3 hours agoAuthor: Ashish Tiwari
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Emraan Hashmi is bringing the biggest mission of BSF against terror in Kashmir through his film ‘Ground Zero’. In the film, he played the role of BSF officer Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey. After a two -year -long mission, BSF piled the commander of Jaish -e -Mohammed Sangathan, led by Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey, Ghazi Baba. Recently, the film premiered in Kashmir after three decades.
Imran spoke to Dainik Bhaskar a day before the Pahalgam attack. During this time, the actor talked about the preparations for his character, the film Premier in Kashmir and support from BSF jawans. Read the major parts of the interview…
Question- First of all, I would like to know what is ‘ground zero’ for you?
The most important mission ground of our BSF soldiers in 50 years has been zero. The national security of our country, as a citizen, was the necessary mission for our safety. In 2000, there was a clash with the terrorist organization Jaish -e -Mohammed. At that time, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government had told the entire security force to catch Ghazi Baba somehow, calling the situation a red alert. Jaish -e -Mohammed Organization is to be abolished. The BSF then decided that Ghazi Baba had to be caught under any circumstances.
As an actor, I feel that it was the responsibility of the entire team on the shoulders. On screen, we are showing a moment that has been a defining moment of our history. ‘Ground Zero’ is cinematically representing our BSF soldiers. This is a story that every Indian should know.
Question- This is the first time when BSF’s valor saga is shown. What was the feeling when you were told about this story for the first time?
When Tejas first told me this story for the first time, I understood its strength. It is bringing it to Excel Entertainment, so I was sure that any kind of pretense or without means patriotism will not pitch in a devotional tone. It was a matter of pleasure that Tejas is also watching the film from this vision. Yes, the film has to be entertaining, drumatic. The drama is in the real story itself.
The way the BSF planned this operation for two years, the accidents that took place during that time are the thrill moment to make themselves up. It was very important to make it with the ground truth, which we have done. When you see it on the screen, you will also be able to feel.
Question- The story of the film is from BSF officer Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey. His story is very filmy in itself. What was your reaction?
Yes, when I was hearing the story, I was repeatedly checking the fact. I was asking the writer whether this was really happened. When this story was being written, Dubey ji and BSF Officers were in touch with the writer. In such a situation, everything in the story is put with fact checks and research. But it is amazing in itself.
Imran with BSF officer Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey.
If you have read about Ghazi Baba encounter in the media too, then it was a very different level thing. What Dubey ji did for two years, how it was planned, what difficulties he had to face, that is also an interesting chapter. We have shown all this in the film.
Question- This mission is considered to be the biggest achievement in the history of BSF. Interestingly, no citizen was killed during this entire mission.
Yes, as a citizen, we know that BSF has made many sacrifices during this mission. It is very important to repeat these stories and bring it to the audience. It is important for the audience to know that Soldiers give their lives but their family also has to sacrifice. Soldier’s family is also a hero.
Between 2000 and 2003, the Jaish -e -Mohammed organization spread panic in our country. After this mission, he became unstable for thirteen years. This mission had such a positive impact. He then planned an attack on Pathankot Airbase in 2016.
Question- It was challenging to play the role of BSF officer. What is the process for you?
My process was that I have to present the back story in front of the audience with full vigor. Thankfully, I have had a big role of the entire team, our BSF officer. During that entire mission, Dubey ji was physically, mentally and emotionally, I understood that close.
Imran and producer with BSF officials at the film’s premiere in Srinagar.
We shot for 15 days at BSF training camp. We used to sit up with the soldiers. BSF officers used to be on our shoot and they have taught us one thing. How they salute, how to wear a cap, what is the decoram of the uniform. These things brought credibility in the film. For the Infact Climax scene, he gave the real grenade.
Question- After three decades, a film premiered in Kashmir. Got very good response. How were you feeling?
That moment was going to moist eyes. There was a screening and red carpet event of my film after 38 years. Two decades ago there was a bomb blast in a theater there. It took a long time for this moment to arrive. But now things have changed a lot there. We shot in Srinagar for 40 days, we did not face any problem. The people there are so good and have been introduced to themselves.
I would like more and more industry to shoot and shoot more films there. There is only one theater in the recent times. I want more theater to open there so that people can go to the cinema hall and enjoy. When such things happen, it becomes a cultural event. I want this city to become a cinematic hub again, as it used to be before.
Question- You have also said in your dialogue that you want people to change their thinking here.
Yes, all is a game of ideology. I think things will change slowly. Nothing changes overnight. I cannot talk about the whole industry but will say about my industry, if our intention is that we will bring that place back to the old path, then we have to take small steps for that.
Question- It took 9 years for Imran ‘Ground Zero’. What was challenging for you during this time and what was memorable?
The challenge was that you are representing BSF official Dubey ji, which was a responsibility. It should be hard and hard work. Before going to shooting, the work of pre production was very hard work. It was challenging to check the fact of crew or deposit research based material.
Talking about the most memorable moment, when we went to the BSF camp before the shooting started. There we took training from him from weapon firing and everything. Know about his life. He was very beneficial because then we all entered the character in a way. We had to sit up with BSF officers at the training camp. We learned a lot from him.
Question- People have high expectations from the music of your films. What has changed in ‘Ground Zero’?
I think my films have an unbreakable relationship with good songs. There is an awareness in me that the songs should be excellent when the film comes. However, this film is not such that there are 5-6 songs. This is not a love story film. I spoke to Excel’s team last year and said that we have to bring good songs. Then in the background you are getting to hear songs like Fateh, So Le Le Le De.