The Ekagra film festival dedicated to Sohrab Modi began here from Sunday with the screening of the movie Mirza Ghalib. Screened at Abhirang Hall, Bharat Bhavan festival is being organised under its Chhavi series of classical cinema.
Notably, Ekagra is one of the regular events of Bharat Bhavan which is dedicated to nationally and internationally acclaimed film directors, actors and producers. In the month of November, Ekagra was organised on Guru Dutt’s movies.
Notably, Sohrab Modi was an Indian Parsi stage and film actor, director and producer. His films include Khoon Ka Khoon (1935), a version of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Sikander, Pukar, Prithvi Vallabh, Jhansi ki Rani, Mirza Ghalib, and Nausherwan-e-dil (1957).
While talking to The Pioneer, in-charge of the fest said, “Sohrab Modi’s films always carried a message of strong commitment to social and national issues. A whole generation’s image of history is based on his historical films. Moreover, he is always remembered for his great contribution in Indian cinema.” Notably, Sohrab Modi received the Dada Saheb Phalke Award in 1980.
Mirza Ghalib is one of the classical stories of Indian history. The film depicts the life of one-time wealthy and noble poet Mirza Ghalib. The film revolves around his trials, successes and failures and his ultimate descent into poverty and then to prison. This film also highlighted the tragic love story of Ghalib with the courtesan Chaudvin.
Mirza Ghalib was released in 1954 starring Bharat Bhusan, Suraiya and Durga Khote. The first day of the festival captured the eyes of the movie lovers and those who admire Mirza Ghalib’s poetry. The response on the first day of the festival was satisfactory.
The film festival would be followed with the screening of Jhansi Ki Rani screened on December 23 and would conclude on December 24 with the movie Jailor.