Rang De Basanti is woven around the real-life tragedy of Abhijit Gadgil, a young pilot with the IAF who lost his life when the MiG-21 he was flying crashed during an exercise flight. Initially, the IAF blamed the crash on pilot error, but later withdrew the claim. The fact is, MiG-21s are the mainstay of the Indian Air Force and the IAF cannot afford to replace the ageing fighter fleet without incurring a huge cost. Prior to its release, Rang De Basanti had drawn attention with the country's censor board referring it to the defence ministry for clearance.Abhijit's mother Kavita Gadgil is disappointed.Director Rakesh Mehra had sought her help when he was starting work,However, the producers did not bother to inform her when the movie was being released. she not even mentioned in the credit list & even a promise charity show for abijeet air safty foundation denied. in future to avoid royalti issue d entire story changed from maharashtrian background to punjabi. rang de basanti is overall a good film but everybody must know this side of the story. this is actually a insult of brave piolts who lost there lives for the country.
RE:pl read once
by Meena on Aug 24, 2006 05:41 PM
Hello Mr Kumar!
Thanks for this part of the story. I really found Rang De Basanti so hard hitting and thought provoking, throwing light on the rotten state of our political system. But its really a sad state that the film itself has its share of politics involved.
Better take care from the next time Mr Rakeysh Mehra, Please practice before you preach.
My salute to the mother of Abhijit Gadgil, the real hero.
