While the whole world has shifted its base to the west coast for the world cup, some one from the west has finally landed in India. It’s none other than, one of the most awaited movies for 2007, UTV and Mira Nair’s ‘The Namesake.’ That releases in India on Mar 23. Based on Pulitzer award winning writer Jhumpa Lahiri’s novel, the film has got some exceptional reviews in US after its release. One of which described it as must watch for every one who comes to America and tries to hold on to their heritage.
The Mumbai premiere was attended by Bollywood’s first family Amitabh, Jaya, Abhishek Bachchan along with Aishwarya Rai. Also present where Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Ashutosh & Sunita Gowariker, Rahul Bose, Akshay Khanna in attendance at the premier and was all set to relish the masterpiece.
The Namesake team was present in full force at the premiere graced by the vivacious Tabu who plays the Ashima walked the red carpet with her co star and gifted actor Irfan Khan followed by the chief navigator of the movie, the star director Mira Nair who seem to have the accomplished look at this occasion. Sooni Taraporewala the scriptwriter of the film too seem to be along with her team. Also present at the premier was UTV’s head honcho Ronnie Screwvala along with other celebrities from the film fraternity.
The Namesake is the tale of the Ganguli family whose move from Kolkata to New York evokes a lifelong balancing act to meld to a new-fangled world without forgetting the old. Though parents Ashoke and Ashima long for the family and mores that enveloped them in India, they take pride in the opportunities their sacrifices have afforded their children. Paradoxically their son Gogol is frayed between finding his own unique individuality without losing his heritage.
WRITTEN BY GOHER IQBAL PUNN (Bollywood Analyst)
