It was the New Year's day. As the last few months in 2016 didn't go very well for me, this day was going to be just another day. My husband came up with the idea of watching Dangal, to which I readily agreed as we were waiting to watch this movie from the day it was released. Almost watched the entire movie teary eyed. Mind you I normally don't cry like many other girls do hormones messed me up when was was pregnant not so long ago. Coming back to the subject, it not just another movie as you all know its a narrative of someones life. Hence, there is a lot to take back as you are leaving the theater.
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| Cast: (L to R) Sanya Malhotra, Suhani Bhatnagar, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Zaira Wasim, Aamir Khan and Sakshi Tanwar |
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| Mahavir Singh Phogat with his Daughters |
As mentioned before I got emotional as I am a girl child born and raised in India with another female sibling. Was reminded of my dad when I saw Mahavir Singh Phogat. Not that my dad is a wrestler or I have achieved the heights that Geeta and Babita have. But whatever I am today its because of my father's belief in me. There was not once he doubted my ability. A salute to all the dad's especially in a country like India where the society is predominantly patriarchal and male chauvinism exists in abundance. I can only imagine how Mahavir Singh Phogat ji would have faced all odds against the family and society to make those girls a champion in the so called men's game. Kudos to the girls for making their father's dream come true. And for all their sacrifices and making the country proud. End of the movie just one thought lingered in my mind 'I want to meet this dad for believing in his girls and in himself!'.
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| Aamir Khan at Geeta Phogat and Pawan Kumar's Wedding |
In today's time and day where kids have low self esteem and low self belief this was a great story to be told. When the whole world is talking about gender equality and women empowerment this story strongly gives that message that these are something that must be laid at home. Its the parents that must believe in their girls. When a dad from a small village from northern India had such revolutionary thoughts and made bold decision some 20 years ago I feel sad to see many young parents still being gender biased. And the young modern parents are just modern in adapting to technology, dressing but not really modern in thoughts. As a parent, believe in your kids. Teach your boys to respect women and treat them equally. Tell the girls they are not less than the boys. Every male members in the family grand father, father, brother, son, relatives and friends must treat women more than just the common stereotypes associated with the gender.
This movie touched my heart because it was portrayed so well. There has been times when beautiful stories didn't make an impact because of poor story telling, direction and cast, Dangal didn't. Awesome work by the entire cast and crew. Very happy that an real actor's efforts have been appreciated yet again. Thanks to sports journalist Sourabh Duggal who penned Akhada the authorized biography of Mahavir Singh Phogat and Aamir Khan and Director Nitish Tiwari to bringing this real life story to the big screen. Walked out of the cinema hall as a proud women, proud Indian and proud Aamir Khan fan. Couldn't have asked for a positive start to this New Year. Happy 2017 everybody!
