups piqued my curiosity. On one of my trips to Mumbai, I decided to meet this person, who turned out to be an Assistant Director at Yash Raj Films. That meeting, held at the iconic Yash Raj Studios, marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey.
Pic from my first visit to YRF Studio in Jan 2023
The Pitch and the Vision
In that meeting, Director Akshay Roy laid out the vision for Vijay 69, a movie about a 69-year-old man, played by the legendary Anupam Kher, who takes up triathlon to prove that dreams have no expiry date. Akshay wanted to understand everything about triathlons: how races unfold, the science of coaching, race-day dynamics, and even the smallest technical details. Our conversation lasted hours, and my passion for the sport must have shone through because I was soon asked to join the project as a technical consultant. At that point, I realized the magnitude of what Yash Raj Films was undertaking.
Coach Chaitanya With Director Akshay Roy
Diving into the Details
First, I reviewed the script and offered insights to enhance its authenticity. Many of my suggestions made it to the final script. For example, there’s a scene where Coach Kumar explains the importance of going low on aero bars for better aerodynamics and another about BMI calculations and running cadence. These details made the movie’s portrayal of triathlon impressively accurate. The next few months involved regular calls with the crew. We (me and my team at PowerPeaks) helped them source proper triathlon gear, including tri suits from Apace, bikes, and helmets. Finalizing race venues was another adventure. We scouted locations around Pune and Mumbai, eventually settling on Dimbe Dam for the climactic race scene. We spent hours with Akshay and Director of Photography Sahil, sharing insights on race logistics and technicalities to ensure the film stayed true to the sport.
BTS at Dimbhe Dam shoot. The tough water scene
Behind the Scenes: Dimbe Dam
The Dimbe Dam shoot was intense. The location was remote, with no proper shelters, and the heat was relentless. I’ve raced in deserts and jungles, but the sunburn I got here was unmatched. One particularly memorable day involved coordinating a swim scene. The athletes had to dive into the windy, cold water repeatedly until the perfect shot was captured. Another challenging scene involved cycling up a steep off-road track (why there’s an off-road segment in a triathlon remains a mystery. Many struggled to climb with cleats, so I hopped on a bike and demonstrated how to get the shot right. My years of cycling finally came in handy! I commuted between Dimbe and Pune daily, a 2-3 hour drive each way. On one occasion, it got so late after the shoot that I slept in my car, as the next day’s shoot started early. Despite the hardships, the dedication of the cast and crew kept me motivated. Watching Anupam Kher’s acting prowess and giving open water swimming lessons to Chunky Pandey were definite highlights. We are grateful to all the athletes from the whole triathlon community who came to this remote place and bore with the hectic shoot schedule. It wouldn’t have been possible without your participation.
Left Pic – Long conversations with actors, Coach Chaitanya with actor Mihir Ahuja. Right Pic – Setting
up Anupamji’s Bike at Dimbhe Dam
Mumbai Shoots and Lighter Moments
A few months later, we resumed shooting in Mumbai. This was comparatively easier, with locations like Powai and Dadar. These scenes showcased pool swims, transitions, and more cycling. One fun moment was orchestrating a bike crash for the film. Discussing the dynamics of real-life crashes brought back memories of my own spills over the years. Yash Raj’s professionalism stood out throughout the process. Everyone involved, including the athletes, was treated well and even compensated for their efforts.
The whole team of athletes who made it possible, with Anupam Kher ji
The Premiere: A Surreal Experience
Fast forward a year to the movie’s release. I was invited to the premiere by none other than Anupam Kher. It was my first-ever movie premiere, and stepping into Yash Raj Studios with my wife, Niki, felt surreal. Anupamji greeted us warmly and gave a heartfelt speech about his 40-year career and this being his 600th film. Sharing the evening with Bollywood celebrities like Daler Mehndi, Kirron Kher, and Esha Deol was an unforgettable experience. Even Krishnaprakash ji, a super cop and fellow triathlete, was there to celebrate. Watching the movie alongside these luminaries, I momentarily set aside my critical triathlon brain and enjoyed it as any other viewer would. The film beautifully captured the spirit of triathlon and, more importantly, conveyed the message that dreams are ageless.
Coach Chaitanya With Actor Anupam Kher who played the lead role
Reflecting on the Journey
When I started coaching and promoting triathlons a decade ago, I promised myself to make this sport accessible to the masses. Being part of Vijay 69 was a dream come true—a chance to bring triathlon into mainstream cinema and inspire countless people. After all, how many triathlon
coaches get to work on a Bollywood movie? This experience reaffirmed my belief that when you’re passionate about something, it opens doors you never imagined. From being skeptical about an Instagram message to watching my contribution unfold on the silver screen, this journey has been
nothing short of extraordinary.