Rare photo of Shah Rukh Khan with director Ashutosh Gowariker on sets of “Swades”
Rare photo of Shah Rukh Khan with director Ashutosh Gowariker on sets of “Swades”
This 2004 released Ashutosh Gowariker directorial film may not have set the box office on fire but went on to emergency as a cult classic. The film tells the story of Mohan Bhargav, a NASA scientist who returns to India and reconnects with his roots, finally taking on the mission of bringing electricity to a remote village.
The film featured Shah Rukh Khan in one of his most heartfelt performances, alongside Gayatri Joshi and Kishori Ballal. Interestingly, the story was reportedly inspired by a real-life NRI couple, Aravinda Pillalamarri and Ravi Kuchimanchi, who worked on rural electrification projects.
Elements of the plot were also said to be drawn from Chigurida Kanasu, a novel by K. Shivaram Karanth, and Bapu Kuti by Rajni Bakshi. Gowariker had also explored a similar theme years earlier in a TV series called Vaapsi, where he played a character much like Mohan Bhargav.
The film had memorable soundtrack by A. R. Rahman, with lyrics by Javed Akhtar.
Even as Swades commercially struggled upon release, its emotional depth, powerful performances, and socially relevant message have made it one of Shah Rukh Khan’s most beloved films over time.
News Edit KV Raman
