WPO hosted a star studded premiere of movie “Kesari”
based on the historic battle of Saragarhi on 12, Sept, 1897
Akshay delighted Delhiites to another level of fervour as he emerged from his SUV to the cheers of massive crowd gathered to take a ‘dekho’ at him. As he came at premiere of his film ‘Kesari’ by World Punjabi Organisation (WPO), Kesari Flags with guests in Kesari turbans and attires greeted him to the live band playing patriotic song ‘Deh Shiva Bar Mohe’’. The atmosphere was electrifying with the entire crowd echoing his name and joining in singing of this song as he walked the red carpet to go upto the hall for the premier. Unlike a normal practice, he personally went up to the guests in the hall to greet them and sat through the entire movie and for felicitation thereafter.
Padma Shri Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Internaional President, WPO felicitated Akshay, one of the tallest stars of Bollywood, with a Phulkari Shawl and an ornate sword. He also announced his contribution of Rs. 10 Lacs to the noble cause ‘Bharat ke Veer’ to give support to families of martyrs of Pulwama attack. Speaking on the occasion, Vikramjit said that this film will swell up the chest of all Indians with immense pride as Patriotism is an emotion and attitude. It is a sense of belonging. It is time for all of us to play a part as we all owe it to our land.”
KESARI is based on the true story of one of the bravest battles that India ever fought – the Battle of Saragarhi. Fort Saragarhi, in the NWFP (North Western Frontier Province) is a small communication post used to relay messages between two major military forts – Gullistan and Lockhardt. To be posted at Saragarhi is no matter of pride for the newly formed Sikh regiment of the British Indian Army. Marked in colour KESARI (Saffron), the Sikhs symbolize valour and pride and to die doing one’s duty. Ishar Singh (Akshay Kumar), a proud warrior who prefers to live by his community rules, is often found in direct conflict with the orders of his British officers. As a punishment, Ishar is sent to Saragarhi where a bunch of 20 unruly, undisciplined Sikh soldiers await him. And it is this bunch of cheeky but lovable rouges that Ishar leads into the battle when an army of 10,000 Afghani Pathans turn up at Saragarhi on the 12th of Sept 1897. It is now 21 Sikhs vs 10,000 Afghans on the battlefield
The event was attended by who’s who including Gautam Gambhir, Bishen Bedi, Justice Khehar, Justice Sistani, Naveen Ansal, Raseel Gujral, Meenu Bakshi, Gen. J.J. Singh, Gen. Deepak Kapur, Navtej Sarna, H.S. Phulka and others
