New Delhi: Filmmaker Kabir Khan praises Paris Olympics silver medallist Neeraj Chopra, saying there are no enemies in sports. He actually said this while referring to Neeraj Chopra’s ‘decency’ while talking about Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who won gold medal at Paris Olympics.
Both of Khan’s previous films ’83’ and ‘Chandu Champion’ are about sports heroes. Citing the example of Chopra, he said that despite being a rival in javelin throw, he has a deep friendship with Nadeem. In an interview to ‘PTI-Bhasha’, the filmmaker said, “The dignity and decency with which our champion Neeraj Chopra spoke about Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who won gold medal in the Olympics, shows that there are no enemies in sports.
He said, “Patriotism means love for your country, while in nationalism you need an enemy to prove your love for your country.” Kabir Khan said, “In sports, everyone is trying to achieve glory for their country. ‘Chandu Champion’ and ’83’ are extremely patriotic films, but they are not nationalist films at all.”
Last month, Chopra was defeated by Nadeem in the javelin throw event at the Paris Olympics. Chopra won the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. On whether an interesting biopic can be made on Chopra’s life, the filmmaker said that it has to be seen how much drama is there in the story, only then it can be shown on the big screen.
He said, “Is he (Chopra) a person who is a perfect role model? Absolutely. I think there is something very dignified, cultured in the way Neeraj Chopra carries himself….” He said, “The way he speaks on issues, the way he involves himself in competitions, the way he supports other people, the way he stands up for other players is really commendable.
I am personally a big fan of Neeraj Chopra.” ‘Chandu Champion’ starring Kartik Aaryan is based on the story of India’s first Paralympic gold medalist Muralikant Petkar. The film won the Best Actor and Director awards at the recently concluded 15th edition of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM).
Khan, who considers a filmmaker’s political stance an inseparable part of his work like a signature, said it is also important for directors to record the times they live in. “Your ideology is your signature. As an artiste, if your ideology is not reflected in your films, then what else? They say cinema is a mirror of society, but it should also be recorded,” he said.
“It’s important that we celebrate these achievements and these extraordinary lives… We’re always amazed at how Hollywood brilliantly picks up stories from its recent history and I’m so glad we’re able to do the same,” he added.
The director said he would have been sad if he had not portrayed Petkar’s life through his cinema because “these are heroes who need to be celebrated as they inspire us for years to come”.
Khan is yet to announce her next film or show. However, there is speculation about a possible fourth film with Salman Khan after ‘Ek Tha Tiger’, ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ and ‘Tubelight’.
Kabir Khan said, “Salman and I have done three films together, so whenever we meet, we talk about films. But it is not necessary that the discussion reaches a film. Regarding ‘Babar Sher’, I had said that I do not have this title, someone else has it. That’s why I think people started this speculation.”
He said, “Tiger and Bajrangi are two such famous characters, whenever Salman and I talk, there is excitement about what will happen next, but nothing has been decided yet. If there is something that excites Salman and we think of doing it, then I will be the first one to talk about it.”