Varied and successful: Bollywood’s tryst with I-day!
Anees Bazmee.
It’s interesting to note that over the years, a variety of films, and not just overtly patriotic ones, such as Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006), Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008), Kaminey (2009), Peepli Live (2010) and Toilet: Ek Prem Katha (2017) have been released on this weekend. “That’s because we, as an industry, are attempting new kind of cinema. And so, we aren’t stuck with just one kind of storytelling,” says Adarsh, adding modern-day patriotism “doesn’t have to be of a particular kind”.
For Rathi though, a “good patriotic film” on Independence or Republic Day will always be a huge draw with audiences. “Patriotism is an emotion that’s common to everyone, regardless of caste, creed, religion or strata.
American singer-songwriter Kelly Clarkson responded to a troll who linked the end of her marriage to Clarkson filling in for Simon Cowell on America’s Got Talent. Fox News reported she wrote: “...This can’t be who you are deep down. I have more faith in your heart.” Meanwhile, musician Miley Cyrus and singer Cody Simpson called it quits after 10 months of dating. They split a few weeks ago.
While his Bollywood journey made him a villain on screen, off it, Sonu Sood’s recent role in helping migrants in the pandemic has made him a hero. But the actor wants to remain unattached to all these titles coming his way.
“I don’t know how to react because I don’t think I am a national hero. It started very simply with me being worried about the plight of all the migrants, who were unable to reach their homes. I am touched by the outpouring of love and blessings for me but I just think I am doing my bit and everyone should do it. It is easy to appreciate me or my mission but I urge others to do the same,” says Sood.
Being catapulted to the level of a real-life hero comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities and the actor says meeting expectations is the biggest of them all. “I get almost 100 emails every day from people asking for help, and thousands of messages.
But I also know I can’t help them all. I try to solve at least 30 to 40 problems every day, maybe more,” he adds.
While Sood’s efforts have received appreciation from all quarters, he urges all those who can, to come forward and help as many people as possible on a daily basis because the actor feels that is the perfect way to show patriotism for one’s country.
“I wish other people who are capable of doing more than me also come forward and help. We all can do a little bit more. The true meaning of patriotism is helping fellow countrymen in need. I feel that in every school there should be a subject about humanity so that the concept of being benevolent can be established very early on,” the 47-year-old says.
The actor also hopes with the jolt that has been the pandemic, people will respect the concept of freedom and value it more than ever before. “This crisis has hit us all financially and mentally. I feel we will have a stronger mindset as we come out of it and will be a better nation. I don’t think people never had a humane side before this, but they probably never explored it. Now things have changed, at least that is what I hope. People will now put in an extra effort to help others,” he adds.
Not just a messiah or a Covid hero for migrants, Sood is also now pitching in for international evacuation of Indian citizens and providing assistance in employment to many who have been displaced. “The concept of Roti, Kapda and Makaan can never go out of fashion. I want to help everyone find jobs and get back on their feet,” he says.
And this interesting turn of events has translated into offers for biopics and books. Sood says he appreciates the opportunities coming his way but is taking it slowly.
“Before all this, I would wonder what have I done in life to deserve a biopic. It does give you a little high that they want the world to see the journey I went through in this pandemic, with all those people. I remember a pregnant lady who I put in a train. On reaching Madhubani, Bihar, she delivered a boy and named her son Sonu Sood. These are the moments that I look at as my real achievements,” he concludes.