Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Actor Randeep Hooda, known for his dedication to his roles, recently made a deeply personal visit to the Cellular Jail in Port Blair. The visit served as a poignant moment of reflection for Hooda, who portrayed Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in the 2024 film, "Swatantrya Veer Savarkar," which he also directed and co-wrote.

Hooda's visit coincided with the 115th anniversary of Savarkar's iconic poem "Sagara Pran Tarmalala". This Marathi poem encapsulates the feelings of an exiled revolutionary, expressing torment, homesickness, and a yearning for his homeland, with the sea acting as a messenger between the patriot and India.

The Cellular Jail, also known as 'Kala Pani', holds immense historical significance as it once imprisoned Indian freedom fighters, including Savarkar. Hooda shared that revisiting the jail, where he also shot a significant portion of "Swatantrya Veer Savarkar," felt deeply personal. In an Instagram post, he wrote about witnessing the unveiling of Savarkar's statue at the site, which was once the dreaded 'Kala Pani'. He added, "History may remember slowly, but truth endures".

During his visit, Randeep Hooda was honored by RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat and Home Minister Amit Shah. He expressed his gratitude, stating he felt privileged to be present on the historic occasion and humbled to receive recognition from such esteemed leaders at a place that bore witness to Savarkar's immense sacrifice.

Hooda reflected on the convergence of history, sacrifice, and long-overdue recognition in Port Blair, adding that Veer Savarkar's legacy stands tall, finally honored where he once endured unimaginable hardship. He concluded his post with "Vande Mataram!".

"Swatantrya Veer Savarkar," released on March 22, 2024, received praise for the cast's performances and chronicled Savarkar's life, from his childhood to significant events. Hooda's dedication to the role was evident not only in his performance but also in his commitment to filming in historically relevant locations like the Cellular Jail.

The actor's visit serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by freedom fighters like Savarkar and the importance of preserving historical sites that bear witness to their struggles. Hooda's journey back in time was not just a personal tribute but also a moment to reflect on the enduring legacy of Veer Savarkar and his contribution to India's independence movement.