"SRK organised 'Don' screening for all girls": 'Chak De! India' fame Vidya Malavade shares fond memories, calls film a "blessing"
By Nikita Bishay, Mumbai, August 13
Nineteen years after 'Chak De! India' was released, actor Vidya Malavade continues to be overwhelmed by the film's enduring popularity and the affection audiences have for its characters.
Looking back at the Shah Rukh Khan starrer, Malavade told ANI that she is amazed that people still remember her as captain Vidya Sharma.
"I am amazed! I put up a post on that day because I was so overwhelmed. 19 years on, and I still get messages from people saying, 'Oh, it's 19 years!' And, you know, sometimes I forget; it's been so many years, 18 years or 19 or how many," Malavade said, referring to her social media post celebrating the film's 19th anniversary.
"It's unbelievable in today's day and age where people don't even remember names of films; they still remember me by "Vidya Sharma, India." I just feel like 'Chak De!' is like a blessing that never stops giving," she said.
Vidya Malavade also recalled a memorable moment involving Shah Rukh Khan during the making of 'Chak De! India'. Around the time Khan's 'Don' was released, Khan arranged a special screening for them, she shared.
"He was really sweet; he organised a screening for all the girls, and I literally sat next to him and watched his film. It was quite surreal because I was like, 'Okay, he's right there on screen in front of me, and he's also sitting in live flesh and blood right next to me.' It was just quite amazing. It was surreal, actually," Malavade recalled.
The actor also reflected on the bond formed among the women who played members of the Indian women's hockey team.
"There are so many memories! We shot over six months, but we were training together another six months, so it's almost a year that we were together," she recalled.
She said the friendship formed during that period has continued nearly two decades later, with the cast still staying connected through their group and keeping track of one another's lives.
"We are still in touch with each other because I think that one year... there is a certain bond and it's like, 'Oh, we've got to meet again, let's talk again, let's sit together,'" she said.
Directed by Shimit Amin, 'Chak De! India' was made under the banner of YRF and was produced by Aditya Chopra.
In the film, SRK played the role of Kabir Khan, who was the coach of the Indian women's hockey team.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The bond between the girls in this film was so genuine and inspiring. It's heartwarming to hear that they still stay in touch after all these years. This film broke so many stereotypes about women's sports in India. Kudos to Vidya ma'am for keeping the spirit alive! 👏
This film literally changed the conversation around women's hockey in India. I remember watching it in theatre and coming out feeling so proud. Vidya ji, you were amazing as captain Vidya Sharma. And SRK as Kabir Khan - just iconic! The "kuch kar dikhana hai" scene still gives me goosebumps. 🏒
Respect to Vidya Malavade for her dedication to the sport and the film. But honestly, I feel the media could have highlighted the real women's hockey team more than the movie stars. The film is great entertainment but let's not forget our actual athletes who make India proud on the real field. Just a thought.
The way SRK treated the entire cast like family is so heartwarming. He organized a screening just for the girls - that's the kind of respect and love that makes him the King of Bollywood. And Vidya ji, you'll always be our captain! Still get emotional watching the final match. Chak De India! 🇮🇳💪
This movie came at the right time and inspired so many young girls to take up sports. I remember it sparked a hockey craze in our neighbourhood in 2007! Vidya ma'am
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