Bengaluru-based actor and director Roopa Iyer is poised to enter Hindi cinema with a powerful historical project titled 'Azad Bharath'. The film aims to shed light on some of the most overlooked chapters of India's freedom struggle, focusing specifically on the courage of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's women's armies.
An Inner Calling to Honour Forgotten Heroes
For Roopa Iyer, this project is not merely a career move but the fulfilment of a deep-seated urge. She describes it as emerging from an inner calling rather than a calculated professional decision. A self-described patriot since childhood, Roopa's filmography has consistently engaged with social themes. "The urge to speak about unsung heroes had been buried deep inside," she reveals, explaining the genesis of 'Azad Bharath'. The film's narrative will centre on the women's armies formed by Netaji across seven countries, including India and its neighbouring regions.
"His personality fascinated me, as did the courage and zeal of young women who chose to fight for freedom at such a tender and naïve age," Roopa states, highlighting her inspiration. At the heart of the story is the character of Neera Arya, a resilient figure portrayed by Roopa herself. "She was a strong, independent woman who never gave up on life despite the abuse she endured. She lived on her own terms until her last breath," the actor-director adds with reverence.
More Than a Period Drama: A Contemporary Relevance
Roopa Iyer is keen to position 'Azad Bharath' as more than just a historical period piece. She underscores its potent contemporary relevance for today's audience. "This is not just cinema. It is a reminder of sacrifice, courage, and self-respect," she asserts. The film delves into the unimaginable torture endured by the women soldiers who still managed to live with immense dignity.
"If they could remain strong in those times, we owe it to them to live responsibly today," says Roopa, framing the film as a poignant call to action for the current generation to reflect on core values. The cast includes veteran actor Suresh Oberoi, who plays Chajju Ram, Neera Arya's father and another unsung hero from the era. Roopa shares that Oberoi was immediately impressed with the role and committed after just seeing a reference picture, forgoing a formal look test.
Shreyas Talpade's Transformation into Netaji
One of the pivotal casting decisions was selecting Shreyas Talpade to portray Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Roopa Iyer explains that she consciously sought a young and energetic depiction of the iconic leader. After considering several actors, she felt Shreyas was the perfect fit.
"When I approached him, he asked me why I wanted him to play Netaji," Roopa recalls, noting the actor's initial hesitation. She persuaded him to undergo a look test, which became the turning point. "That's when he began to believe in the role. There was something in his eyes and his voice that instantly connected with Netaji," she reveals. Through this ambitious debut, Roopa Iyer hopes to successfully honour the legacies of forgotten freedom fighters while inspiring a renewed sense of courage and responsibility in modern India.
