SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2016 (PAGE 4)

MOVIE-REVIEW TRIBUTE show all the way A salute to Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Saibal Chatterjee his metier rather late in life, propelled Haryana's Rewari district – lends it an Sat Prakash Suri and Dr. Gurdev Singh Mukherjee laid the foundation of Bharatiya Jan Sangh on by his love for a female wrestler air of authenticity. A superstar vehicle that blends the 21 October 1951 after consultations with Madhav Sadashiv () who has no doubts Not that it makes a major differ- Dr. Shayama Prasad Mukherjee was Golwalkar of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. In 1952, 's earthiness of the akhada with the about what she wants to do with her- flamboyance of the mixed martial arts ence to the film. "Sultan" is after all born in a Bengali Hindu family in maiden general elections were held after independence, self. designed to project Salman Khan in Bharatiya Jan Sangh won three seats in the national elections ring, Ali Abbas Zafar's "Sultan" is cer- They are both champs at the high- Calcutta on 6th July,1901 and his tainly not the last word in the sports the best light. So liberties are liberal- including his own. He formed National Democratic Party est levels of the sport and, after a brief ly taken with logic and reality. father Sir Ashutosh Mukherjee was a within the Parliament with 3 MP members and 10 members film genre. But it definitely is an enter- spell of hiccups, the duo hits it off so tainment package crafted for maxi- So, for example, even when the pro- of Rajya Sabha which was not recognized by the Speaker as well with each other that they end up prominent legal luminary of his times an opposition party. mum mass impact. tagonist ends up with broken ribs after as husband and wife. Mukherjee opposed special status to Jammu and But isn't that what a Salman Khan who commanded respect among his When all seems hunky-dory, fate one particularly nasty bout, he and his Kashmir: film is for. The actor tones down his intervenes, tragedy strikes and the team are not willing to pull out and colleagues. He rendered valuable To voice his opposition on Kashmir he did not endorse the swagger just a tad to play an over-the- couple is torn asunder. The end result seek medical attention. services to the University of Calcutta arrangement reached between Pt. Nehru and Sheikh Abdul- hill Haryanvi wrestler, who takes the is that Sultan turns his back on There is an element of predictabil- la and termed the Article 370 as Balkanisation of India and blows of life on his chin and comes out ity about how things eventually pan as its Vice Chancellor while his mother condemned the three nation theory of . out – every setback that Sultan suffers Jogmaya Devi was a highly learned Bharatiya Jan Sangh alongwith and Ram is followed by a triumph, every reverse lady who wielded profound impact Rajya Parishad supported the massive agitation launched by that stops him in his track is reward- the Jammu Praja Parishad to do away the pernicious consti- ed with a turnaround. over Shyama Prasad's nourishment tutional provision "Ek desh mein do vidhan, do pradhan aur But for all the fantastical sweeps and upbringing. do nishan nahi challenge." that Sultan resorts to in terms of plot He stoutly opposed the Union government's decision to grant Jammu and Kashmir a special status with its own flag, details, it remains a reasonably engag- Shyama Prasad started his political journey in 1929 when he entered the Bengal Legislative Council as a Congress can- Prime Minister and its own constitution. According to this ing action film that blends romance, didate representing Calcutta University but had to resign article, no one including the Indian President could emotion and violence in a style that next year when Congress decided to boycott the leg- enter into the state without a proper permit. smacks of yore but manages to put the islature. He contested the election as an independ- Mukherjee wanted to visit Jammu and contrivances in what looks like a ent candidate and was declared successful. He Kashmir but because of the restrictions sparkling new bottle. served Bengal Province as its Finance Min- of the prevailing permit system, he Salman is obviously the driving ister during 1941-42. was not allowed. When he forced force and he throws his weight behind He emerged as a spokesperson for his entry at Lakhanpur, Mukher- the project with aplomb. In the fight Hindus and their interests. He shortly jee was arrested on 11 May 1953. sequences, some of which tend to joined Hindu Mahasabha and in 1944 Permit system was revoked Prasad was appointed its President. overstay their welcome, he pulls off owing to his consistent Mukherjee derided the commu- efforts. He died as a detenu some cool moves. nal mindset, separatist tendencies of it unscathed and grinning. wrestling. on 23 June 1953 in Kashmir He receives able support from a and divisive agenda of Mohd. Ali Jin- The uneven quality of "Sultan"– Eight years on, another opportuni- Central Jail under mysteri- bunch of actors who know exactly nah who wanted to safeguard the the biggest undoing of the film is its ty comes knocking on his door. But is what they are in this for – Anushka rights of Muslims and was demand- ous conditions who wanted inordinate length – robs the drama of he ready to make the most of the sec- Sharma, Amit Sadh, Kumud Mishra, ing a separate Muslim State, Pak- equal status be accorded to some of its sheen. ond chance? The answer to that ques- each region of Jammu and Anant Vidhaat and Randeep Hooda istan. But with Salman leaving no stone tion forms the crux of "Sultan". Ladakh as well. (in a special appearance). Nobody Shyama Prasad Mukherjee told a unturned to give his fans their mon- There is little in the story to set it Mukherjee's Death: ey's worth, this wrestling epic is des- oversteps his or her brief, and that Hindu rally on 11 Feb 1941 that if Mus- apart from other underdog dramas, lims wanted to live in Pakistan, they Mukherjee was kept in a tined to go the distance at the box allows Salman to have a field day. but the milieu in which it is set – Sul- should pack their bag and baggage and dilapidated house in Srinagar office. "Sultan," for all its warts, is none tan belongs to Buroli village of leave India. Mukherjee was a strong where he suffered from dry "Sultan" is about a man who finds the worse for it. opponent of partition but following the pleurisy and coronary troubles. communal riots of 1946-47 unleashed by When taken to hospital one and a half H.S.Suhrawardy by declaring it a Direct Action months after his arrest, he was admin- HISTORY Day at Noakhli in East Bengal, forced Mukherjee istered penicillin despite being informed to think other way and he strongly disfavoured Hin- that he was allergic to penicillin. He died on 23 dus continuing to live in a Muslim dominated state that too June 1953. The story of Reasi under a despotic government controlled by the Muslim His death in custody even today remains a mystery across League. the country and demands for enquiry were raised including a K D Maini Gobind Singh ji and fought number of battles captured Reasi. He banished Rasial Rajas Mukherjee supported the partition of Bengal in 1946 but request from his mother, Yogmaya Devi to Jawahar Lal Nehru. from Reasi Principality and nominated his against Mughals in Punjab. The Shrine of without its Hindu majority areas in a Muslim dominated East Pt. Nehru informed her that after ascertaining facts, there third son Jaswant Dev as Raja of Reasi. The Name of Reasi is derived Baba Jitto is also located in Reasi area. Baba Pakistan. He also opposed a failed bid for a United Bengal in was no mystery behind Dr Mukherjee death. Jogmaya Devi was a spiritual devotee of Shri Mata Vashino Jaswant Dev was the younger brother of 1947. did not accept Nehru's reply and requested to set up an impar- from the first Raja Raspal of this Devi and was a great social reformer. He sac- Raja Gajay Singh of Jammu. Therefore Mukherjee wanted the Hindu Mahasabha not to be limit- tial enquiry commission. Pt. Nehru ignored her request. rificed his life for the right of farmers by fight- Jaswant Dev preferred to stay at Purani Man- area, who had shifted from ed alone to Hindus but wished it as a political body for the Mukhrjee's death remains a matter of some controversy. ing against the Jagirdar Bir Singh because the di Jammu instead of Reasi. He deputed his services of masses. When Mahatma Gandhi was killed by Mukherjee's martyrdom forced the G.M.Sadiq's Govern- Bajalta to this place. At that land lord had denied him to give committed governor to rule Reasi. The son of Jaswant Nathuram Godse and his group, the Hindu Mahasabha was ment after a decade in 1963 to change the nomenclature of share of agriculture products cultivated by Dev was Mean Rattan Dev who was a war- time this place was a cluster of blamed for the heinous act and its downfall was imminent. Sadar-e-Riaysat to Governor and designation of Prime Min- Baba Jitto. The Zairiat of Baji Ismile near rior and General of Ranjit Dev of Jammu. Mukherjee condemned the killing of Gandhi ji by mentally ister to that of Chief Minister through an amendment in the some houses. Raja Raspal Barakh is an important Muslim Shrine of After the death of Rattan Dev, his son Jung deranged group of persons. State's Constitution. Reasi. The famous warrior General Zorawar Bahadur Singh and grandson Diwan Singh Post Independence: converted it into a township Conclusion: Singh had resided in Reasi near Vijaypur and ruled Reasi principality which comprises of Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru inducted him in the founder Dr. Shyama Prasad and named it as Rasyalsi after his old Haveli still exists in the locality. The Salal, Gulab Garh, Reasi etc. During this Interim Central Government as a Industry and Supply Min- Bhimgarh fort is situated on the top hillock very period Mean Mota tried to revolt ister as he was widely respected by the members of the Indi- Mukherjee was "an icon of courage for the masses of the nation against Jeet Singh. Mean Diwan Singh and his name. With the passage of near the entry of town spread over 3 acres an National Congress and especially by Sardar Vallabhbhai who feel he has been denied his due because of the domina- the wife of Jeet Singh Rani Bandralta killed lands. Initially it was constructed with mud Patel who had integrated the 565 princely states into fourteen tion of the official machinery by Nehruvians and left-leaning time this named changed from Mean Moota. Therefore the forces of Later on this fort was reconstructed with stone states in one master stroke. intellectuals. Over the years Mukherjee has been painted as a Maharaja Ranjit Singh arrested Mean Rasyalsi to Reasi. masonry by Raja Rashipal Rana. The repair Mukherjee resigned from the Cabinet on 6 April 1950 on communalist leader but in reality he was a great visionary and Dewan Singh and taken him to Lahore while the issue of the 1950 -Pact with Pakistani Prime Minis- a progressive thinker who had forward looking views on a Later on the name of this town was of this fort was started in 1817 by Gulab Singh Reasi Jagir was handed over to the officers of Jammu on the orders of Maharaja Ranjit ter, Liaqat Ali Khan. He firmly opposed Nehru's invitation to range of issues from education to woman's rights to foreign extended to the whole principality. Earlier of Mean Gulab Singh. Mean Gulab Singh relations and peace-time use of nuclear energy. this area was known as Bhimgarh principal- Singh. The repair work was completed in the Pakistani counterpart and their joint pact to establish immediately reached Reasi. The public of minority commissions and guarantee minority rights in both Mukherjee focused on the importance of building strong ity which was established by Raja Bhim Dev 1841. Most of the construction work took Reasi accepted him as their ruler. At that time countries. Mukherjee wanted to hold Pakistan directly cultural and political relations with neighbouring countries in 8th century AD. place under the supervision of General Mean Bhoop Dev, the son of Mean Dewan responsible for the terrible influx of Hindu refugees from East especially with China. In one of his speech he said, "Indians Reasi got the status of District in 1904. Zorawar Singh who was the care taker of this Singh was in Arnas. He revolted against Pakistan who were under the siege of religious suppression have lived peacefully side by side with her neighbouring peo- However, in 1950 the status of Reasi was area on behalf of Raja Gulab Singh of Jam- Gulab Singh. Gulab Singh chased him and and violence aided by the state. Mukherjee condemned ple and races for millenniums together. When Indian nation- reduced to tehsil and the area was merged mu. It is one of the strongest forts construct- Captured from Salal fort. But Bhoop Dev Nehru's appeasement policy and thus for his daring act, he als visited foreign lands, they carried with them not arms but with district Udhampur. Reasi again became ed in Jammu area. The town is built on the escaped from his custody and rushed was hailed by the masses of West Bengal. message of peace and good will". the district in 2007 which was carved out flat area on the foot of the mountains. As per towards Lahore. In the meantime Gulab from district Udhampur. Reasi is 72 Km from C. E. Bats, the author of the Gazetteers of Singh laid the foundation of Bhimgarh fort Jammu city located on the northern side. It Kashmir, a route from Reasi was leading and entrusted the construction of the fort to BOLLYWOOD-BUZZ is predominantly a hilly district surrounded towards Konsarnag Lake in Shopian District Dewan Amir Chand and left for Lahore. in the east by district Udhampur west by which was originally known as Vishnu Paadh As per Tarik-e-Jammu, Gulab Singh cap- I was like jumping at that time. tured Reasi in 1817 AD. Bhoop Did you always want to become an actress? Dev who had escaped from Yes, always since my childhood I wanted to be in the Salal fort also reached Lahore. film industry but I realized that I want to act only when I After some efforts he got his "I just was around sixteen. And that was this time when I figured father Mean Dewan Singh out that this is what I want to do because I think it appeals released from Lahore Prison. to me on many levels, like the entire creative process as Then both the father and son an actor and specially now when I knew that people are came to Reasi, assaulted on want to involved at every level, to workshops and then there are Bhimgarh fort but the defenders so many wonderful thing that you get to do. There is so under the command of Wazir much that you get to learn as an actor, so I always want- Zorawar Singh compelled the ed to be in this field. aggressors to retreat from the keep You have signed two more projects with the premises of the fort. Gulab Bhatts. True? Singh was again deputed by Yes, its true and again I am very-very blessed that they Lahore Darbar for the arrest of believed in me, my work and I am very exited to work with Mean Dewan Singh and his son working" them further. Bhoop Dev. Gulab Singh One dream role you always wanted to do any reached Reasi. But Dewan why? Singh and his sons went to I will say, more than dream role I have dream directors Lahore and attended the Darbar with whom I would like to work, with any role that they A panaromic view of Reasi town. of Maharaja Ranjit Singh with give me in their film. I would love to work with Imtiaz Ali, an application of Mafi Nama. Anand L. Rai, Vikramaditya Motwane. I would love to Maharaja excused them and Rajouri in the southern side by Jammu and (the foot of lord Vishnu). The Hindus of Reasi work with Anurag Dada again. I think any role that they sanctioned some monthly pension in their in the north by Ramban while a part of Reasi crossed the pass and visited Konsarnag to give me in their film I would just die to do because I feel favour. Later on Dewan Singh died in is touching the boundaries of district Shopi- have a dip in the lake and offered prayer. Salal that they are just fantastic. an on the northern fringes. Chaneb is the Hydro project is not only a big power gener- Lahore. However his Son Bhoop Dev again Which Bollywood stars you would love to share major river flowing through the district while ating station but an attractive place of the dis- revolted but was arrested and kept in a the screen space with? Prison. In the meantime Maharaja Ranjit there are number of streams like Ans, Plas- trict which is 15 km away from Reasi town I would love to share screen space with Alia Bhatt, Singh was on the death bed in 1839, he su, Ban Ganga etc. and surrounded by mountains and natural Deepika Padukone, also with Nimrat Kaur as I think she passed orders for the release of Prisoners. In The Reasi district is known for Shri Mata vegetation. is just sublime and I love her acting. Among males, I would this process Bhoop Dev was also released Vashino Devi University located at Kakrial As per Tarik Dogra Desh of Narsing Dev love to work with Ranveer Singh, Ranbir Kapoor. I would (Panthal). A cancer hospital unique of its and given a Jagir of few villages in Nargis, Reasi was a small Jagir among 22 love to work with Gaurav Arora, he has been an amazing nature in the state is coming up in this uni- Pathankote area by Maharaja Kharak Singh. principalities of Jammu province before co-star with me in 'Love Games'. I can say that he has been versity. Katra is an important town and cen- 1846. The ruler of Reasi originally belonged In 1839 Bhoop Dev died in Lahore. a very supportive co-star and so will be interested in work- ter of religious tourism because the famous to Udhaypur Mawar. One prince of royal After the disturbance by Lahore Darbar, Bollywood actress Tara Alisha Berry, ing with him again. Mata Vashino Devi shrine is 13 km from this family of Mawar Manuman due to family rift Raja Gulab Singh of Jammu became the who was last seen in Vikram Bhatt's One thing that you love about Bollywood. town located in Trikuta hills. Katra is linked had migrated from Mawar to Jammu and Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir in the light I love being here because I get to learn something new with railway line. This railway track will be joined the service of Raja Joj Rai of Jammu of pact between British Government, Pun- 'Love Games' performing quite everyday. I learn here a lot and I hope that I learn till the extended up to Reasi, Khouri, Surakote in 317 AD. Keeping in view the family back- jab Darbar and Gulab Singh on 16th March ground Manuman was granted few villages intimate scenes tells Jaideep Pandey day I die. through Sangal Dan, Banihal and finally it 1846. Reasi principality was then dissolved will link with the valley. The highest railway as Jagir by Raja Joj Rai. After Manuman his Any interesting story that took place on the sets in newly created state of J&K. In 1850, that at present she just want arc bridge in the world is under construction 17th decedent was Raja Baja Dev who estab- of 'Love Games'? Maharaja Partap Singh, the grandson of near Khouri. This shrine is an important pil- lished Bajalita, a village near Jammu. He was to keep working It was really interesting on the set; i don't know if you Maharja Ranbir Singh was born at Reasi. In grimage center where more than one crore pil- having three sons Sheshpal, Devpal and Ras- Getting Vikram Bhatt's movie in such a short read Vikram Sir's Stories of Facebook, Everyday at pal. They revolted against the Raja of Jam- those days Reasi was a prosperous town with grims visit every year from all over India and time. Is it not a big achievement? lunchtime he used to read out those stories to us and I mu. Raspal left Bajalta and settled in the foot abroad to pay obeisance. Shiv Khori is anoth- unique Phari culture. In 1904 Reasi attained think that was the best time of the day. We used to wait hills of Mata Vaishno Devi. He established Exactly, there are many actors whose dream is to work er important Shrine which is about 42 km the status of a District and the erstwhile with Vikram Bhatt and the Bhatt's. I feel very blessed. for him at lunch and some times at dinner, because unke from Reasi in the south western side. It is a a village on the left bank of Chenab River Rajouri principality of Jaral Rajas was and named it as Reasi principality in 13th How did 'Love-Games' happen to you? hi lafso me sunne ko mile it was such a big thing for us. renowned cave of Lord Shiva. A big mela is merged with District Reasi. In1950 the sta- I went to meet Vikram sir and during that time he was It's a wonderful memory and I will never forget it. organized at this shrine on the eve of Shivra- century AD. Raspal and his decedent ruled Reasi for centuries together. With the pas- tus of Reasi Wazarat was reduced to Tehsil working on many movies. They were not sure that where What about the future plans? tri festival which continues for three days. sage of time Salal, Gulabgrah and Akhnoor by the emergency Government of Seikh will I fit. Some of the meetings went very well and then I just want to keep working . My wish for myself is that The Dera of a great Saint and Soldier Baba also came under the ruler of Rajas of Reasi. Mohd Abdullah and became a tehsil of Dis- around 10 days passed. Then suddenly one day I got a call the audience is receptive to me on-screen so that I get to Banda Singh Beragi is also located in Reasi, Later on Raja Hari Dev of Jammu extended trict Udhampur. In 2007, Reasi again got the from Mukesh uncle asking me to come to his office. And work here for a long time. I must add that my happiness who was a warrior and General of tenth Guru his state towards mountainous areas and status of District. when I reached his office and he offered me 'Love Games', is my work. (TWF)