Kalpana Saroj: HRX Heroes with Hrithik Roshan (5th Episode)

Image Source: Facebook Page of HRX Brand

The inspiring story of Kalpana Saroj about her journey from a child bride, who suffered physical / emotional abuses, to a celebrated entrepreneur makes the 5^th episode of HRX Heroes with Hrithik Roshan very special. We have lot of girls in our country, who have to suffer physical as well as emotional abuses in marriage. Many compromise for the society’s sake, many end their lives when it becomes unbearable, or many head for divorce. Here is the story of Kalpana Saroj, who was not ready to succumb to the turbulent conditions, she not only fought with the turbulence of her lives, but also made her own identity in the society as an entrepreneur and did not shy away from taking a second plunge into domestic bliss.  

Hrithik begins the episode with a beautiful thought that struggles or challenges are synonyms of life. A girl who had to struggle at her every step, who was from a poor family, victim of child-marriage and societal pressures, changed her fate with her efforts and that is Kalpana Saroj.

Kalpana Saroj was born in a Dalit family in Vidarbha and used to live with her constable father and other family members in the police quarters. Being a Dalit child, she had to face the discrimination at school and colony. Elders in the colony used to stop their children from playing along with Kalpana and her siblings. Even in school, teachers used to make her sit apart from other students. Although she was a bright student, she was constantly prevented from participating in extracurricular activities.

Child marriage being a norm in Dalit families, her relatives kept on convincing her father to get her married off after age 10. Although her father had emancipated views and wanted her to continue with studies, but had to yield to the pressure of relatives and got her married off at age twelve. Her groom was from Mumbai. The name ‘Mumbai’ was sufficient for the family to fix up the match, did not feel the need to do any background checking.

At age 12, she was responsible for all the household works at her in-laws’ place. She was brutally abused physically even for small things. She was not given proper food. Oh, what an ordeal for a twelve year child. Her father when visited her after a span of six months, could not bear to see his fragile and bruised daughter. He just brought her back home. Kalpana was choked with emotions when she was narrating about domestic violence.

In our society, it is often looked down upon girls who leave their husbands’ house and come back home. And the same was the case with Kalpana also. She was constantly taunted by the acquaintances and relatives about the shame she brought to her family, community and society at large by daring to return from her in-laws’ place.

When she felt that she was unable to take more contempt, she attempted to commit suicide by consuming poison. Although critical, doctors saved her. Once she opened her eyes, she felt that she was no longer going to waste the second chance at life which she had got. And she wanted to live her life.

Image Source: Discovery Channel

After convincing her parents, she moved to Mumbai to her uncle’s house, and picked up tailoring job. She even took loan to start her tailoring business. She brought her family members to Mumbai after her father lost the job. She rented a small room and stayed with her parents and siblings.

She was the only earning member of her family, which was not sufficient for the whole family. Many days, they had to face hunger. Her sister fell ill, and due to lack of money for treatment, she dies. He sister wanted to live who kept crying to save her. This tragedy gave her one of the biggest realization that money is important for survival. That is when she decided to earn money and started working for almost sixteen hours a day.

After exploring government schemes, she applied for loan and with that small amount, she started a furniture business. Her tailoring also continued. Financial situation was improving. She also started a small NGO, where she shared knowledge about the various government loans and schemes available to people so that they could also pursue their dreams.

Kalpana was exploring different business opportunities as well and that is when coincidently a proprietor of a litigation locked land at a prime location came to her to sell this property, he needed 2.5 lakhs. Kalpana managed to give him some money and then her struggle started to get the property ownership, which continued for two years. Once the land was clear, Kalpana chose a Sindhi partner who agreed to invest and she entered real estate business. Because of her social work and attempt to enter into real estate business, she also had to face death threats from local goons.

Her pursuit continued. The workers of Kamani Tubes (a sick company with almost 140 litigation company with a debt of Rs. 116 crores, its ownership was given to the workers union due to conflict between the legal heirs by the Supreme Court) requested Kalpana to save their company. The company was almost to be liquidated. Though Kalpana felt incompetent, her thought to save starving families prompted her to take up the challenge. In her words, she had nothing to lose.

An incredible journey began from there. Right from negotiating with the banks to requesting the then Finance Minister to grant some relief in bank loan, she successfully brought the company out of its low phase after an attempt of 6 years. Later, she was appointed as chairman of the company and even the ownership was transferred to her by the court.    

Today Kamani Tubes is Rs. 112 million empire which is growing further under her leadership and ownership. She also married for the second time and is blessed with children.

In Kalpana’s words, it is very important to know self, and then the journey becomes easy.

Cast: Taruna Singh (Kalpana Saroj), Priyanka Sekhawat (Kalpana of 14 years old), Manju Raizada (Mother), Vijay Shukla (Father), Sandhya Kute (Aunty), Anil Raj (Uncle), Abha Bhandari (Mother-in-law), Rani Sinha

Kudos to the whole cast who have made the dramatic reconstruction of the events so much touching. Both Priyanka and Taruna, as the young and adult Kalpana respectively have portrayed her character with so much credibility.

Words of wisdom which Hrithik conveyed during the show:

On her surviving the suicide attempt: Jindagi ka sabse bada dar hota hai maut and Kalpana ke man se maut a dar nikal chukka tha… she was fearless now.

On losing her sister: She stood firm even after the biggest tragedy of her life. She decided not to look back, rather decided to move ahead.

Kalpana’s motto: Tough times don’t last, but tough people do.

On Kalpana’s pursuit of business diversification: Growth can not happen from place of security.

Summing up Kalpana’s journey: The best way to predict your future is to create it. You can make your dreams come true.

Sharing the story of Kalpana Saroj, the original Slumdog Millionaire, who had to face discrimination against being an untouchable child, a victim of child marriage, bearing domestic violence by her in-laws. She decided not to confine herself within the shackles of society, she dared to dream, started from tailoring. An incredible entrepreneurial journey to own Kamani Tubes Limited. Grand Salute to this great woman Kalpana Saroj, HRX Hero.

Please catch up with the repeat telecast of this episode on 21^st November, 2015 at 8 PM only on Discovery Channel in the show HRX Heroes with HrithikRoshan.

Shekar Naik: HRX Heroes with Hrithik Roshan (4th Episode)

Shekar Naik’s inspiring and incredible journey from darkness to light was covered in the 4^th episode of HRX Heroes with HrithikRoshan.

Let me start Shekar’s story with a disclaimer that from this episode onwards, I am not going to review this show, but my effort would be to share the story. There won’t be any rating for further episodes at the end of the write-ups. I was feeling very uncomfortable rating the episodes and I also felt how I can review such shows where heroes of life are themselves presenting their stories. No review or no rating would be sufficient to express that how much the heroes suffered in their lives and then rose against all odds to be super-achievers. And I am sure Discovery Channel would appreciate my stand. So, here goes the story of Shekar Naik.

Hrithik conveys so beautifully that people want to know the formula for success, there is only one, which is hard work. Shekar represents this statement. He had no support system, had darkness all around, and what he has achieved today is due to his hard work.

Shekar was born in a poor family in Shimoga, Karnataka. Shekar was blind from his birth onwards. Rather he belonged to a family where his mother Suniana, and many of his cousins were blind. It was some genetic problem. Shekar did not know that there is any world different than his world of darkness. He could never form any picture of the external world. His mother always used to inspire him through her words.

He was almost 8, when he fell into Tungabadhra river, and was taken to the hospital in Bangalore. The doctor said that his retina was fine and there was hope that operation could give him partial vision.

In Shekhar’s words, that was one of the best moments of his life, when he opened his eyes after operation to find his mother standing in front of him. Initially he could not recognize his mother. Shekar got his partial vision back.

He did not even get the time to enjoy this bliss that within three months, he lost his father, who was having cancer. The only earning member of the family was no more. The world became more dark for Shekar and his mother. It was difficult for them to survive. They had to fight hunger.

And that is when Shekar’s mother Suniana decided to admit him in Karnatala Blind School. The idea behind his admission was that atleast Shekar should get his food and survive. Ill-fate continued, Shekar lost his mother too.

Shekar was at the lowest point of his life. When you have nothing to lose, you have everything to gain. That is the stage Shekar was in.

The best dreams happen when you are awake. Shekar also got a goal. While in school, he explored cricket. He started taking coaching in school with the help of his PT teacher Mr. Suresh. He was selected in school team, later state team and then national team. His belief was strengthened that he would be able to fulfill his as well as his mother’s dream that he should be doing something in life.

After graduation, he continued with his passion of playing cricket. To survive, he also used to do all kinds of jobs viz. housekeeping, washing utensils, gardening etc. He worked hard for more than 8 years.

He played lot of matches, and the match against Pakistan is very special for him, he scored 198 runs, his highest international score.

In 2010, he was chosen as the captain of Indian Blind Cricket Team and fetched India two World Cups.

His dream is to coach many aspiring blind cricketers and let them fulfill their dreams.

Hrithik conveys Shekar’s story beautifully: “It is not the will to win that matters, it is the will to prepare to win that matters”.

Cast: Krishna Mishra (Shekar Naik), Vijay Saini (Shekar’s father), Chandrakala Satam (Shekar’s mother), Rahil (Young Shekar – 8 years), Yash Chavan (Young Shekar – 18 years), Rajesh Kumar (Neighbour), Saurabh Sharma (Doctor), Sangeeta Srivastava (Masi), Ranjeet Kumar (PT Teacher Suresh Sir)

It is great to see the actors depict the story. Whether it was Rahil (Young Shekar – 8 years), Yash Chavan (Young Shekar – 18 years), or Krishna Mishra (Shekar Naik), all could add lot of value through their acting. Rather, the cast absolutely fit the requirements.

What to say about Hrithik, the host of the show. He does add his words of wisdom and makes us think that if the heroes can, we can too…

Shekar Naik stood undeterred by the vagaries of life. Instead, he chose to live a life, which is a real inspiration and motivation to many. Rather than cribbing about what he doesn’t have, lamenting over his pain, he chose to grow beyond his struggles to fight and emerge victorious. Captain of Indian Blind Cricket Team since 2010. Indeed an incredible journey from darkness to light. Please join with me to salute this HRX Hero: Shekar Naik.

Watch the repeat telecast of this episode on Shekar Naik on 15^th November, 2015 at Discovery Channel, 8PM.

Review of Prem Ratan Dhan Payo

Image Courtesy: www.musicloud.com

Cast: Salman Khan (Prem Dilwale / Vijay Singh), Sonam Kapoor (Maithili), Neil Nitin Mukesh (Ajay), Anupam Kher (Diwan), Armaan Kohli (Chirag), Swara Bhaskar (Chandrika), Aashika Bhatia (Radhika), Deepak Dobriyal (Kanhaiya), Sanjay Mishra (Choubey), Sameer Dharmadhikari (King)

Direction: Sooraj R Barjatya

Produced by: Ajit Kumar Barjatya, Kamal Kumar Barjatya, Rajkumar Barjatya

Screenplay: Sooraj R Barjatya

Story : Sooraj R Barjatya

Music: Sanjoy Chowdhury, Himesh Reshammiya

Cinematography: V Manikandan

Edited by: Sanjay Sankla

Production Company: Rajshri Productions

Distributed by: Fox Star STudios

Release Date: 12^th November, 2015

Duration: 174 minutes

Language: Hindi

Prem Ratan Dhan Payo was a much awaited film by Sooraj Barjatya. Prem is back. Today, I realized that, I am also Sooraj Barjatya’s fan. I have loved his earlier movies viz. Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, Hum Sath Sath Hain, Vivah etc. Sooraj’s USP is to show movies with family values, where individuals grow beyond their self-interest. He does project characters with a bit of grey shades, but dwells more upon the positivity, feel-good factors in his films. It could be possible that everybody may not like Sooraj’s movies. I have always loved the feel of his movies and I must admit that I loved Prem Ratan Dhan Payo as well. At the same time I will not shy away from saying that this film is far-fetched from reality. The film has larger than life canvas, a grand palatial palace, extravagant sets, songs, predictable plot etc. The hero, who gets injured after falling from height, can stand up on his feet with a small bandage on his back within a span of 4-5 days - how is it possible? The villain, who can go to the extent of attempting murder of his family member, can repent and reconcile on the spur of a moment, which  definitely is not so convincing. There is as such no suspense at all in the film. The film uses the formulae of conflicts within the family members, efforts to set things right, clear distinction between black and white, reunite the estranged family members etc. The reasons for the enmity, vengeance by the family members were not properly established, which leaves the audience with a disconnect. I was also forced to think that why Salman in his all latest movies is shown as a devotee of God as well as he is shown to be standing for a cause. Is it intentional? In spite of all these factors, the thought after watching Prem Ratan Dhan Payo is “So What!!!” This film could bring smile on lot of faces. Indeed there are moments of joy, laughter, values, family togetherness etc.

The film begins with Dilwalon ki Ramleela. Chaubey ji (Sanjay Mishra) organizes this Ramleela, who does not have any qualms in making his Ramleela team compromise with inferior materials, shoes etc. The only person, whom he listens to is Prem (Salman Khan). Prem makes a grand entry into the Ramleela venue. Prem collects a part of his income for donating it to a charitable foundation Uphaar. The connection between Prem and Uphaar is Princess Maithili (Sonam Kapoor), whom he had seen while rescuing flood victims. Prem was instantly infatuated with Maithili. He discusses his desire with his friend Kanhaiya (Deepak Dobriyal) to meet her and both of them decide to go to Delhi where she runs her Uphaar foundation. Later, when Prem comes to know that she is coming to Pritampur for the coronation of her fiancée Yuvraaj Vijay singh, he decides to go there.

Frames shift to Pritampur, where preparations are on for the coronation of Yuvraaj Vijay Singh (Salman Khan in double role). Diwan (Anupam Kher) suggests Yuvraaj Vijay Singh that his two sisters should go to station to welcome and receive princess Maithili and that is when audience gets the feel that there is conflict within the family. On Diwan’s insistence, Vijay Singh goes to meet his two estranged sisters Chandrika (Swara Bhaskar) and Radhika (Aashika Bhatia). Chandrika is not ready to interact with Vijay Singh without her lawyer Mr. Bhandari’s presence. Vijay walks out and on his way back, he falls prey to the pre-planned conspiracy and gets badly injured in an attack. While he fights his life’s battle in a secret segment of the royal fort, Prem and Kanhaiya are spotted by Vijay Singh’s close aide and brought to Pritampur. And the suspense is lifted that Vijay’s younger step brother Ajay (Neil Nitin Mukesh) is behind this conspiracy. Diwan plans to bring Prem and Kanhaiya to the fort as Vijay Singh and as an esteemed photographer respectively.

What happens thereafter? How Prem moulds himself in Vijay Singh’s role? Is he able to leave his mannerisms of a nautankiwala and become a sophisticated prince Vijay Singh. Is he able to generate seeds of love in Maithili’s heart? Is he able to reunite Vijay’s estranged step sisters – Chandrika and Radhika and bring them back to fort? Is he able to ignore his own love for Maithili for Vijay’s sake? What happens to Maithili and Prem’s love? What happens, when Maithili comes to know that she is loving Prem who is not the real Prince Vijay Singh? Does the family unite together ever, if yes, how? How does Prince Vijay react and respond to the changes which Prem has brought in? Maithili decides to choose whom- Prem or Vijay? Is Prem able to sacrifice his love for Maithili? Watch the film.

Salman is there in every frame, which definitely sets the entertainment quotient of the film. Whether it is Prem’s child-like mannerisms or Vijay’s serious character, Salman is effortless. Sonam looks pretty and fits the character of Princess Maithili. The chemistry between Salman-Sonam may not be as good as Salman-Madhuri or Salman-Bhagyashree, but they both look good together. Neil Nitin Mukesh has justified his character as an angry step brother. Swara and Aashika have also justified their characters, although I felt that Swara could have been explored more since she is a talented actress. Anupam Kher has played his character of Diwan with very much ease. Deepak as Kanhaiya has definitely done his bit. Arman Kohli fits into his villainous character. Rest of the cast is also ok. This is completely Salman Khan’s film. Rest of the characters have less screen-time. Especially, I felt that Deepak’s character could have been given more screen time, who usually displays perfect comic timing. Salman-Anupam Kher (Prem-Diwan) interactions give lot of humour moments.

Although certain songs are just average, Jalte Diye, Jab tum chaho are good. The set is well built, especially the Palace and Sheesh Mahal are very good.

Sooraj Barjatya has given a perfect Diwali treat to Salman Khan fans through his style of film-making. Sooraj has done what he is best at. Prem Ratan Dhan Payo is indeed an entertainer in spite of its predictable plot and his typical formulae of family based movies in an opulent manner. Prem Ratan Dhan Payo has its own moments of entertainment. 

Rating: 3.5/5 (Good +)

Sudha Chandran: HRX Heroes with Hrithik Roshan (3rd Episode)

The 3^rd episode of HRX Heroes with Hrithik Roshan shared the story of Sudha Chandran. I am sure that Sudha Chandran is not a stranger to the world. She is an accomplished Bharatnatyam dancer, Indian film and television actress. In spite of knowing her story, it was so painful to see her narrate her ordeal and struggles. Hrithik’s empathetic, powerful presentation along with Sudha’s narration was so inspiring.

When everything goes wrong, one has two options: just to be a spectator or else, face the situation and be a survivor. Sudha chose the second path. Although most of you might be aware of her story, let me bring her version to you which she shared on HRX Heroes with Hrithik Roshan show.

A prodigious instinctive dancer by birth, Sudha started learning dance when she was hardly four. She did Arangettam (a major function to start the dance career professionally after completion of course) at the age of nine. She had given many dance performance till her age 17. It was then that the tragedy struck, and she met with an accident during one of her trip along with family to a temple. The ill-fateful day changed her life forever. Her right foot was hurt badly. She did not get the proper treatment at the local hospital. Later, she was transferred to another hospital, but things were worsening further. Gangrene developed in her leg and infection was spreading badly. There was no option than to amputate her leg.

While Sudha was narrating her story, she did make me choke with her pain. She says that if she was a major, she would have never signed the papers for operation / amputation. When her father broke the news to her that he had signed the papers for amputation, she was completely shattered and did express to her father regarding her disapproval for the same. But obviously father had decided the same for saving her life. The scene where she is taken for her surgery, prior to entering the operation theater, she asks an emotional question- “Can I see my leg for the last time”. How painful that moment would have been.

The disability left her shattered and the very thought of not being able to dance further added to her depression. She said, it was even more depressing to handle the ‘sympathy’ and ‘concerns’ of so-called acquaintances, relatives. She withdrew into her shell and often questioned God’s decision. Although, she also believed that since she met with accident during pilgrimage, there could be some purpose of God behind the same.

And that is when she saw news in regard to Dr. Sethi of Jaipur who was dealing with such disability cases by manufacturing and providing prosthetic limb. She travelled to Jaipur to meet the doctor. The very first question she asked doctor, whether she can dance with the artificial leg. Oh, what a passionate dancer she was, who was not bothered about whether she can walk or not, but all she cared was whether she can dance or not.

The journey ahead was not easy with Jaipur foot. She practiced for hours with this artificial foot. In her words, when she practiced one day, she had to confine herself to bed for another six days. Her knee used to bleed. But she was determined to once again dance and make her parents proud. After almost 2.5 years of practice, she decided to perform in front of the audience. She gave a stellar and incredible performance in a jam-packed auditorium, which got her standing ovation and her parents were really moved.

The world learnt her story of endurance, grit, determination and will power. The media all over wrote about her struggles after the accident, her bruised knee due to practice sessions etc.

Her life changed for the better. Her story inspired the Telugu filmmakers to make a film on her life ‘Mayuri’ which was later released in different languages like Malayalam, Hindi (Nache Mayuri) etc. She started focusing in acting as well. Rest is history. We all have seen her in so many TV serials / films.

About Cast: Sudha Chandran (Tanuka Laghate), Mother - Thangam (Kiran Arora), Father – KD Chandran  (Amit Suryavanshi), Doctor (Amit Chakraborty), Grandmother (Malti Mathur), Aunty (Rajsi Verma), Uncle (Rajiv Kumar)

It is really a challenge when the time slot of the programme is just 30 minutes inclusive of advertisements. Besides, the format of the show includes the presentation of Hrithik, narration by the Heroes themselves and the dramatic presentation of the story. So, the actors get very little screen space to express their characters.

Tanuka Laghate who has enacted Sudha Chandran has really portrayed her agonies, pain, frustration, helplessness and even her courage, determination and passion very nicely. Kiran Arora and Amit Suryavanshi who play Sudha’s parents have also done well. Rest of the cast has also justified their characters.

Sudha Chandran’s story is definitely so inspiring. She has proved that, no disability, however great, however formidable could stop an individual from achieving what one aspires for. Grand Salute to the brand ambassador of indomitable human spirit and for her fantastic inspiring life journey.

Watch the repeat telecast of this episode on Sudha Chandran on 14^th November, 2015 at 8PM in Discovery Channel on HRX Heroes with Hrithik Roshan.

Rating: 4 out 5 (Very Good)

LIV this Diwali

http://www.sonyliv.com/

Diwali is a festival of lights. I vividly remember, how as a child, I used to wait for this festival. Everything used to be such a great fun, right from new clothes, crackers to sweets. The very feel of friends visiting us and our going to friends’ places used to bring so much happiness. The homes illuminating with lights, earthern lamps, candle-sticks etc. made the whole environment so bright. I used to wait for my Papa to bring lot of crackers and sweets.

Years have gone by. This festival of lights is very close to my heart. Have definitely said no to crackers. But rest of the festivities continue. The houses are beautifully decorated with lights. People exchange sweets or some gifts. Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped in the evening. The markets may be overcrowded but full of life. Sweets and toy shops are tastefully decorated to attract the customers.

Diwali is supposed to be festival of prosperity. Prosperity in terms of money would happen but what about the prosperity of relationships. Yes, Diwali is a festival to celebrate prosperity in every manner. Relationships are so special. Getting connected emotionally with family and friends are very important and this togetherness is celebrated on Diwali.

Screenshot of Sony LIV's #LivThisDiwali

And that is the message which Sony LIV is conveying this Diwali. Sony LIV is an online digest of all Sony shows. Sony LIV’s Diwali short film – Chhoti Khushi #LIVThisDiwali is a beautiful film which depicts that how important it is to transcend beyond one’s ego. Life is too short to hold grudges against anyone. Especially, when it comes to families, we can’t afford to be angry with our loved ones. 

Source: http://livthisdiwali.in/

This short film showcases the ego-tussle between two brothers. Circumstances and situations have pulled them apart. But the very festival of Diwali makes both of them miss one another and how Diwali brings them together shredding all egos, conflicts. A beautiful story of togetherness, erasing judgments, and staying in the moment. This short film is definitely going to touch your hearts. Beautiful moments of togetherness are shown. Saying sorry may not belittle us at all. Watch “Choti Khsuhi” (rather it should have been “Badi Khushi”) on Sony LIV directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari. Naveen Kasturia, Suneel Sinha and Ashish Verma star in this short film.

So, what are you waiting for? If you can’t reach physically to your loved ones, why don’t you create personalized greetings using micro site of Sony LIV. Design your own greetings, share it with your loved ones and Live Diwali. I have designed mine. Wishing you all a very happy and prosperous Diwali.

This greeting is designed using the micro site at Sony LIV

Meet the Real Heroes: HRX Heroes with Hrithik Roshan

Discovery Channel has launched a new show HRX Heroes with Hrithik Roshan. With this show, Hrithik will once again appear on television. It is true that we look upto the people who have achieved heights in their lives. For us, every celebrity appear to be a hero, every individual who are featured in newspapers due to their accomplishments appear to be hero. But when the achievers are the ordinary people who displayed great amount of courage, fought the odds of their lives, challenged the destiny to create their own destiny… aren’t they the real heroes of life. This nine-part series, which is presented by Hrithik Roshan, will acquaint the viewers with the real life stories of nine people who dared to face the darkest phase of their lives, did not give up on their dreams and finally emerged as heroes. This show tells us that many of us are not able to perform in life not because we don’t have the potential, but we are somewhere mentally handicapped. It is overwhelming to see the HRX heroes fighting the odds, even their physical handicap / disabilities and rise in life.

During one of the press conference, Hrithik said that everybody wants to be a hero, he also wanted to be a hero, when he was young. But he said, to be a true hero in real life is something else.  Launching the series, Hrithik Roshan said, “I wish to share with the world and spread the belief that it is possible to look adversity in the face and emerge victorious by overcoming it. HRX REAL HEROES will bring to focus these incredible real life stories which the entire nation needs to admire. I believe Discovery Channel is the ideal platform to spread the message of courage and determination which in turn will inspire thousands of more such heroes.” 

Rahul Johri, EVP and GM-South Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific said, “Discovery Channel has been entertaining and inspiring viewers in India for the last 20 years with the finest range of factual programmes. HRX Heroes with Hrithik Roshan is an outstanding series that salutes the undying spirit of real life heroes. I am confident that Hrithik Roshan’s popularity will motivate millions to discover the hero in them.”

I feel extremely privileged to be one of the chosen one to review this programme. I am sure, this nine-part series of HRX Heroes with Hrithik Roshan is going to remind us that we all have the potential to be a hero, have the capability to fight all the odds. During the adversities and turbulent times, we often might feel lost, confused, scared, absolutely uncertain of ourselves. We might tend to disbelieve our strengths. But this programme is going to remind us that we have the potential to overcome all the odds. In Hrithik’s words, we have the ability to defeat the defeat.

Although two episodes have been showcased on 2^nd and 3^rd November, 2015 (The show premiered on Discovery Channel on 2^nd November, 2015 at 9PM), in this article, I would give you a brief of who were the real heroes of the previous two episodes, though more focus would be on the second episode. My next article would give you insight about the heroes episode wise.

Total of nine heroes have been selected and all the nine stories are certainly very amazing.

HRX Hero Sangram Singh: The very first episode featured wrestler Sangram Singh. He was barely 3 years old, when he was detected with rheumatoid arthritis, which slowly lead to paralysis. His life was confined to wheel chair. After fighting for almost a decade, he chose to take the challenge. He underwent rigorous therapy sessions with sheer grit and determination. He fought his paralysis and went on to become a gold medalist in the Commonwealth Wrestling Championship.

HRX Hero Navin Gulia: It was so touching to see this episode. Navin Gulia, was adventurous by nature and an aspiring army cadet. But his ambitions were cut short by a terrible accident that left him paralyzed. But his belief in himself never waned. He struggled against all terrible odds, beating naysayers to claim back his life. His spirits of adventure still soars and he is indeed a motivation for millions. Today, Navin Gulia is recognized as an adventurer, philanthropist and a motivational speaker. His courage reflects in the lines he says in the end:

ए खुदा, दे कुछ और तकलीफ मुझे, नयी कोई चुनौती दे दो ,

कि जिंदगी को और जीने को जी चाहे,

कुछ आंधियों को उठा, कुछ तूफ़ान हो,

कि आसमान को फिर छूने को दिल चाहता है।

Certain people believe in the lines of their palms, whereas some others believe in making these lines themselves; some people surrender to their challenges whereas some people grow beyond all sorts of challenges and that is Navin Gulia. A 21 year old, who aspired to be an army cadet, a sports person, an NDA pass-out, joined IMA Dehradun. His family was eagerly waiting for his pass-out parade, but a dark moment changed his life forever. During one of the practice session in IMA, he gets injured, spinal chord gets affected badly, gets paralyzed. He was in hospital for 2 years undergoing various operations. Although his body was giving up, he was not ready to accept defeat, he remembered what he learnt in IMA i.e. Valour and Wisdom. And that is how, he survived his psychological as well as physical pain. It was a moving experience to see, how he even tried to learn driving and struggled to get his license. He pushed himself beyond his limits and started driving towards the remote corners of the country. Within 5 years of getting license, he drove to world’s highest motorable pass, approximately 18632 feet high – Marsimikla. 

Image Coutesy: www.action2020.in  

He started writing books as well. One of the title is “In Quest of the Last Victory”. In today’s date, Navin is a motivator, shares his stories and inspires lots of people.

Navin, in this episode, rather sounds so undeterred and unfazed by challenges. Hrithik sums up the episode by saying that for Navin, there is no finish line, it is all about the journey.

What I miss in this show is the direct interaction between Hrithik and the HRX Heroes.

But, Hrithik Roshan presents the story of HRX Heroes with great empathy and power. His presence in the show definitely adds lot of value to the show. The narration by the real heroes make the stories so touching. One tends to get a feeling that nothing is impossible in this life.

HRX Heroes with Hrithik Roshan is an amazing show on Discovery Channel. A nine-part series of real life nine heroes who responded to the world’s statement – “No, you can’t” with “Yes, I can”.  It salutes the determination, willpower and triumph of real life heroes who overcame their limitations and challenges and are today a living inspiration for the rest of the world.

Telecast on every Monday and Tuesday (form 2^nd November, 2015) at 9PM and repeat telecast on Saturday and Sunday at 8PM, only on Discovery Channel. A must watch show.

Stay tuned for my review of today’s episode on Sudha Chandran (9^th November, 2015) and tomorrow’s episode i.e. 10^th November, 2015’s episode on Shekhar Naik.

Rating: 4 out 5 (Very Good)

Image Courtesy: Facebook page of Discovery Channel