A tribute to a girl child

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan is called a ‘thinking actor’ surely for a reason that he always picks scripts which convey a broader message and ensures a perfect mix of art and commerce.

After thought-provoking films like ‘3 Idiots’ and ‘PK’, the actor-par-excellence has delivered another blockbuster ‘Dangal’ which has wowed critics and viewers across the world in equal measure.

The 50-year-old delivers one of the best performances of his career as former Indian wrestler and coach (inspired by Mahavir Singh Phogat) as he fights against male-chauvinistic system which is more challenging than his wrestling bouts.

Initially, he himself believes that only a boy can win gold for the nation in wrestling, but later corrects himself and starts promoting his two daughters with a strong will.

First dispels doubts of his wife and two school-going daughters who are reluctant to take up tough training but gradually he makes them to believe in themselves, that they are sportspersons, unmindful of their sex.

Next, he negates the gender bias of the villagers who ridicule his plans to pit his daughter (Geeta) against a boy in a wrestling match but comes out triumphant and gains the support of the villagers.

Director Nitesh Tiwari's taut screenplay keeps audience glued to their seats, as his protagonist surpasses one hurdle after another, without giving up suggesting that perseverance and daunting spirit should be hallmark for every person who has a goal to achieve in life.

Meanwhile, in the film, aging Aamir loses a friendly bout with his elder daughter Geeta, who learns new fighting techniques in city and overlooks his father. Undeterred, Aamir promotes his second daughter Babita and she reaches the same training camp.

Nevertheless, Geeta realises her folly and begins to take advice from her father and wins gold for the country. The film also suggests that children need to understand that their parents are always their well-wishers and nurse no motives in guiding them. Albeit, belatedly, kudos to Aamir & team for raising bar on Hindi cinema yet again.