Bollywood and patriotism have quite a connection. Movies have instilled in us a sense of belongingness through a lesson or two of Gandhigiri in Lage Raho Munna Bhai and a cricket or hockey match in Lagaan and Chak De India.
My absolute favorite patriotic movie remains Rang De Basanti, though. Directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, the film always gives me goosebumps and brings out the desh bhakt in me. There’s no way you can call yourself a Bollywood buff if you haven’t watched the film. Know what? Rang De Basanti should be your 15th August watch!
The movie recently completed a decade and although the director has rubbished any rumours of a sequel to the film, I would like to take the liberty to imagine who would star in the film if it was made with the crop of actors we have today.
Daljit Singh/Chandrashekhar Azad (Aamir Khan)
Isn’t the resemblance uncanny? Farhan Akhtar directed Aamir in Dil Chahta Hai and we’re sure both the actors deliver nothing short of perfection. Aamir Khan as DJ was many emotions coupled together. Put together the quirks of Imran from Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Milkha‘s determination from Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, and you have your very own Daljit Singh or DJ 2.0!
2. Karan Singhania/Bhagat Singh (Siddharth Narayan)
It may not have struck you but Sidharth Malhotra can probably pull of Siddharth Narayan’s role better than anyone else. Seems like they share a lot more in common than just their first names! Remember Karan Singhania’s carefree attitude and intense look? That is Sidharth Malhotra in, well, almost every film of his! In Rang De Basanti, Siddharth’s character had given up on the country and its system but yet was the first one to create positive change towards the climax. Don’t we remember seeing Sid mend his ways similarly in Ek Villian too?
3. Laxman Pandey/Ramprasad Bismil (Atul Kulkarni)
Besides just sporting a similar moustache in the above photo, Atul Kulkarni and Ronit Roy do complete justice to stern and rigid roles. In fact, Ronit Roy’s career has been something of this sort: TV+Stern father role. (Remember Udaan and 2 States?) I can already imagine Ronit Roy saying the “Sarfaroshi ki tammana” dialogue and nailing it!
4. Aslam Khan/Ashfaqullah Khan (Kunal Kapoor)
The palm reading session between Aslam and Sue in the film is something Abhay Deol could essay spot on! Also, how interesting would it be to see Abhay and Ronit Roy’s bitter war of words develop into a strong camaraderie?
5. Sukhi Ram/Rajguru (Sharman Joshi)
Sukhi is everything Ranveer Singh is, on and off screen! Sukhi’s character jumped to conclusions and was the first to step up for his friends and I don’t know anyone else who could play the part better. Ranveer has proved his versatility time and again with diverse roles. True, good things (or movies, in this case) cannot be recreated but just to see how Ranveer would pull this off, I would love a sequel!
6. Sue McKinley (Alice Patten)
This one needs no explanation. Katrina Kaif has been in the industry long enough to depict the emotions that Alice Patten brought onto the film. Sue’s ideologies and determination was the binding force of the movie and we know that is something Katrina can do equally well! Farhan as DJ and Katrina as Sue would make a fun pair!
7. Sonia/Durgawati Devi (Soha Ali Khan)
There isn’t anything that Alia Bhatt cannot do. Sonia’s role would be great for her, as the actress can carry a movie on her shoulders like nobody can. Sue and Sonia were the best of friends in the movie. Katrina and Alia are prepping for the Dream Team Tour 2016 and if the photos and videos on their social media handles are anything to go by, we’ve found our Sue and Sonia in Katrina and Alia!
8. Flight Lt. Ajay Rathore (R. Madhavan)
It was heartbreaking to see Madhavan’s character die and it would also break our hearts to see Sushant Singh Rajput‘s character die, but even if I rack my brains, I cannot think of anyone who would perform this role better. An Alia and Sushant pairing would be fresh and exciting!
Zindagi jeene ke do tarike hote hai, ek jo ho raha hai, hone do, bardaasht karte jao, yaa phir jimedaari uthaao usse badalne ki.
We know there never could be a remake to this gem of a film, but if there had to be, this would be my dream casting.
Happy Independence Day, everyone! Tell us what is your favourite patriotic film!