Autobiographies have often inspired filmmakers to paint the lives of legends on the canvas of cinema. Recently, the life story of celebrated Indian boxer MC Mary Kom, Unbreakable, was unveiled in the capital.

Speaking on the occasion, Mary Kom had said: ?My struggle has been one that many in our country face, especially women. The reason I decided to pen my story down was so that others could read it and feel that if I could achieve what I have, so can they.?

?Mary Kom is already a legendary figure in the country, loved and admired by all. She has made innumerable contributions in breaking stereotypes about women, more so from the north-east. The book beautifully brings out her indestructible spirit and is an inspirational read for everyone,? Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan had said after unveiling the book.

This comes at a time when a film on her life is already under way, where Priyanka Chopra plays the role of the Olympic medalist. The movie, to be released sometime around 2014, is reportedly being made by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

Incidentally, as per reports, athlete PT Usha’s husband has also been approached to make a film on ?queen of Indian track and field?. The film, if at all it comes into being, would chronicle how Usha became the first Indian woman to reach the final of an Olympic event and set the record for most gold medals won by a woman in a single track meet at the 1985 Asian Track and Field Championship in Jakarta.

Bollywood’s fascination with sports biopics doesn’t seem to end too soon. Actor Akshay Kumar could be seen playing legendary Indian boxer Dara Singh on screen soon. Shah Rukh Khan has also been offered the role of hockey legend Dhyan Chand in an upcoming project. Ekta Kapoor has reportedly jumped on the bandwagon by signing a deal to make a biopic on cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin.

Now, let?s take a look at some of the most memorable works on sports stars in India as well as abroad.

Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)

The film is about Milkha Singh, the only Indian male athlete to win an individual athletics gold medal at a Commonwealth Games (400 metres, 1958); and who represented India in the 1956, 1960 and 1964 Olympics. An autobiography of Milkha Singh, The Race of My Life: An Autobiography, was released soon after the movie hit theatres worldwide.

Paan Singh Tomar (2012)

The film is about Paan Singh Tomar, a seven-time national steeplechase champion in the 1950s and 1960s and who represented India at the 1958 Asian Games. Now, a book is in the making covering his life and times, and comprising rare and real pictures of the athlete-turned-dacoit.

Cinderella Man (2005)

It was titled after the nickname of heavy-weight boxing champion James J Braddock, who was the world heavyweight champion from 1935-37. It was inspired by his life story and a book with the same name.

The Hurricane (1999)

Based on the life of boxer Rubin ?Hurricane? Carter, the film shows how he was wrongly imprisoned for murder, and the people who aided in his fight to prove his innocence. The script was adapted by Armyan Bernstein and Dan Gordon from the books, Lazarus and the Hurricane: The Freeing of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter (1991) and The Sixteenth Round: From Number 1 Contender To #45472 (1974).

Raging Bull (1980)

It shows an emotionally self-destructive boxer?s journey through life, as the violence and temper that lead him to the top in the ring, destroy his life outside it. It was based on the autobiography of Jake LaMotta.

Invincible (2006)

It is based on the story of Vince Papale, a 30-year-old bartender from South Philadelphia who overcame long odds to play for the NFL?s Philadelphia Eagles in 1976. It is based on the autobiography, Invincible: My Journey from Fan to NFL Team Captain.

The Basketball Diaries (1995)

It is a film adaptation of street tough Jim Carroll?s epistle about his kaleidoscopic free fall into the harrowing world of drug addiction. It was based on the autobiographical book by poet and performance-artist Jim Carroll.

Hansie: A True Story (2008)

Based on the life of Hansie Cronje, the book details how the golden boy of South African cricket got involved with Indian bookmakers, which led to his downfall. A book on the cricketer?s life, The Hansie Cronje Story: An Authorised Biography, has already been published.