After fighting against the British rule six decades ago, Gaur Hari Das, 80, fought with the Indian government for 32 years to get his freedom fighter’s certificate. Now, his struggle to get recognised as a freedom fighter will be caught on celluloid. The film titled Gour Hari Dastan will be directed by Ananth Mahadevan, who recently won accolades for his Marathi film Mee Sindhu Tai Sapkal.
“For obtaining the certificate, I had to fight against my own people and system. It was a struggle that I will never forget,” said Das, who lives in Borivli after migrating to Mumbai from Orissa in 1989.
Das used to regale his neighbours with stories of how he was arrested when he was just 14 years old for hoisting the Indian tricolour despite a ban in 1945. He was kept behind bars for 40 days. Das was a member of Vanar Sena, a group of teenagers who used to pass messages to their senior leaders.
When some sceptics demanded to see his freedom fighter certificate, Das decided to get one. But the task was not easy, depite help from his neighbour Rajeev Singal.
Das claimed the government officials humiliated him, made disparaging remarks and even suspected his age.
“At times I felt the British were far better than our own people. It is sad, but true. They were strict and would not allow any corruption and lethargy,” said the octogenarian.
But, the announcement of a film on his struggle has revived some of his faith in the country and its people.
“I am happy that a film will be made on my struggle. I request the director and producer to complete it as early as possible so that I too can watch it.”
“Our film will be based on the true life story of Das. We will take some cinematic liberty, but the theme of the film will not be altered. It is challenge to make such broad canvas film,” said Mahadevan, adding that actor Vinay Phatak will essay the character of Das. “Phatak fits in bill because we will show Das’s fight with government for 30 years to get his freedom fighter’s certificate. We will reveal the protagonist’s look on July 29,” he added.
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