26 years of Zakhm: Mahesh Bhatt's poignant masterpiece on secularism, showcasing Ajay Devgn's National Award-winning performance

Marking 26 years, Zakhm also starring Nagarjuna, Pooja Bhatt, and Kunal Kemmu, remains a timeless tale of love, religion, and national integrity.

26 years of Zakhm

26 years later, one might ask, "How relevant is the subject of Zakhm in today's times?" One might say, "Very much!" Mahesh Bhatt and his daughter Pooja Bhatt produced, wrote, and directed the 1998 drama film. It features Nagarjuna, Ajay Devgn, Kunal Khemu, Sonali Bendre, and Pooja Bhatt. In Zakhm Mahesh Bhatt's daughter Pooja Bhatt played the role of Shirin Mohammad Ali, the filmmaker's mother on whose life the film was based. For its portrayal of national integration, Zakhm won the Nargis Dutt Award. Devgn won the Best Actor National Award for the first time due to his outstanding performance.

Storyline and themes of Zakhm

In Zakhm with so much unrest happening in India, Ajay (Ajay Devgan) and Sonia (Sonali Bendre) aren't sure if it's safe to have a family. After Muslim protesters severely hurt his mother (Pooja), Ajay learns of her marriage to Raman Desai, a Hindu. Nagarjuna plays Desai. The only way for Ajay's Muslim mother to marry Raman was for her to pretend to be a Christian. Her desire to have her last breath laid to rest in a Muslim grave disturbs Hindu nationalists.

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Pooja Bhatt's personal connection to her role

Earlier, during a discussion about Zakhm in an interview with ETimes, Pooja disclosed that portraying her grandmother on screen posed a significant burden. She pleaded with her father to find someone else to play the role, but he ultimately left her with no other option. Bhatt stated that he is not requesting her; he is telling her that she is acting. At that point, they ceased any further debate, and what followed was an account of past events. In the song "Galli Mein Aaj Chand Nikla" she wore her grandmother's saree; it was an honour to portray her role.

Pooja further revealed that she shall be eternally thankful to her dad for that. In the film, she donned a "mangalsutra" that belonged to her grandma Shirin. In addition, the house that they lived in on set was an exact copy of the one where her dad spent his childhood. The actor also said that she will never forget the days spent in front of the camera with Kunal; it was a wonderful experience!

As it showed the divide that religion-based politics creates in society and the potential for unity among fellow citizens, Zakhm received praise for supporting national integrity.

Zakhm is available to stream on Prime Video and JioCinema (OTTplay Premium).

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