29 May,2024 03:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Randeep Hooda
Randeep Hooda is riding high on the success of his latest film, âSwatantrya Veer Savarkar' which just dropped digitally on the occasion of the freedom fighter's 141st birth anniversary. Reason? The actor recently received âSwatantrya Veer Savarkar Puruskar' at a ceremony held at Swatantryaveer Savarkar Rashtriya Smarak in Dadar in the presence of the Governor of Bihar, Rajendra Arlekar and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar's close family member, Ranjeet Savarkar.
Randeep received this award for his efforts and dedication towards representing the revolutionary leader's life authentically, honestly and earnestly.
Additionally, ahead of Veer Savarkar's 141st birth anniversary and the movie's world digital premiere, Randeep Hooda visited Port Blair, a city which is greatly associated with Savarkar's life. Randeep visited the iconic Cellular Jail where the revolutionary leader was sentenced to life terms of imprisonment totaling fifty years and celebrated Savarkar's life and legacy by cutting a cake with the officials and staff of the jail.
This was a trip down memory lane for Randeep as he had previously visited Cellular Jail to shoot key scenes of the film. Randeep even visited Ross Island where Savarkar was shot and Flag Point where the Indian flag was hoisted by Netaji Subash Chandra Bose for the first time on Indian soil on December 30, 1943. The celebration of the life and legacy of Veer Savarkar continued at the special screening of âSwatantrya Veer Savarkar' film which was attended by Randeep Hooda along with his wife and organized by Hon'ble Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Reflecting on the occasion, Randeep Hooda stated, "Standing here in the historic and dreaded Cellular Jail, where Veer Savarkar endured immense suffering yet never wavered in his commitment to India's freedom, is deeply humbling. His story is a testament to the power of resilience and patriotism. Today happens to be Savarkar's 141st birth anniversary and also the world digital premier of the movie Swatantrya Veer Savarkar on ZEE5. Through this movie, we aim to bring his extraordinary journey to the forefront and inspire future generations. I am grateful to the Hon'ble Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands for inviting me here to commemorate the birth anniversary of our Hero in the place he suffered for the freedom of our nation. I feel humbled that my efforts in showcasing Kaala Pani on tabloid and for putting in my blood, sweat and tears in making Swatantrya Veer Savarkar in the most honest way has paid off as the movie is gaining recognition and encouragement from fans across".
Veer Savarkar was a fierce advocate for complete independence from British rule and a key figure in the revolutionary movement. The Colonial-era prison, also known as Kaala Pani, held Veer Savarkar for over a decade, during which he inspired fellow prisoners and contributed significantly to the freedom movement through his writings. His time in the Cellular Jail strengthened his resolve, and his writings, including his seminal work on Hindutva, continue to influence Indian political thought today.
The movie, Swatantrya Veer Savarkar is an authentic biographical drama, chronicling the life journey of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, the most dreaded Indian revolutionary ever. He is one of India's most influential yet controversial figures in the struggle for independence and yet very little is known or written about him in popular culture. He is in fact the originator of âHindutva' and âAkhand Bharat' and the inspiration behind great leaders and freedom fighters like Netaji, Bhagat Singh and Khudi Ram Bose. The film narrates Savarkar's story solely from his perspective, fearlessly embracing his ideals and beliefs that were initially contentious but eventually found their way into the fabric of modern India.
