Women who did it on screen three years ago back Rajpal Singh and his boys to go all the way.
It was as if time stood still. The Indian eves were leading 5-4 in the penalty shootout against defending champions Australia in the final of the World Cup. It all depended on Captain and goalkeeper Vidya Sharma.
At all costs Sharma had to stop the Australian strike.
Sharma glances at her coach just before the strike is taken. The coach signals as to which side of the cage the shot will be directed. Vidya follows the coach’s instruction and saves. India win the World Cup.
This reel life World Cup win in Chak De was a super hit. While in the movie the Chak De girls and their coach had to fight hard for their basic rights, in real life Rajpal Singh and his boys had to go on strike to get their salary. And that is just one of the issues that has plagued India’s campaign in the run up to the World Cup that begins in New Delhi on Sunday.
Vidya Malavade, who played the role of Vidya Sharma, is optimistic. “In the movie, we were rank outsiders. Now, not many give our boys a chance. So like we won the World Cup, we also wish that they do it in real life and Chak De becomes a real life story,” said Malavade, who eagerly wants to support the Indian team in Delhi.
Chitrashi Rawat, who played the chirpy striker from Haryana going by the name of Komal Chautala, wished that the World Cup was being held in Mumbai.
“My shooting schedules don’t allow me to go for all matches in Delhi. But if it had been in Mumbai, I wouldn’t have missed a single game,” said Rawat, a good friend of Indian women’s captain Mamta Kharab. Rawat has represented Uttarakhand as striker.
Anaitha Nair aka Aliya Bose has a point to make. “There are so many guys who give everything for the game. They at least deserve some respect and money to run their homes,” said Nair, who is bitter with the way the men’s hockey team has been treated.
Malavade seconds Nair. “You cannot question their loyalty. Give them what they deserve, they will bring back the glory days.”
The Chak De girls are ready to back Jose Brasa’s wards. “It will be a challenge for them to overcome everything that they have gone through. But the boys are well equipped and I wish them all the best,” said Malavade.
Masochon Zimik who became famous for her role of Molly Zimik, the Manipur lass, wants to be in Delhi, provided the Chak De gang is planning to cheer the Indian team.
Shilpa Shukla better known as Bindiya Naik is going to Delhi.
“I am going to a part of the hockey World Cup. I am going to watch the India-Pakistan game on the 28th. I am going to the part of the hockey mania, which we tried to create through the film,” said Shukla.
These reel life heroes seem to say in one voice: Chak De India.
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