Acclaimed Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui will play the title role of the late Shiv Sena founder-president Bal Thackeray in the upcoming biopic titled "Thackeray".
Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray and Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut attended the glittering launch function here on Thursday evening.
"It's truly a great day for me. I am fortunate to have got an opportunity to enact the role of such a great personality which any actor in the world would love to do. I am sure Balasaheb will inspire and bless me in this venture," said Nawazuddin in a video message since he was unable to attend the function as he is away shooting in Mauritius
The first promotional posters of the Hindi biopic - to be directed by Abhijit Panse - was unveiled by Uddhav Thackeray amidst a thunderous applause. The film is scheduled for release on January 23, 2019, the 93rd birth anniversary of Thackeray.
Terming Bal Thackeray as "an unparalleled leader of the masses," Raut - who has scripted the film for nearly four years - exuded confidence that the film would prove popular with the mainstream audiences.
"I had spent much time with Balasaheb, and have been associated with him for nearly four decades. I have a deep knowledge of his life and there are many aspects which shall be brought forth in the film," he said.
In his address, Amitabh recalled his long association and memories with Bal Thackeray spanning over more than four decades, till his final moments on November 17, 2012.
"When we first met, he somehow developed a liking for me and treated me as a family member, which was an honour for me. And he continued like that, always standing behind me, through thick and thin, helped and guided me for so many years," he said.
Big B recalled how in 1973, when Thackeray heard of his marriage, he "summoned" him and his bride Jaya to 'Matoshree', the political family's residence in Bandra east.
"When we entered the home, Aai (Thackeray's wife, Minatai) accorded a loving welcome to Jaya, just like she would have welcomed her own daughter-in-law. We were moved and indebted by their warm gesture," he said.
The 75-year old actor recounted his near-death encounter in 1982 during the shooting of "Coolie" and he was shifted to Mumbai from then Bangalore for advanced treatment of his injuries sustained on the sets.
"When the flight landed in Mumbai, there was torrential rain and there was no transport to rush me to the Breach Candy Hospital from the airport. But, a Shiv Sena ambulance was there and it braved the weather to shift me to the hospital on time, or my health could have deteriorated further," he said.
Amitabh, who was among the handful of visitors permitted by Uddhav Thackeray to visit Thackeray in his last days, said that he was taken aback to see a picture of himself in a corner just beside the bed on which Thackeray was lying and "this was another indicator of how much love and affection he had for me".
First look of Nawaz as Bal Thackeray. @shilparathnam, let's hope none of the objection obsessed idiots take objection. @CNNnews18
— Sanket Upadhyay (@sanket) December 21, 2017
uncanny resemblance. @Nawazuddin_S @AUThackeray pic.twitter.com/oqKgE34xao
Bal K. Thackeray, the charismatic cartoonist-turned-firebrand politician founded the Shiv Sena and had a gigantic presence in Maharashtra and national politics for over five decades.
Feared and revered in equal measure, he held sway over the entire state and national political scenario as the champion of Hindutva or "Hindu Hridaysamrat" till his demise on November 17, 2012 aged 86.
The brief teaser released on Thursday depicts a scene from the two-phased riots which bloodied Mumbai in December 1992-January 1993 in the aftermath of the demolition of the Babri Mosque and a grim Thackeray (Siddiqui) preparing to address his customary annual Dassehra Rally at Shivaji Park before a sea of saffron flags.
AMITABH BACHCHAN PROMISES CONTRIBUTION IN 'THACKERAY'
Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who has shared an emotional bonding with late Shiv Sena founder-president Bal Thackeray, on Thursday promised to contribute his bit in the making of the upcoming biopic titled "Thackeray".
Ha ha ha True.. Indeed a Muslim Actor playing Bal Thackeray...It Happens only in Indya.. https://t.co/mgnBjuBCHs
— SUDHIR MISHRA (@SHAHSUDH) December 21, 2017
Bachchan was present on the occasion of the teaser launch of the film that features acclaimed Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui.
Remembering Thackeray, Bachchan told writer of the film Sanjay Raut, "I am glad that you have taken the step to make a film on Bal saab. I wish you all the luck for the successful making of the film. If you need anything, any contribution from my end in whichever capacity, please allow me to know about it. I will be more than happy to be a part of the making of the film."
He also suggested the makers to make a series on Bal Thackeray instead of just one film.
He said, "I want to request you not to limit the larger than life personality like him into a three-hour movie. I think in today's time when we watch so many web series, we can make a series on Bal Thackeray to capture different phases of his life and personality. It will be really interesting for the generation to know a man like him."
First look of Nawaz as Bal Thackeray. @shilparathnam, let's hope none of the objection obsessed idiots take objection. @CNNnews18
— Sanket Upadhyay (@sanket) December 21, 2017
uncanny resemblance. @Nawazuddin_S @AUThackeray pic.twitter.com/oqKgE34xao
Bal Thackeray was one of the iconic politicians who started his career as a cartoonist and social worker. Later he formed a regional political party in Maharashtra named Shiv Sena that ruled the political scenario of the state for around 50 years. He passed way in 2012.
The evening was graced by Bal Thackeray's son Uddhav Thackeray, grandson Aditya Thackeray, along with the writer and director of the film.
Directed by Abhijit Panse, written by Sanjay Raut, 'Thackeray' will release on January 23, 2019 in Hindi and Marathi language.
