Shaheed Bhagat Singh in Bollywood

Noted revolutionary and an idol for the youth, Bhagat Singh has inspired several filmmakers to etch his life on the big screen. On his 83rd death anniversary today, which is observed as Martyrs’ Day, we take a look at some of the Bollywood films made on the shaheed.

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Noted revolutionary and an idol for the youth, Bhagat Singh has inspired several filmmakers to etch his life on the big screen.



On his 83rd death anniversary today, which is observed as Martyrs’ Day, we take a look at some of the Bollywood films made on the shaheed.



1954 - SHAHEED-E-AZAD BHAGAT SINGH



This was the first film that was made on , 23 years after his death. Directed by Jagdish Gautam, the film had actors Prem Abeed, Jairaj, Smriti Biswas and Ashita Mazumdar in the pivotal roles.



The film was well received by the audience, who got to see for the first time on the big screen, the story of their favourite real life hero. The song Aakash Ke Aanchal Mein from this film, became a popular number.





It took about a decade more for the next film based on the life of the revolutionary to release. This time around, it was the superstar of the era, Shammi Kapoor, who portrayed the character of Bhagat Singh.



Directed by KN Bansal, the film also starred Shakeela, Premnath and Achla Sachdev.



1965 - SHAHEED

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Two years later, actor-filmmaker Manoj Kumar, too, came up with a film based on the legendary freedom fighter.



With a stark similarity in looks, Manoj himself played the pivotal role, and to this day this film is regarded as one of the classics of Indian cinema that also earned Manoj the patriotic star’s tag.



The classic numbers from the film such as Ai Vatan Ai Vatan Hamko Teri Kasam, Sarfaroshi Ki Tamanna and of course, O Mera Rang De Basanti Chola became evergreen hits, and are favourites even today.



2006 - Rang De Basanti

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While actor Bobby Deol played Bhagat Singh’s role, his brother Sunny played revolutionary Chandrashekhar Azad.



It was also a comeback venture for Amrita Singh, who essayed the role of Bhagat Singh’s mother. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, too, had a special appearance in it. But despite the ensemble cast, the film failed to impress.