A Film On Hockey Legend Dhyan Chand On Director Imtiaz Ali’s Bucket List

Bhubaneswar: A movie on hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, could the next from ace filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, noted for his work in romantic-drama genre.

The director-producer, who was in the city on Saturday to extend his support to the ongoing Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup, said that Dhyan Chand was a extraordinary man. “Earlier attempts to make a movie on him have failed. But I am keen to tell his story to the world,” he said.

However, this was not the first time that Imtiaz spoke about his interest in the hockey legend and his life. “Someone should make a film on Kapil Dev and Dhyan Chand,” he had said during the screening of ‘Saala Khadoos’, a movie on boxing.

The filmmaker said he enjoyed the match but it was not the first time that he watched hockey. “I used to play basketball, but had to give up the sport for injury. My daughter has taken it up too and I encourage her to continue playing,” he said.

His daughter Ida Ali had accompanied him to the city and was present at the press briefing.

“It is a proud moment for all of us with India hosting the Hockey World Cup in Odisha. I am very happy to see the international-level preparations here,” he said.

Sports is another source of entertainment like movie and stories of our players need to be told through this medium, he added.

Former Sport Minister Prabin Bhanjdeo was also present. “Hockey is our national game. This step by Odisha will definitely promote the sport and boost its popularity,” he said.

‘Chak De India’, ‘Harjeeta’, ‘Gold’ and ‘Khido Khundi’ are some movies that celebrated hockey in India.

Gold, released in June this year, incorporated an iconic moment from the 1936 Summer Olympics played in Berlin, when Dhyan Chand, captain of the British Indian hockey team, refused to salute Adolf Hitler.

‘Harjeeta’ is a Punjabi movie on hockey player Harjeeta, who captained India squad at 2016 Men’s Hockey Junior World Cup. ‘Khido Khundi’ is also a Punjabi movie.