 Early Times Report
REASI, Nov 4: The first-ever film dedicated to the history of Jammu and Kashmir, "Gulab Gatha," reached District Reasi and captivated a packed audience with not one but two showings at the Zorawar Singh Auditorium. This unique cinematic endeavor was made possible with the support and collaboration of the District Administration, Reasi.
At the beginning of the screening, Director Natrang Balwant Thakur, who is also the writer and director of the film, provided a brief insight into the making of this historic film, expressing his gratitude to Dr. Karan Singh, Chairman of Maharaja Gulab Singh Memorial Trust, for providing him with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create this remarkable work. He also extended his thanks to DC Reasi, Vishesh Mahajan, for the local support and logistical assistance offered to Natrang. Thakur revealed that it took him and his team of scholars, creatives, designers, and actors over three years of research and resource mobilization to bring this masterpiece to life, a production of monumental significance for Jammu & Kashmir.
The event was graced by prominent figures, including Sahitya Akademi Awardee Raj Rahi, renowned artists Sunit Kumar and Shashi Sharma. The show was effectively coordinated by ACR Reasi, Anshumali Sharma on behalf of the District Administration, and by Sartaj Singh representing Natrang Jammu.
"Gulab Gatha" narrates the journey of a soldier who achieved remarkable success in everything he undertook. The film highlights his unwavering loyalty to the Lahore Durbar, his selfless sacrifices, and his vision of a kingdom. The greatness of leaders is not solely determined by their deeds but by the way they are remembered and revered by the people. Gulab Singh, like Napoleon and Alexander, was a courageous warrior who established himself as a King through his bravery, strategic planning, and diplomatic intelligence.
One of the film's most notable aspects was the outstanding performances by local artists who brought their characters to life with exceptional professionalism. Sunil Kumar Palwal, an accomplished alumnus of FTII and a popular TV/Film actor, delivered an impressive portrayal of the various facets of Maharaja Gulab Singh's life. The film's leading lady is played by Gauri Thakur, and other remarkable performances were given by Arvind Anand, Madan Rangeela, Sudhir Jamwal, and many more.
The technical crew included Maloop Singh (Technical Director), Sanjay Kumar (Cameraman), Kamal Sharma (Makeup), Neeraj Badyal (Film Editor), Sartaj Singh (Production), Mohd Yaseen, and Gaurav Jamwal (Coordination).
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