Speaking on the 20th release anniversary of the Shah Rukh Khan starrer on Tuesday, director Ashutosh Gowarikar said “Swades” is more than just a film, it is a homecoming journey, a story of belonging and a call to reconnect with our roots. ,
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” follows 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 his duty towards his country. Bigger than 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 the screen ‘Swades’ was more than just a film – it was a journey home, a story of belonging, and a call to reconnect with one’s roots, it had a message of hope, responsibility and the importance of giving back. Mohan That sense of purpose within all of us, Gowarikar wrote, is what he wanted to inspire through Bhargava’s journey.
“Most of all, my heartfelt thanks to the audience 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, Kaverimma, Geetha and Charanpur made this film a timeless Diya Hai,” the filmmaker, who is also known for lavish period dramas like “Lagaan”, “Jodha Akbar” and “Panipat”, thanked the cast and crew for their contribution.
“My heartfelt gratitude to Shahrukh for portraying Mohan Bhargava so honestly and bringing out the message of the film with such conviction. Truly indebted to every artist, HOD and technician who made ‘Swades’ a reality. Rahman and To Javed Saab, your music and words have been the soul of Swades,” he said.
Considered one of the contemporary classics of Hindi cinema, “Swades” has gained a 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” that the team 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.
“Here’s to 20 years of Swades and here’s to you – may you keep ‘lighting the bulb’ in your life and the lives of others who cross your path.”
(This report has been published as part of an auto-generated syndicated wire feed. Apart from the headline, there have been no edits to the copy by ABP Live.)
