Indian female wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s spectacular victory and reaching the final of the Paris Olympics reminded people of an iconic Bollywood film ‘Dangal’ (2016). Vinesh Phogat is the niece of Mahavir Phogat, whose character was played by Aamir Khan in the film. Mahavir Phogat has raised his younger brother’s daughters Vinesh and Priyanka along with his four daughters – Geeta, Babita, Ritu and Sangeeta, and gave them initial training in wrestling. Poster of ‘Dangal’, Vinesh Phogat (Credit: Social Media)
The story of ‘Dangal’ presented a big chapter of Indian women’s wrestling on the big screen. Now even though Vinesh’s journey in the Olympics stopped before reaching the medal, whenever there is talk of women’s wrestling, this film will definitely be mentioned. But do you know that the Olympics have been a big part of the plot of other films as well. Bollywood films have presented not only wrestling but also the Olympic journey of other sports and players in the story. Let us tell you about these films…
Gold – 2018
The story of Akshay Kumar starrer ‘Gold’ was inspired by the life of Indian hockey player Kishan Lal. In the film, Akshay played the role of the manager of the Indian hockey team that won the gold medal in the Berlin Olympics. At that time, the British national anthem was played on the victory of the Indian team participating in the Olympics under the British rule. Akshay’s character dreams of getting an Olympic gold for independent India after 1947. And his dream comes true in the 1948 London Olympics.
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Poster of the movie ‘Gold’ (Credit: Social Media)
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag – 2013
Farhan Akhtar starrer ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ was a biopic of athlete Milkha Singh who represented India in 3 Olympic events (1956, 1960 and 1964). Farhan, who plays the role of Milkha Singh in the film, is seen participating in the Olympics. In the film, Olympic events do not win a medal for Milkha, but affect his personal life. Farhan Akhtar in ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ (Credits: Social Media)
Saina – 2021
Parineeti Chopra starrer ‘Saina’ is a biopic of Saina Nehwal, the first Indian female badminton player to win an Olympic medal. The film shows Saina’s journey from Hyderabad to becoming a world champion. Her winning a bronze medal in the 2012 London Olympics is also a part of this story. Parineeti Chopra in ‘Saina’ (Credits: Social Media)
Sultan – 2016
In this Salman Khan and Anushka Sharma starrer film, Olympic Games were the turning point of the story plot. Salman’s lead character Sultan and his wife Arfa qualify for the Olympics in wrestling. But Arfa is unable to participate due to pregnancy and Sultan fulfills her dream of winning a gold medal. But after this victory, the story takes a turn and Sultan gets separated from Arfa. After a tragic twist in the story, Sultan and Arfa are reunited. Salman Khan, Anushka Sharma in ‘Sultan’ (Credits: Social Media)
Soorma – 2018
The Indian men’s hockey team qualified for the 2012 London Olympics after a gap of 8 years. Sandeep Singh scored the most goals in the qualifier tournament, 16. In 2006, after being shot in the back, Sandeep’s lower body was paralyzed and doctors had said that he might not be able to stand on his feet, let alone play hockey. His comeback story is a great inspiration. Diljit Dosanjh in ‘Soorma’ (Credits: Social Media)
‘Soorma’ was Sandeep Singh’s biopic and his character was played by Diljit Dosanjh in the film. The Indian men’s hockey team qualifying for the Olympics, Sandeep scoring the most goals in it, but the team not being able to go beyond the group stage is also seen in the film.
A biopic has also been made on Mary Kom, the Indian female boxer who qualified for the Olympics for the first time (2012, London) and won the bronze medal. Priyanka Chopra in ‘Mary Kom’ (Credits: Social Media)
Priyanka Chopra starrer ‘Mary Kom’ (2014) also won the National Film Award. Mary Kom’s story was there in this film, but her fifth world championship and Olympic journey were not there in the film.
Source (PTI) (NDTV) (HINDUSTANTIMES)