‘Rang De Basanti’ was India’s official entry to Oscars

Punjabi culture is full of love; Aamir

People in Punjab have so much respect for everyone: Aamir

‘Rang De Basanti’ was India’s official entry to the Oscars in the category of Best Foreign Language Film in 2006 although it did not succeed in getting a nomination. Bollywood actor Aamir Khan who played a key role in the film has now recollected fond memories during the film’s shooting. In ‘The Great Indian Kapil Show’ he said, “This is a story which is very close to me. We shot for Rang de Basanti in Punjab, and I really loved it there. The people, the Punjabi culture is full of love. So, when we went for the shoot of Dangal, it was a small village we were shooting in. We shot for more than two months in that location and that house. You won’t believe it, but when I used to reach there at around 5 or 6 in the morning, as my car entered, people would stand outside their homes just to welcome me with folded hands and ‘Sat Sri Akaal.’ They used to just wait to welcome me. They never disturbed me, never stopped my car, nothing. After my pack-up, when I would return, they would again be standing outside their homes and would greet me ‘Good Night.” 

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Aamir Khan stated that the incident taught him the significance of Namaste. “I belong to a Muslim family, I am not used to folding my hands in ‘namaste.’ I’m used to raising my hand (gesturing adaab, the way Muslims greet each other) and bowing my head. After spending those two and a half months in Punjab, I understood the power of ‘namaste.’ It’s such a wonderful emotion. People in Punjab have so much respect for everyone and do not discriminate based on stature,” Aamir added.