Sahil Anand asks 'Why can't cow also be our National Animal?' after his 'Godaan' experience
Mumbai, Feb 18
Actor Sahil Anand revealed that working with a baby cow in his latest project "Godaan" left a lasting emotional impact on him.
He shared that what began as a professional commitment gradually turned into a meaningful journey of reflection and connection.
While working with the animal for weeks, Sahil discovered a "quiet strength" in their presence.
Talking about the same, he shared, "There is something incredibly calming about them. They are gentle, patient, and full of silent love. They don't demand attention, yet their presence is deeply comforting."
Sahil said that for him, the cow emerged as a symbol of resilience wrapped in softness. He described them as "a being that gives endlessly without seeking recognition."
Reflecting on the longstanding cultural and spiritual relevance of cows in the country, he added, "For centuries, cows have been closely associated with nurturing energy, sustainability, and agricultural support. From contributing to rural livelihoods to holding sacred significance for millions, their role in Indian society remains profound."
Addressing the broader symbolism of animals in national identity, Sahil clarified that his reflections are not about replacing India's national animal, the Bengal tiger, which represents strength and pride.
Instead, he poses a thoughtful question about expanding the idea of honour.
"Strength can be fierce like a tiger, but it can also be calm and giving like a cow," he went on to explain.
Previously, Sahil spoke about the various challenges they faced while shooting with a cow in "Godaan".
He revealed that some of the scenes took an extraordinary amount of time to shoot, as one was not able to control how the animal would behave.
"Sometimes it took 20 takes or even hours just to get one expression or a simple look. There were moments when she wouldn't look at me at all, she would just run away or get distracted," he recalled.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Interesting thought, but the national animal should represent the spirit of the nation. The tiger symbolizes power, grace, and fearlessness. That's what India is on the global stage. The cow is culturally significant, yes, but as a national symbol? Not sure.
He's not saying replace the tiger, just to also honour the cow. Why can't we have both? One for fierce national pride, one for gentle, sustaining strength. It's a nice idea that acknowledges our agricultural roots and spiritual values.
As someone who grew up on a farm in Punjab, this resonates deeply. The gau mata is everything he described. The patience required to shoot with one... I can only imagine! It's a lovely, thoughtful piece from the actor.
With all due respect to the sentiment, I think we should be careful. The national animal is a well-established symbol. Starting a debate on this can become unnecessarily divisive. Let's appreciate the cow's role without needing an official title.
Haha, the shooting challenges part is so relatable! Trying to get a cow to cooperate is a lesson in patience itself. Jokes aside, it's heartwarming to see a city-bred actor connect so genuinely with such an integral part of Bharat's soul.
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