Paan Singh Tomar : A forgotten national hero

Paan Singh Tomar was a strange name for a Hindi film to me when I read about it in a newspaper a few months back. The fact that I have been a fan of Irrfan Khan since his Banegi Apni Baat days made it obvious for me to watch this movie, and as the name suggested, I was sure I might have something very different to watch.

Story of an athlete of a world-class, seven times national champions at Steeple Chase in the 50s and 60s, a participant at the 1958 Tokyo Asian Games and his journey as a “baaghi” as Irrfan Khan playing Paan Singh Tomar repeats in the movie is the backdrop of the story.

No doubt Paan Singh Tomar, the persona, is the winner of the movie, a sportsman who faded with time and, despite bringing laurels to the nation, was forced to rise against the law. This movie can be listed as one of the best movies by Irrfan Khan, and his natural acting has made Paan Singh Tomar live on screen.

The newspaper clip

Paan Singh Tomar with his wife Indira and their children.

The Movie Poster

PIC: Rajputanas/ tanqeed.com/Hindustan Times

Comments

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