A picture from the sets of ‘Swades’. Photo courtesy: @ashutoshgowarikar/Instagram
Swades It is more than just a film, it is a homecoming journey, a story of belonging and a call to reconnect with one’s roots, director Ashutosh Gowarikar said on the occasion of the 20th release anniversary of the Shah Rukh Khan starrer on Tuesday.
In a letter shared on Instagram, the filmmaker thanked many great people including story writer MG Satya, KP Saxena for the dialogues, producer Ronnie Screwvala, lyricist Javed Akhtar and composer AR Rahman who were involved in getting the film ready to hit the screens. Come together to do. On 17 December 2004.
Swades It followed an NRI named Mohan Bhargava (Shah Rukh), who leaves his cushy job as a project manager at NASA and returns to his native village Charanpur to meet his maternal grandmother Kaveriamma (Kishori Ballal), but he realizes that That his duty towards his country is greater than that. His personal ambitions. In it, Gayatri Joshi played the role of Geeta, an idealistic teacher and Mohan’s love interest.
“Today, I find myself reflecting on the journey of Swades As it celebrates its 20th anniversary! It’s hard to believe how time has flown by since we first brought this story to screen. Swades It was more than just a film – it was a journey back home, a story of belonging and a call to reconnect with one’s roots. At its core was a message of hope, responsibility and the importance of giving back. Through Mohan Bhargava’s journey, I wanted to inspire a sense of purpose within all of us,” Gowariker wrote.
“Most of all, my heartfelt thanks to the audiences who treated this film as their own. Over the years, you have kept Swades Alive with your love, stories and memories. Your association with Mohan, Kaveriamma, Geetha and Charanpur has made this film timeless,” the filmmaker is also known for his lavish period dramas like. Lagaan, Jodha Akbar, And PanipatThe cast and crew were thanked for their contributions.
“My heartfelt gratitude to Shahrukh for portraying Mohan Bhargava so honestly and bringing out the message of the film with such conviction. Truly grateful to every artist, HOD and technician who made this Swades A reality. Your music and words have been the soul for Rahman and Javed saab Swadeshe adds.
Considered one of the contemporary classics of Hindi cinema, Swades It has gained new relevance in the age of social media. It is considered one of Shahrukh’s most successful performances.
Gowariker highlighted how the film’s songs ‘Yeh Tara Woh Tara’ and ‘Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera’ have touched hearts across generations.
“So are the amazing voices of Udit (Narayan), Alka (Yagnik), Madhushree, Vijay (Prakash), Hariharan, Kailash (Kher) and of course Rahman.” The filmmaker praised costume designer Bhanu Athaiya, the first Indian to win an Oscar, cinematographer Mahesh Ane, art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai, editor Ballu Saluja, sound designer Stephen Gomes and choreographers Saroj Khan, Raju Khan, Vaibhavi Merchant and Bosco Caesar.
He also remembered “the many beloved members” the team has lost over the past 20 years.
“Actors: Lekh Tandon ji, Kishori Ballal ji, Rajesh Vivek ji, Vishnudutt Gaur ji, Vishwa Mohan Badola ji, Mrs. Farrukh Jaffer Apa, and Peter Rawley. HOD: Bhanu Athaiya ji, Saroj Khan ji, KP Saxena Sahab, Nitin Desai, And Rajendra Rao. I will always remember him fondly and with gratitude. His work and spirit will live on forever!” Gowariker also shared two special edition anniversary posters to celebrate the milestone anniversary. “It’s been 20 years here Swades And here’s to you – may you keep the ‘bulb on’ in your life and in the lives of others who come your way.
published – December 18, 2024 12:53 PM IST
