Fighter fame Rishabh Sawhney is clearly not here to play safe and his next move might just prove that. After grabbing attention with Fighter, he’s now stepping into one of the most intense historical characters, Ahmad Shah Abdali in Nagabandham which is set to release on 3rd July 2026. And this isn’t just any role, it’s layered, brutal, and demands serious screen presence.
“After Sanjay Dutt’s portrayal in Panipat, we haven’t really seen many actors take on Ahmad Shah Abdali on screen. Rishabh Sawhney stepping into that space makes it quite a rare casting choice,” says a source close to the development.
For context, Abdali isn’t a character Bollywood hasn’t touched before. Sanjay Dutt portrayed the same ruler in Panipat (2019), bringing a certain gravitas and menace to the role. Naturally, comparisons are inevitable but Rishabh seems to be taking a completely fresh route. While Dutt’s version was a straight, powerful antagonist in a historical war epic, Rishabh’s Abdali in Nagabandham seems far more experimental.
Reports suggest that Nagabandham won’t just show him as the barbaric, ruthless Abdali. The twist is that, he’s also expected to appear in a double role, one as the feared historical invader, and another as a more modern, stylish reincarnation. That contrast alone sets the stage for something far more dynamic than a straightforward period portrayal. What really stands out is the prep for which Rishabh has reportedly trained in sword fighting for a full year to nail the physicality of Abdali. That kind of commitment usually shows on screen and it’s not just about looking the part, but moving like someone who lived by the sword.
This role could be a defining moment for Rishabh. Playing a historical figure known for brutality, while also balancing a stylized second avatar, isn’t easy territory. But if executed well, it positions Rishabh as someone willing to experiment and push beyond safe, and conventional roles.