"Swades was more than just a film," says Ashutosh Gowariker on 20 Years of Swades

Ashutosh Gowariker on 20 Years of Swades

Bollywood director Ashutosh Gowariker made one of the best films of his career, Swades, in 2004. The classic drama turns 20 today. Reflecting on the film, the filmmaker shared that Swades was more than just a film. The Shah Rukh Khan starrer has gained a cult following over the years for its realistic presentation of simple rural issues and the homecoming of NRIs. Have a look at what Ashutosh Gowariker has to say about "20 Years of Swades."

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He wrote:
Today, I find myself reflecting on the journey of Swades as it celebrates its 20th anniversary! It is hard to believe how time has flown since we first brought this story to the screen.
Swades was more than just a film-it was a journey of homecoming, a story of belonging, and a call to reconnect with our roots. At its heart, it carried a message of hope, responsibility, and the importance of giving back. Through Mohan Bhargava's journey, I wanted to inspire that sense of purpose within all of us.
This milestone would not have been possible without the incredible Cast and Crew who poured their hearts into this story.
I want to first thank M. G. Sathya for his fabulous story, the Screenplay Writing team and the great K. P. Saxena saab for the unforgettable dialogues.
Thank you Ronnie, for believing in the film and backing it.
My heartfelt gratitude to Shah Rukh for embodying Mohan Bhargava with such honesty and bringing forth the message of the film with so much conviction.
Really indebted to every Artist, HOD and Technician who made Swades a reality.
To Rahman and Javed Saab - your music and words have been the soul of Swades.
From Yeh Tara Woh Tara to the timeless anthem Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera, your genius continues to touch hearts across generations. So do the amazing voices of Udit, Alka, Madhushree, Vijay, Hariharan, Kailash and of course, Rahman.
Also, without Mahesh's camerawork, Bhanu tai's costume design, Nitin's Art Direction, Ballu's edit, Stephen's sound, Saroj ji, Raju, Vaibhavi, and Bosco Caesar's choreography - this film would not have been the same.
In these 20 years, we have lost many dear members of our team, whose contributions remain etched in every frame.
Actors: Lekh Tandon ji, Kishori Ballal ji, Rajesh Vivek ji, Vishnudutt Gaur ji, Vishwa Mohan Badola ji, Mrs. Farrukh Jaffar aapa, and Peter Rawley.
HOD's: Bhanu Athaiya ji, Saroj Khan ji, K. P. Saxena saab, Nitin Desai, and Rajendra Rao. I will always remember them fondly and with gratitude. Their work and spirit will always live on!
Most of all, my deepest thanks to you, the audience, who embraced this film as your own. Over the years, you have kept Swades alive with your love, stories, and memories. Your connection to Mohan, Kaveriamma, Geeta, and Charanpur has made this film timeless.
On this special occasion, I am thrilled to share two Special Edition Anniversary Posters to celebrate this milestone with you, for welcoming Swades into your hearts. Here's to 20 years of Swades and here's to you - May you keep 'lighting the bulb' in your life and in the lives of others on your way.
My sincere love and gratitude,

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