Gurugram: The Ahir community organised a Mahapanchayat near the Kherki Daula toll on the National Highway in Gurugram on 7 September, calling on filmmakers to change the title of the Farhan Akhtar-starrer war film 120 Bahadur to “120 Veer Ahir”.
The Ahir community believes the film, based on an episode of the 1962 India-China war, does not acknowledge the sacrifice of the 100 Ahir soldiers who died for the country in the 1962 battle of Rezang La.
Hundreds attended the Mahapanchayat, with speakers and activists emphasising that including “Ahir” in the title would honour the community’s identity and their historic contribution to the nation.
The Mahapanchayat organised by Arun Yadav, convener of the Sanyukyta Ahir Regiment Morcha, felt that the current title does not capture the sacrifices of the community.
“The film captures the courage of Ahir soldiers who fought gallantly in Rezang La. Titling it ‘120 Veer Ahir’ would bring their legacy to the national platform,” said a community leader.
The Mahapanchayat has decided to organise mass agitation if the filmmakers refuse to meet their demand, and have asked for urgent talks with the production crew to settle the issue.
Talking to ThePrint on Monday, Yadav said that of the 120 soldiers who fought in the Rezang La battle under Major Shaitan Singh, 114 laid down their lives. Of these, all except three belonged to the Ahir (Yadav) community, and they all belonged to the Ahirwal region of Haryana and some were from neighbouring Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
“During Sunday’s Mahapanchayat, several village Panchayats of the Ahirwal region came with a resolution passed by them demanding a change in the name. Political leaders of the region are also supporting us. On 23 September, we plan to hold a protest on this issue. In case the filmmakers fail to meet our demand, we will hold protests against the screening of the movie,” said Yadav.
The Sanyuka Ahir Regiment Morcha, led by Arun Yadav has also been holding a dharna in Gurugram demanding the setting up of an Ahir Regiment in the Indian Army. The dharna started in 2018, was briefly lifted during the COVID-19 pandemic but was restarted on 4 February 2022, according to Yadav.
Meanwhile, Haryana Minister Rao Narbir Singh, who is in charge of Industries, Commerce, Environment, Forest and Wildlife, Foreign Cooperation, and Sainik and Ardh Sainik Welfare, said on Monday that he was firmly in favour of the community’s appeal.
“The Battle of Rezang La is a tribute to the valour of Ahir soldiers, 114 of whom gave up their lives. Titling the film as ‘120 Veer Ahir’ would be a proper tribute to their courage. I request the makers to keep the sentiments of the community in mind,” Singh told ThePrint.
Battle of Rezang La: A saga of valour
The battle of Rezang La, which took place on 18 November 1962, during the India-China War, is a matter of pride in Indian military annals. In the icy heights of Eastern Ladakh, 120 men of the 13 Kumaon Regiment’s Charlie Company were pitted against more than 3,000 Chinese soldiers.
Commanded by Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, a Param Vir Chakra awardee, the troops held the strategic Chushul sector pass.
With minimal artillery and rifles, they fought ferociously, including hand-to-hand combat, causing heavy casualties to the enemy.
Of the 120 troops, 114 were killed, their bodies subsequently discovered frozen in their trenches, still holding onto their weapons, depicting their unwavering determination. The fight brought the Chinese advance to a halt, defending Ladakh from further invasion.
About the film: ‘120 Bahadur’
120 Bahadur is an action film that recreates the heroic resistance of the 120 Indian troops in the battle of Rezang La.
The story is retold from the point of view of one of the six surviving soldiers, emphasising the valour and sacrifice of Major Shaitan Singh and his troops.
It is scheduled to be released on 21 November, on the battle’s 63rd anniversary.
Directed by Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai, who has worked in Dhaakad, the movie is produced by Excel Entertainment’s Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, in association with Amit Chandrra’s Trigger Happy Studios. Farhan Akhtar portrays Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, who led the valiant 120 soldiers and was himself killed.
The film also features Raashii Khanna, Shagun Kanwari Singh, Vivan Bhatena, Ankit Siwach, and Eijaz Khan in significant roles. The script is by Sumit Arora and Rajiv Menon, with Amit Trivedi scoring the music. Javed Akhtar has written the lyrics for the film.
(Edited by Viny Mishra)
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