Randeep Hooda Visits Andaman's Cellular Jail Ahead of Savarkar’s Birth Anniversary

Actor Randeep Hooda recently visited the Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where Indian freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was imprisoned. The visit comes ahead of Savarkar's 141st birth anniversary. Hooda, who portrayed Savarkar in the biopic 'Swatantrya Veer Savarkar,' shared his profound connection to the role.

In an interview with ANI, Hooda discussed his immersive experience while playing Savarkar. "After studying Savarkar ji’s entire story and trying to live his life and portray it on screen, I became very involved in it. When people who knew Veer Savarkar, like his family and those close to him, such as the Mangeshkar family, gave me a pat on the back saying that I portrayed him very well, truthfully, and powerfully, it felt great because such validation is often very rare," he said.

Hooda emphasized the challenge of condensing Savarkar's 53-year life into a three-hour film. "Often, when you make biopics, the close ones of the person say you didn’t include this or show that. But I tried to encapsulate his entire life in the film. So, it feels like a validation when I receive an award from their side," he added.

The biopic, directed by Hooda in his directorial debut, will premiere on ZEE5 on May 28, coinciding with Savarkar's birth anniversary. Ankita Lokhande stars as Yamuna Bai, Savarkar's wife. Earlier, Hooda was honored with the prestigious Swatantrya Veer Savarkar Award in Mumbai for his portrayal of the freedom fighter.

'Swatantrya Veer Savarkar' portrays the life of one of India's most influential and controversial figures in the independence struggle. The film, released on March 22 in both Hindi and Marathi, delves into Savarkar's significant impact on India's fight for freedom.