From the untold stories of war, sportsmanship to fighting against corruption and celebrating nation building, Bollywood is buzzing with patriotic and nationalistic films this 72nd Independence Day. Sangeeta Yadav talks to the celebs about what patriotism means to them and their favourite movies
Patriotism on the big screen
One of my favourite patriotic films is Haqeeqat by Chetan Anand and my all-time patriotic song is Aye Mere Watan Ke logo which lata Mangeshkarji sung to commemorate Indian soldiers who died during the Sino-Indian War in 1962.
Patriotic films are important as they instill a sense of nationalism. The songs help bring people of different parts of the country together. I consider my debut film Mary Kom to be a patriotic film because she represents the spirit of India who fought in all international boxing arenas for the country. There is nothing more patriotic than that.
It was an absolute delight as a director and an honour to bring back patriotism on the big screen. One interesting story that I would like to see on big screen is how J&K became a part of India and how the instrument of accession was signed by Maharaja Hari Singh because that has been debated so much there would be a lot to research on that and it would be interesting to see that on celluloid.
— Director Omung Kumar
Being authentic
Meeting of history and entertainment has always been unique. Cinema is a great medium to convey slice of our history. Since my films are based on war drama inspired from true events my treatment has always to make it authentic. You make a film based on the bravery of men who have performed their duty beyond their capabilities therefore to depict such events is not challenging for me now. My favourite patriotic film has been The lawrence of Arabia (1962). The movie is about a British officer who lead a revolt with the Arabs to form one Arab nation. There are many untold stories of unknown soldiers who did something extraordinary that are still buried somewhere waiting to be told.
—Director JP Dutta
‘More on women freedom fighters’
A true patriotic film or song is one that gives you goosebumps and makes you feel proud. I started my Bollywood journey as Bhagat Singh in Shaeede Azam. My grandfather studied with Bhagat Singh in National College, lahore and I used to hear stories about him. When I got to play him, it was difficult for me to go through his history but got to know him much more. When I was a child, my mother used to tell me the stories of Rani of Jhansi and having done Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, it is like a dream come true for me. I thoroughly enjoyed playing Sadashiv which is one of the most important roles in the film.
Patriotic films are always considered to be male-dominated but there are many women freedom fighters whose stories are untold. I always wanted to play a soldier. It took me 17 years to play one in Paltan as Major Bhisham Singh. It was a delight to work with JP Dutta sir, a legend who truly inspires us with his patriotic films.
— Actor Sonu Sood
‘Want to be a part of a film like Border’
Films like lagaan, Gadar, Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran and The Ghazi Attacks are equally patriotic films like Border and Haqeeqat. But my favourite patriotic film is JP Dutta’s Border which I grow up watching. It inspired me a lot. What really matters to me right now is to be a part of a patriotic film like that.
When it comes to patriotic songs, Aye Mere Pyare Watan from Kabuliwala is my favourite as it has a soothing effect when you sing it. It will be interesting to see two freedom fighters — Swatantrya Veer Savarkar and Nathuram Godse on the big screen
— Actor- turned-director Shreyas Talpade
‘Paltan will be film of the year’
Paltan is going to be the best patriotic film directed by JP Dutta who has earlier made lOC Kargil, Refugee and Border. It is going to be interesting to watch since it talks about the untold story of the 1962 India-China war also known as Indo-Sino war.
While shooting for the movie I realised that making a patriotic film is no cakewalk. There is so much of research that goes into it to get the right cast to play soldiers, suitable locations, arms and artillery and the songs that have to be powerful. There is so much to make in patriotic genre. I would like to see Jawaharlal Nehru’s story come out alive on screen.
— Actor Siddhanth Kapoor
Song from the heart
The most challenging part of composing a patriotic song is getting the feeling and emotions right. It’s a different kind of love and protectiveness one feels towards its nation. While making a patriotic song, one has to be the soldier and depict that kind of heavy emotion with music.
When I’m asked to sing a patriotic song, I’ll have to really look within and rebuilt myself with song. It has to be straight from the heart. My favourite patriotic song is Aye Mere Watan Ke logo by lata Mangeshkarji. It is a touching song and a lot of great people got together for making such a legendary song. The movie that I like is Border. I was deeply inspired by the story of a freedom fighter from my hometown Jaunsar, Uttrakhand which I heard during my childhood days.
— Singer Jubin Nautiyal
‘Get your facts right’
I have a special connect with patriotic films and songs because a lot of people from my maternal side were in the Defense. I have loved watching Border, Shaurya, Raazi and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and sing to the tunes of Bharat Humko Jaan Se Pyaara Hai (Roja) and Dharti Sunehri Amber Nila (Veer-Zaara). Cinema is the best medium to bring out magnificent stories from our rich history. The most challenging part is to get the facts right, recreate the events and importantly, telling the story in a very engaging way to take the audience in the past. One story from the past that I would like to see on big screens would be to know the truth behind Rajiv Gandhi and Indira Gandhi’s murder. There was definitely something more than what came out.
— Actor Rajniesh Duggall