Showing posts with label Republic Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Republic Day. Show all posts
How cinema made India Gate a site of protest
2:54 PM
Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; January 25, 2025)
Every year, the Republic Day parade begins at Rashtrapati Bhawan and proceeds towards India Gate. India Gate isn’t just an iconic location for Delhi but also for cinema. Back in 2006, on Republic Day, Rang De Basanti hit the screens and gave Indian cinema one of its most unforgettable protest scenes. A scene that still gives goosebumps to audiences – no shouting slogans, no waving banners, no chaos – just a crowd holding candles in silence.
The scene became a cultural phenomenon both onscreen and off-screen, inspiring many real-life protests at the site.
Since 2006, India Gate’s relevance as a protest site has been depicted in several films, including No One Killed Jessica, Raanjhanaa, as well as in the web series Delhi Crime. Ahead of Republic Day, we speak to directors to understand what keeps India Gate’s cinematic relevance alive.
‘For Rang De Basanti, I was drawn to India Gate because of the importance it holds’
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra grew up in Delhi and attended Bal Bharati School. Talking about the protest scene in Rang De Basanti at India Gate, he says, “The entire area of India Gate and Rajpath has always been in my consciousness. It had a different meaning. I remember, in the 9th standard, I was part of the Republic Day parade. We were always mesmerized by the jawans who would stand there like a statue, without moving. Each brick has the names of martyrs from British India. I’ve always been drawn to India Gate because of the importance it holds for us. To me, India Gate also represents the Amar Jawan Jyoti.”
Talking about Rang De Basanti, which took inspiration from the real-life incidents where Air Force pilots lost their lives, he says, “In reality, when those pilots sacrificed their lives, nobody protested. I think it’s the duty of civil society to raise their voice. Everybody can’t just sit on the fence and point fingers this doesn’t work, and that doesn’t work. It is our responsibility to raise a voice, and it is very important. In Rang De Basanti, when we lose the Air Force pilot played by R Madhavan, his mother and his friends wanted justice, so they held a silent protest at India Gate. I was drawn to India Gate because of the importance it holds.”
‘INDIA GATE HAS BECOME A PLACE OF COLLECTIVE REBELLION’
Raj Kumar Gupta, the director of No One Killed Jessica, who also studied in Delhi, says that India Gate is the iconic place that defines Delhi. He showed India Gate as a protest site in No One Killed Jessica because it was the actual location of protests in the real case.
He explains, “Of course, Jantar Mantar was the place for protests in Delhi and still is. But India Gate very organically became a protest site after Rang De Basanti. Films only work as a catalyst; it was the people who made it the spot. While there are many iconic places in Delhi, India Gate is the first that comes to our minds. Over the years, India Gate has become a place of collective rebellion. It evokes strong emotions.”
He adds, “Democracy is about people’s voice, and one must speak against injustice. Over the years, with films using the imagery of a protest in the backdrop of India Gate, it has now become a symbol of the people’s voice. Besides, the monument has its own value.”
India is a land where one can dream big-Tejasswi Prakash
8:24 AM
On Republic Day today, actor Tejasswi Prakash recalls her childhood celebrations and expresses pride in the country that helped her land several opportunities as an actor
Mugdha Kapoor (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 26, 2025)
For actor Tejasswi Prakash, Republic Day has always been a special occasion. Recalling her childhood memories around this day, she shares, “As a child, I loved Republic Day as it was a no-school day. I remember waking up in the morning with patriotic songs, traditional Indian snacks and a day full of family time.”
But as she grew older, her understanding of the day deepened. “Once I grew up, I realized what the country means to me and how blessed I am to be living in the world’s biggest democracy,” says the 31-year-old, adding, “This year, I will be shooting but I’m looking forward to a day of patriotism on the set.”
Reflecting on her career, she feels it wouldn’t have been possible for her to land opportunities, had it not been for the diversity and richness that India offers. “India is a land where one can dream big and can see your dreams come true. I am blessed that as an actor I get to travel across the nation, receive love from people belonging to all walks of life.”
Ask her about her favourite patriotic song and Tejasswi responds, “I’m a proud Indian who doesn’t mind being in any part of the world and singing a patriotic song, and saying ‘Mera Bharaat Mahan’. I love all patriotic songs!”
After watching Rang De Basanti, my friend and I used to take gedi of India Gate and salute-Ayushmann Khurrana
8:22 AM
Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; January 28, 2024)
This Republic Day, among the spectators who lined up to watch the parade at Kartavya Path was Ayushmann Khurrana. Ayushmann, who attended the parade for the first time, says that going from watching it on TV every year as a kid to being there in person was quite an experience. Ayushmann also met several officers from the forces and shared that it was amazing to see so many women officers commanding the parade.
“It was like a childhood dream to witness the Republic Day parade live in front of my eyes. It finally happened now and it was wonderful. It was a very overwhelming experience because it is something that is etched in the memory from childhood. I have been watching the parade as a kid on Doordarshan. It used to be a holiday and we would wake up in the morning to watch it. Seeing the Armed Forces march would be inspiring and watching them parade right in front of me this time – hardly 20 feet away – was overwhelming,” he shares.
INSPIRING TO SEE WOMEN OFFICERS COMMANDING R-DAY PARADE: AYUSHMANN
For Ayushmann, the best part of this year’s Republic Day parade was that it was women-oriented. “For the first time, the parade was heralded by 100 women artistes playing Indian musical instruments. Being a musician, I was overwhelmed. The parade had different musical instruments and not just the military musical band. It was very wholesome. I saw women from the Armed Forces taking the center stage, it was phenomenal. This year was dedicated to women, which shows the progressive stance that we as a nation are putting forward in front of the whole world. It was amazing that many women were commanding the parade. I do a lot of progressive cinema and I get really inspired by real incidents like this,” he says.
‘As an actor, whenever one dons a uniform there is also a sense of responsibility’
“My films like Article 15 and Anek have a deep message of inclusivity. In Article 15, I donned a uniform for the first time. As an actor, whenever one dons the uniform (of Armed forces or police) there is a sense of responsibility which also comes. We get in touch with real-life officers, imbibe their body language, imbibe their sense of responsibility and their sense of duty. I’ve met many officers and R-Day was another eye-opener when I met officers from Navy, Army, Air Force and police forces.”
‘For me, Delhi is India Gate’
Ayushmann’s first job was in Delhi, and since his mother is from Delhi most of his vacations were also spent in the city. “I have seen Delhi in every season. It has the charm of changing weather. The AQI was much better 20 years back. We never complained about pollution back then. But the city has its own charm. My favourite memory of Delhi is that when Rang De Basanti released, and my friend and I used to take gedi of India Gate and salute because that was the film that instilled the feeling of patriotism in us. I think everybody has done that and every millennial has done that when the film was released. So, for me, Delhi is India Gate. I used to cross India Gate every morning to host a radio show, and (around R-Day) I used to see all the jawans doing their drills. That was truly inspiring for me. For me, the microcosm of India is New Delhi – the capital.”
It is an absolute honour to represent the real heroes of our country on celluloid-Tiger Shroff
8:59 AM
On Republic Day today, actor Tiger Shroff joins us for an exclusive shoot and chat about what patriotism means to him
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 26, 2024)
In his decade-long career, Tiger Shroff has been associated with multiple films that have patriotism at their core — from Baaghi 2 (2018) and War (2019) to the upcoming Singham Again and Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (BMCM). On India’s 75th Republic Day today, it’s only fitting that we catch up with the actor for an exclusive shoot. The 33-year-old says, “The 75th Republic Day should be about remembering our country’s journey towards reaching this milestone”. Excerpts:
What does patriotism mean to you?
It’s about representing my country, being righteous and always feeling a sense of pride. I am grateful to be Indian.
Growing up, how would you celebrate Republic Day? Tell us about your fondest memory.
On every R-Day, my father (actor Jackie Shroff) would be invited to some event or cultural programme for flag hoisting. I would always accompany him and watch him hoist the flag. That’s my earliest and fondest memory.
Most of your films, including BMCM, have a patriotic flavour. Is that deliberate?
That’s definitely one of the major themes, but it has been fully organic in my career. The scripts I have chosen show me playing an Army officer or a heroic character who is righteous and stands up for the right causes, whether it’s for the country or for the weak or oppressed. For that, I would give full credit to the makers. It is an absolute honour and privilege to represent the real heroes of our country on celluloid whenever I get the chance.
Over the years, our country has made strides in various sectors. What are your thoughts on how India is shaping up today?
Right now, we are in a golden phase. With the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, the country is growing fast in so many ways. India is one of the superpowers of the world today. And I get to represent it when I am a part of such moments on celluloid. It’s fair to say we all are very proud of our country.
Cold weather mellows; shoot season is back in Delhi
8:01 AM
The cold waves had put a pause on outdoor shoots in the capital, but with the weather mellowing, film shoot season has officially begun in Delhi
Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; February 9, 2023)
Last month, when Delhi recorded consecutive days of cold wave and smog, several film shoots were impacted and line producers told us that production houses had to do a lot of changes in shoot schedules. While Delhi’s infamous winter may have put a temporary pause on shoots, from this month, several series and movies from across the world are lined up for shoot in Delhi, say line producers.
OVER 10 INDIAN PROJECTS LINED UP FOR FEBRUARY
Recently, Animal starring Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna was filmed at Miranda House and at a few locations in Old Delhi, which were off-limits in January because of Republic Day preps. Rahul Singh, a line producer, adds, “Last month, due to Republic Day, several areas were blocked and it is indeed difficult to get permission for shoots in those areas in January, so we do not even attempt it. Right now, it is the ideal time for film shoots in Delhi, and that’s why we are witnessing this rush.”
Line producers say that they had expected shoots to show a strong recovery in February given how several projects were in the pipeline. Javed, a line producer, says, “February is the month when Delhi’s shooting season officially begins. Until now shoots were mostly done indoors, as outdoor locations were covered in smog. But Feb shoot numbers seem to have exceeded even our expectations.”
Agrees Sumit Tyagi, a line producer, who shares, “From now until the monsoon hits, it is indeed going to be hectic. Besides, it is not just films, so many web series also have Delhi-centric plots.”
INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS ON DELHI’S SHOOT CALENDAR
Multiple international productions are expected to be shot at various locations in the capital, including the markets of Connaught Place and Old Delhi. Rahul adds, “In fact, the next couple of months are going to be really busy. We also have enquiries from international filmmakers for which final dates are yet to be confirmed. ”
FILM SHOOTS SCHEDULED IN FEB AND UPCOMING MONTHS
- Scam (second season)
- Murder Mubarak
- R Madhavan’s film Hisaab Barabar
- Anubhav Sinha’s next project
- Nikkhil Advani’s Freedom At Midnight
Apart from these, three web series and major Hollywood projects will also be shot
Pathaan and mall offers make it a Republic Day to remember
8:03 AM
Sales up over a fifth year-on-year, spurred by attractive discounts by retailers and due to SRK blockbuster
Writankar Mukherjee & Faizan Haider (THE ECONOMIC TIMES; January 28, 2023)
Republic Day sales increased more than a fifth year-on-year, spurred by attractive discounts and the release of Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Pathaan, which ensured additional footfall in shopping malls, said industry executives.
The increase in sales in the three days leading to Republic Day indicates an improvement in consumer sentiment and discretionary spending, which saw a lull for about three months after the festive season, they said. Republic Day sales, promoted by retailers in the past 15 years, have emerged as the largest consumption event in the country after the festive season.
Retailers said the sales boost will last at least till this weekend, as retailers extend the R-Day offers and Pathaan continues to draw crowds. "We saw triple digit sales growth against last year due to the low base of the Omicron wave. However, even when compared with 2021, sales were strong and we were able to liquidate most of the stock that we had," said Devarajan Iyer, CEO, Lifestyle International. "The release of Pathaan brought higher footfall to malls which helped retailers and food service players in terms of boosting demand further."
Big discounts on offer
Anjan Chatterjee, managing director at Speciality Restaurants, said the combination of Pathaan and Republic Day offers drove consumers out of their homes, leading to a 25-30% boost to restaurant business over last year. "We are sure this euphoria will continue at least for a week," he said. Speciality Restaurants operates more than 100 outlets.
Most apparel retailers offered higher discounts during this period, while consumer electronics and appliance companies launched special promotions to drive sales.
Pathaan set a new record for Hindi films, becoming the first film to cross Rs. 100 crore in box-office collections globally on the opening day.
Rajendra Kalkar, president-west at Phoenix Mills, which operates more than half-dozen malls in Mumbai, Pune and Bengaluru, and in some tier-2 cities, said Pathaan has become a crowd puller and customers are planning their day at the mall as per the availability of the movie.
Honesty in playing a person who cares for his country comes naturally to me-John Abraham
8:16 AM
Actor John Abraham talks to us for this Republic Day special, about his definition of patriotism, what he wishes should change in India, and his next Satyameva Jayate 2
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 26, 2021)
He wears his love for the country on his sleeve. And John Abraham’s roles too, reflect the same, with films such as Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran, Satyameva Jayate (both 2018) and Batla House (2019). The 48-year-old talks on the occasion of Republic Day about a post-lockdown India, speaking up on issues as a celebrity, and as he puts it, his ‘obsession’ with India:
To start with, what’s your definition of patriotism?
I think it starts with little things rather than beating your chest and being jingoistic. That’s a basic thing. Basic prerequisites like tolerance, co-existence with others, these are important. It’s very important that the secular fabric of the country should remain intact.
Has its definition evolved in any way in the social media age today? What is that change all about, if it has?
I don’t know whether it has evolved, I know it has changed. For some it may be evolution, for me it’s a change. It’s a different trajectory, you can’t put a finger on the change. Till a point, we are proud to be Indian, beyond a point I guess the change manifests itself either in aggression or opposition, in whatever way you want to manifest.
As a celebrity, do you find it difficult to openly express your opinion about anything happening in the country?
As a celebrity, you can express yourself, you have a platform, but you also must be prepared for the vitriol, negativity and toxicity that comes with it. If you are prepared to take that, you must voice your opinion. There is no point in me voicing my opinion on every issue in the country. I’d rather voice my opinion on certain issues without spreading myself too thin, because I know there are others talking on other issues. Someone (is talking) on animals like me, I am sure someone else is doing it for children, farmers etc. We can’t be flagbearers for every issue. As long as we understand that we are also limited like every other citizen of the country, and not endowed with superpowers, it’s fine.
You’re doing Satyameva Jayate 2, which will release theatrically. What’s that one thing you are sure your patriotic films won’t have?
What they won’t have is an element of falsehood. Honesty that people see in my love for the country is very evident, off films too. In general I have an obsession with India, I am probably in love with the country for so many reasons. Honesty in playing a person who cares for his country comes naturally to me. The element of lie and trying too hard doesn’t exist in my films.
How was your experience of shooting for SJ2, after the lockdown restrictions were lifted?
Fantastic. I must give credit to the producers and the positivity that Milap (Milan Zaveri, director) brought. He’s such a wonderful director. There is a wishlist actors have, to work with XYZ directors. Milap and I have such an equation, it doesn’t matter if the film works or fails.
In a post Coronavirus-lockdown world, what’s the one change you wish to see in India as it gets back on its feet?
I hoped the post-lockdown world would be a cleaner place. I wish the sense of hygiene would improve. I don’t see that happening. I am not talking about Mumbai, I travelled to small towns recently, they haven’t evolved in terms of basic hygiene. That will happen through education and awareness.
I would enthusiastically cheer for my father’s regiment during the Republic Day parade-Chitrangda Singh
8:08 AM
The actress, who hails from an army background, shares her memories of Republic Day and the lessons she learnt while growing up in that environment
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; January 26, 2021)
Chitrangda Singh lived in various states across India before she made Mumbai her home. The actress is thankful to her dad, Colonel Niranjan Singh, a retired Army officer, because of whom she got an opportunity to explore and experience the various cultures and traditions of our country. On the occasion of Republic Day, she reminisces the time when her home would be bustling with activity on this special day.
Taking us back in time, when families from her army colony would get together for the flag hoisting ceremony, she says, “In the regiment, we would have a flag hoisting ceremony. So, some of the officers from four companies — Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Delta — in the regiment would be present for the occasion. The place would be freshly painted and done up for the day. At home, our parents would tune in to the parade while having breakfast. My brother and I would watch it from the beginning to the end. It would be exciting to see the new weaponry, like new tanks, guns or other equipment. At the time, my brother was keen to join the army, so he would follow the parade ardently.”
The actress adds that the brother-sister duo would eagerly await the regiment that her father represented to appear on television. “My father was in the Gorkha regiment. So, we would enthusiastically cheer for them and believed that they marched the best, and the salute by their soldiers always stood out. It was a proud moment for us.”
Talking about her experiences of being raised in an army family, she adds, “Whenever I visited an army mess, I would observe the table manners that they followed and learnt from them. I would also see that whenever the junior officers’ wives would walk in, the senior-most officers in the room would stand up and offer them the chair.”
Chitrangda believes that her upbringing has inculcated certain values and discipline in her. “I learnt a lot from my father and picked up these little nuances from what I observed while growing up in that environment. A sense of discipline, humility, respect and maintaining certain decorum are a few things that I picked up while growing up and I am really glad that I inculcated these values,” she signs off.
Sooryavanshi: Akshay Kumar reports to duty on Republic Day 2021?
8:22 AM
Sources say Akshay Kumar's Sooryavanshi to hit screens on weekend leading up to Republic Day after makers defer its Diwali release
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; October 13, 2020)
mid-day was the first to report that Akshay Kumar's Sooryavanshi will no longer be a Diwali release despite the Centre having greenlit the reopening of cinemas from October 15 (Impractical to release Sooryavanshi on Diwali, Oct 2). In the latest development, it is heard that director Rohit Shetty and production house Reliance Entertainment are contemplating releasing the cop caper over the weekend leading up to Republic Day.
"The makers feel it will be an ideal time to release the film, given its theme of patriotism and anti-terrorism. While the current crisis will hopefully be under control by then, the Katrina Kaif-starrer will additionally enjoy the benefit of being the first big release of 2021. The team is currently working out the logistics," reveals a source. The studio's other biggie, Ranveer Singh-starrer '83 will hit the marquee on Christmas as planned. For the uninitiated, Sooryavanshi and '83 were to originally release on March 24 and April 10 respectively. While several films sought a digital premiere during the pandemic-induced lockdown, the studio announced that the two movies will wait out the theatre shutdown to enjoy a big-screen date with the audience.
When mid-day reached out to Shibasish Sarkar, chief executive officer, Reliance Entertainment group, he said, "Sooryavanshi will come anytime between January and March. The date is yet to be locked." Meanwhile, the Diwali window has been booked by Manoj Bajpayee and Diljit Dosanjh-starrer Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari.
HT Cafe Exclusive: India stands as a great example of being a flourishing republic-Varun Dhawan
8:14 AM
Actor Varun Dhawan says for him, India will always represent a nation that is very warm, kind and loved
Prashant Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 26, 2020)
Like millions of other kids, for Varun Dhawan, too, Republic Day always meant waking up early and sitting glued to the TV, watching the colourful parade. And that’s something which hasn’t changed at all. “Even now, I get up early on the Republic Day and watch the parade just as excitedly. That’s like a ritual in our house,” says the actor, who has just had a new film [Street Dancer 3D] release on Friday. As India celebrates its 71st Republic Day, we catch up with the actor for an exclusive photo shoot and interview. Excerpts:
What are your earliest memories of the Republic Day?
My earliest memories are of me waking up early and watching the parade on Doordarshan. I vividly remember how dad [film director David Dhawan] would explain things to me. Then, a big, special memory is from last year when I travelled to Wagah border on January 26 and performed a song for the jawans and about 10,000 other people. Just being able to chant ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ at Wagah was amazing.
What, according to you, is the best thing about India being a republic?
I think India stands as a great example of being a flourishing republic. Over the years, we have functioned very well as a country for many years, while maintaining the love and harmony between people. Personally, I feel there are a lot of good things about our country, and it’s a great day to celebrate all those things.
You are a youth icon. What do you think India epitomises for the young people of the country?
For me, India will always be symbolic of warmth, kindness and love. The ethos of our nation — what our parents have always taught us — such as being nice to everyone, treating everyone as equal and not judging anyone on the basis of skin colour, culture or race, are amazing. These things have been instilled in me. So, I am always going to be like that. There is a very nice ‘humane factor’ in our country which I don’t think many countries have. If any country goes through a problem, India is one of the first nations to offer a helping hand, and I think, that is the greatness of our nation.
And are you a patriot?
Yes, absolutely, and I have been that way since childhood. And why not? It’s an absolutely fantastic feeling to love your country because eventually, we are what we are because of our nation; we are safe thanks to it. The idea of loving our country should be protected. We are all thankful and grateful to our jawans at the border for keeping us safe. But I feel, in a democracy, everyone should contribute. We can’t have the attitude that someone else will do a certain job for us. For instance, if you want the country to be clean, then you should ensure that you don’t litter, and you must also stop others from littering. Likewise, if you want less pollution, then go the car pool way, or ensure that your car emits no/less pollution. That way, everyone can make a difference in their own way by doing small things.
Two days before Republic Day, you had a film release. It must be a ‘doubly special’ feeling…
I just hope that people use this holiday and watch Street Dancer 3D with their families, especially since it’s a complete family film and also talks about what actually is ‘Indian-ness’ of India. Plus, of course, like a typical Bollywood entertainer, there’s a lot of fun and entertainment in the film. We Indians love to dance and celebrate, and what better than this occasion for a celebration. So, I feel that lots of people should come to theatres and celebrate with us (laughs).
What, according to you, is the essence of India that we all should be proud of?
For starters, I feel everyone should be very proud of being an Indian. Plus, we all should use our democratic right to vote, as that’s the most powerful way to make sure that your voice is heard. It’s not enough to just write your views on social media platforms. You must exercise your right of franchise. Another thing we all should vow to do is keep our country clean. That’s why a movement like Swachh Bharat mission, brought in by our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi ji, is very important. I personally believe that a clean country will always be a happy country.
I cherish having grown up in the defence environment-Kirti Kulhari
8:04 AM
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 26, 2020)
Kirti admits that she loved her life as a defence kid, including the transfers. “I get bored with the same place but as my dad was in the navy, we didn’t get too many transfers. We lived in Vishakapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, for six years and I studied in Kendriya Vidyalaya. I cherish having grown up in the defence environment. The kind of resources and opportunities we get are immense and we don’t value enough. You grow up with people from different religions, communities and castes and it is normal for you to celebrate festivals and accept each other. We were all like a community and were there for each other, no matter who you are or where you come from,” she says.
She reveals that she wanted to join the navy but she didn’t know how serious she was about it back then. Soon, she realised that it was not easy getting into the navy or any of the armed forces. “It was a no-brainer to give it a shot but it didn’t work out. I would have loved to be a part of the armed forces but life had different plans for me,” she says.
Kirti was glad to get the opportunity to play an Indian Air Force pilot in her film, Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019). “This role was and will always be special as I got the chance to be in a uniform. I love pilots and being able to don the uniform of a pilot was a high. I don’t regret not being able to be a part of the armed forces anymore,” she signs off.
Patriotism is improving your country, not just loving it blindly-Ayushmann Khurrana
8:23 AM
Ayushmann Khurrana welcomes the new year with equality and pride
Radhika Bhirani (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 25, 2020)
Right from his maiden Bollywood outing Vicky Donor (2012) to his last onscreen joyride Bala (2019) and the upcoming ‘edutainer’ on homosexuality, Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, a beacon of hope for social change has been the mainstay in Ayushmann Khurrana’s movies.
Ahead of the country’s Republic Day, the actor, who takes pride in equality, says he’s a “socially aware citizen” and adds that his choice of cinema will always hinge upon socially relevant issues, which could initiate a discussion. Excerpts from the interview:
In this poignant photograph (above), you’re depicting gay pride and equality on one side and the Indian flag on another. Tell us about the idea.
It shows India in a progressive stance when it comes to homosexuality and the LGBTQ community. It has decriminalised Section 377 (of the Indian Penal Code) and we can’t be more proud.
Would you say your choice of films — from one on Article 15 of the Indian Constitution in Article 15 (2019) to Section 377 of the IPC (in Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan) — are driven by your own desire to see a change in the country?
I’d always aspire to do subjects which are socially relevant, which would create a stir or usher some kind of discussion. Yes, I am a socially aware citizen. I’ve done street theatre where we touched upon many socially relevant issues, and the cinema I’m doing is an extension of my theatre days.
What’s the significance of Republic Day for you and how do you define patriotism?
The significance of Republic Day is being one with your nation, enjoying your country as a multi-cultural unit. And for me, patriotism is improving your country and not just blindly loving your country. It’s about changing our nation for the better. Patriotism comes with a responsibility, the love for your country. Like I’ve reiterated, this isn’t blind love.
What do you celebrate and despise the most about the Republic of India?
There is unity in diversity. This is our biggest strength and our biggest weakness, that we are diverse. We have to be together. What I celebrate is that India is a melting pot of culture. What I despise is the lack of cleanliness. We’re not clean as a country. Even those countries which have smaller economies are cleaner than us.
There may be constitutional validity for the LGBTQ community and people from different castes too, but ultimately do you believe that the onus of acceptability lies with the people of the nation?
Definitely. The kind of views and comments we’ve seen for the trailer on YouTube shows the progressive stance of our country and it is ready for a film based on homosexuality. It shows that our country has accepted the trailer of the film. It’s 2020, and high time that we have a mainstream and a commercial Hindi cinema on a gay love story.
Is our film industry inclusive enough?
As an industry, we’re the most inclusive. We don’t care what caste, colour, creed you belong to or what your sexuality is. We only care about your talent. If you’re good enough, you will get there and do well for yourself.
Netflix was keen to acquire Rubaru Roshni, but I chose TV-Aamir Khan
2:49 PM
Ahead of his production Rubaru Roshni's premiere tomorrow, Aamir says he opted for the medium since he wanted the message to reach the masses
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; January 25, 2019)
In his three-decade-long career, he has earned a distinction few can boast of — when Aamir Khan has something to say, people sit up and listen. It is in the hope that the audience will, once again, take notice of his offering that the superstar has backed Rubaru Roshni, a short film that is set for a television premiere tomorrow.
Directed by Svati Chakravarti Bhatkal, the film reflects on three episodes that changed the course of Indian history. Yet, Khan insists, at its heart, it is a story about forgiveness. The actor says, "It features real people who were affected [by the incidents] and how they healed themselves by forgiving the perpetrators. The healing process starts with yourself; you have to forgive and let it go."
Following its premiere, the film will drop on Hotstar, and three months later, on Netflix. The actor-filmmaker adds, "Netflix was keen to acquire it, but I wanted people across the country to see it first, and then the world. I chose to premiere it on TV due to the wide reach of the medium."
Ask him why he chose Republic Day, and he says, "It is a national holiday, so everyone can watch it." Emotionally stirring and thought-provoking in equal measure, the film can leave viewers with a lump in the throat. Khan admits it left him teary-eyed too:
"When I saw the film, I cried. Conflicts in the world are continuing because we are holding on to the past. I am reading a book on Jerusalem, where the conflicts are 1,000 years old, and there is still no way out. Hanging on to the negativity will do you no good. Forgiveness is the most healing quality."
Varun Dhawan to perform live at Wagah on Republic Day
11:03 PM
Actor, who kicks off his dance film on Jan 22 in Amritsar, will also shoot another song there for which Sonam Bajwa has been roped in
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 9, 2019)
Mirror (January 7) recently reported that Shraddha Kapoor has stepped in for Katrina Kaif in Remo D’souza’s yetuntitled musical that will feature her as a professional dancer representing the Indian contingent in the film which has several dance faceoffs on the lines of the Hollywood franchise Step Up. The film, produced by Bhushan Kumar and Lizelle D’souza, goes on the floors on January 22 in Amritsar and while Shraddha will join the team in London for the second schedule, her leading man Varun Dhawan is gearing up to shoot a major dance sequence at the Wagah border on Republic Day for which he has begun rehearsals.
“The final permissions are still being worked out but the plan is for Varun to perform in front of a live audience on January 26. The V Unbeatable Dance Crew, a participant in the fourth season of the talent hunt show Dance Plus, which Remo judges, will be performing with Varun who is really kicked about this performance,” informs a source close to the development.
The actor will also shoot another celebratory song during his stay in Punjab for which rehearsals have begun. “Punjabi actress Sonam Bajwa who has huge hits like Sardaar Ji 2 and Super Singh with Diljit Dosanjh to her credit has also been roped in for a special appearance and will be matching steps with Varun,” informs the source. The Amritsar schedule of the film will wrap up on January 28 after which the team will head to UK.
Meanwhile, Varun and Alia Bhatt are busy with Abhishek Varman’s period drama Kalank. “They are even giving each other cues during shots even after one of them is done with the day’s work,” the source signs off.
Akshay Kumar to launch Pad Banks in Maharashtra villages on Republic Day
7:11 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; January 25, 2018)
It's rare that the promotion of a Bollywood film does more than speak about its own relevance. But Akshay Kumar is trying to trigger a social change in the run-up to the release of Pad Man, his upcoming film that is based on Arunachalam Muruganantham who devised a low-cost sanitary pad-making machine. mid-day has learnt that Kumar is launching an initiative, Pad Bank for Daughters of Maharashtra, which will provide sanitary napkins to women in villages of Maharashtra, free of cost. In collaboration with Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and the state government, the initiative will be launched in several villages including Latur, Solapur and Jalgaon, tomorrow.
The state government has sponsored about 20 sanitary napkin dispensers, which will be installed in dispensaries in these villages. An insider informs that given its plan to penetrate the grassroot level, the initiative will also rely on donation. “The campaign can be sustained by donation — be it monetary or of packets of pads. The team has reached out to schools and colleges of cities in Maharashtra, urging the students to donate. The funds will then be used to build more sanitary napkin dispensers in different villages,” says the source.
Kumar said, “CM Sir and I have been discussing this initiative for quite some time. We want Maharashtra to be the first state where every woman has access to sanitary pad. Menstrual hygiene is a necessity, not a luxury.”
If the model succeeds in the state, the actor intends to pitch it to central government for other states to adopt.
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