Nagpur: Renowned Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda on Tuesday said that the responsibility of an artist is to raise questions among people through his work.
Randeep Hooda, who was in Nagpur to promote his film ‘Swatantrya Veer Savarkar’ based on the life of freedom fighter and activist Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, addressed a press conference held at Hotel Centre Point, on Tuesday. The film released last week in Hindi and Marathi language. Sandeep Joshi, former Mayor and President of Shri Siddhivinayak Sewa Trust, was also present during the press conference.
Randeep Hooda, along with portraying the titular role, has also directed it and is one of the writers and producers of the film. He shared his experience of the challenges and rewards of taking on the multifaceted role of director and lead actor simultaneously. He expressed his passion for bringing the story to the silver screen. “Through my film, I want to let people know Veer Savarkar’s story, which was kept out of sight from everyone for many years. I was working on this film for the last two years, and a lot of planning went behind presenting the whole story in three hours,” said Hooda.
He highlighted the importance of portraying historical figures to youth. “Through such films, the youth gets to know about many personalities who were part of India’s freedom struggle. Most people know about his Kala Pani ordeal, but most are not aware of the inhuman treatment meted out to Indians in prisons during the British colonial period, and the trauma faced by the families left behind,” he said.
The actor also discussed the research he did before shooting the film and while sharing his journey of preparing himself to don the titular role. He said that he lost a lot of body weight to deliver an authentic performance and to justify the complex situations the character was going through in the film. He also thanked the team for their constant dedication and hard work throughout the production.
He addressed criticism regarding his film, stating, “I faced questions about why I chose to make this film, given its debatable nature. Many said that I would be linked to a political ideology, but I believe Veer Savarkar led a life that needs to be told. I urge everyone to not make assumptions or judgments without watching it. This is not a propaganda film, it is a narrative that deserves to reach people and be understood,” he added.
Ankita Lokhande is playing the role of Savarkar’s wife, Yamunabai, and the film also showcases characters of Veer Savarkar’s contemporaries.
