The Real Kalam meets the Reel Kalam

  • IndiaGlitz, [Tuesday,August 02 2011]

Smile Foundation's 'I am Kalam' was specially screened for the former Indian President, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, at his Delhi residence today. Producer Santanu Mishra, director Nila Madhab Panda along with the two little heroes of the film Harsh Mayar and Husaan Saad had gone to Dr. Kalam's residence to screen the film for him and also take his blessings, now that the film is ready for a nationwide theatrical release.

Impressed after watching the promo of the film, Dr. Kalam stated, While watching the film, some thoughts went in my mind that I have met 12 million youth in a decade from all over the country. The movie made me realise that every person can make changes in others lives. We should promote education in villages. I have started PURA (Provision of Urban Amenities in Rural Areas) scheme).

We need to create employment to parents so that they can send their children to school. I ask myself, 'What have I learnt?' I have realised one thing that children are a big force. The ignited mind of the youth is the most powerful resource on the earth, above the earth and below the earth. We have got 600 million youth, no other democratic country has got this. If you have great aim in life and acquire the knowledge, it does not matter who you are you will reach your goal. Urban education is not enough, good education must reach remote villages. The recent right to education bill that Parliament has passed for compulsory free education is not sufficient. We need good primary teachers because he will create a creative classroom. My aim to become a space scientist came when I was a 10-year-old child in British India of 1941. I was studying in a panchayat school. I remember my science teacher Shiv Subramani Aiyar and he once taught us about how the birds fly. He even took us to sea shore to show us how they flew and changed the direction. This is where my dream was born. I knew that I will do something related to flight. I took physics, learnt about aeronautics engineer and space scientist. And my teacher is my idol.

In addition, he also asked the producer Santanu Mishra and director Nila Madhab Panda to take his film to rural schools and colleges.

Getting an appreciation from the inspirer himself is yet another achievement for this film. 'I Am Kalam' has already got a special request from the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, for a special screening for the royal family at the Buckingham Palace. Prince Charles' attention was drawn to the film when it was screened at the opening gala of IFFLA 2011 in Los Angeles and also won the Best Feature Film Award by audience choice. There is a royal protocol that has to be followed. Once the formalities are taken care of, the director and producer along with the lead cast of I am Kalam will be travelling to London to screen the film at the Buckingham Palace.

Happy with the film's accomplishment so far Mr. Santanu Mishra, Producer of I am Kalam and Co-Founder & Executive Trustee of Smile Foundation said, “When we were making the film, we never expected it will win hearts of people across the world. We had just focused on making a special film and our efforts have paid off. It certainly feels very good that we have been able to draw attention of people across the world irrespective of their race, ethnicity, age and interest towards this cause of sending every child to school. Our goal is almost accomplished given the overwhelming response the film has got the world over. And once it gets the similar kind of response from the Indian audience at its theatrical release scheduled for this August, the full circle of accomplishments will finally be etched.

The cast and crew of the film had earlier met Dr. Kalam after the film was conceptualized and before the shooting had begun. He had met the crew and had specially spoken to Harsh Mayar (playing Chhotu/Kalam in the film)and Husaan Saad (playing prince Ranvijay)about not giving up education even while they focus on an acting career.

Smile Foundation's 'I Am Kalam' slated for a nationwide theatrical release on August 05, is certainly an awaited treat in store for those who love meaningful yet entertaining cinema.