SWADES (We the People), directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, marks its 20th anniversary this year. This film, though initially underappreciated, has since grown into a timeless masterpiece, a profound work that has resonated deeply with me. It wasn’t just a film, it was a turning point in my life, one that helped me find the clarity I needed at a critical crossroads. At the age of 25, I was living alone in Doha, struggling with the decision of whether to continue pursuing financial success abroad or return to India to reconnect with my roots, my family, and my aspirations.

This article is not just about the film, but about how SWADES helped shape my decision, guided my purpose, and reinforced my belief in the power of roots and community. As we celebrate its 20th anniversary, I feel a deep connection to this film, a bond that has only strengthened with time.

The Impact on Me: A Journey of Self-Discovery and the Call to Return (50%)

At the age of 25, I found myself at a crossroads. Living alone in Doha, I was thriving professionally, yet something inside me felt incomplete. The financial stability and success were appealing, but they didn’t bring the peace or fulfillment I craved. My parents, aging and needing care, were on my mind constantly, and I struggled with the idea of staying abroad for financial gain versus returning to India to contribute to my roots, my professional aspirations and my family. The pull of both options felt equal, and I was lost in the decision-making process.

Then came SWADES.

Mohan Bhargava’s journey, his internal struggle between staying in a comfortable, successful life abroad or returning to India to make a difference was a mirror to my own. The way he grappled with his ideals and the responsibilities he began to feel for his homeland resonated deeply with me. The film was not just a story; it became my own. Mohan’s introspection about the strength of India, and his realization that personal success wasn’t enough, spoke directly to the conflict I felt within.

One particular line in the film stuck with me: “I don’t believe our country is the best country in the world… but I do believe we have the potential and the strength to make our country the best.” This statement encapsulated everything I had been struggling with, an understanding that patriotism isn’t about blind pride but about recognizing the potential of a nation and the role each one of us can play in realizing it. It was a call to contribute, to invest in the future of my country, not just chase financial success for personal gain. I knew that if I wanted to truly contribute, I needed to be there, to do something meaningful that would create a lasting impact on those around me.

The moment that sealed my decision was when Mohan says, “Apne aangan ki bedh doosre ke ghar mein phale phoole toh … ghar ke armaan maati mein mil jaate hai” (If the sheep of my courtyard is living and growing in someone else’s house… then the wishes of my home will get mixed in clay). This struck me deeply. For too long, I had focused on ambitions that seemed to be about pleasing others or fulfilling a role in a foreign land, but I had neglected my own responsibilities. Mohan’s realization was mine as well — my own growth, my own journey, needed to be tied back to my roots. There was no true fulfillment in working for someone else’s dream when my own home, my own community, needed me.

This sense of duty became stronger with another dialogue: “Apni chaukhat ka diya … giving light to neighbor’s house.” It reminded me that true progress is not just about personal achievements but about lighting up the lives of others around us. It’s easy to seek success on our terms, but the real meaning comes when we contribute to the collective good. This film helped me see that my purpose wasn’t just about professional accomplishments, it was about being a part of something greater than myself, something that would affect real change in the world I lived in.

The values instilled in me by my culture, the traditions that bind us, are not just something to hold onto in times of trouble, they are the foundation that guides our actions. These values became my anchor when deciding whether to stay in Doha or return to India. The strength of my family, my culture, and the possibility of using those values to create something meaningful in India was more compelling than any financial reward I could have earned abroad.

By the time I watched SWADES for the fourth time in a matter of 2 weeks, I knew what I had to do. It was a decision that changed the course of my life. I returned to India — not just to continue my career but to be present for my parents, to make a tangible difference in the country that had shaped me. I knew that fulfilling responsibilities expected from me in the short run was more important and there will always be other overseas career opportunities that would come my way during the latter phase of my Life.

Watching Mohan’s growth as he reconnects with his roots and takes responsibility for the change, he wants to see was the moment that helped me realize I had to follow the same path. This decision led me to pursue my career aspirations, take care of my parents’ health, and find balance through my hobbies, biking, travel, and photography. Most importantly, I built a family that brought immense happiness to my parents, which I will forever be grateful for.

Ashutosh Gowariker’s Bold Risk and Shahrukh Khan’s Groundbreaking Performance –

After the monumental success of Lagaan, it would have been easy for Ashutosh Gowariker to follow a tried-and-tested formula for his next film. Instead, he chose to make SWADES — a film that was deeply rooted in reality, dealing with themes of social responsibility, community, and self-reliance. The decision to make a grounded, socially conscious film in a time when Bollywood was largely dominated by escapist fantasies was, in itself, a huge risk. But Gowariker believed in the power of the story, and his conviction paid off, even if SWADES was not widely appreciated at the time of release.

What made the film even more remarkable was Shahrukh Khan’s decision to take on the role of Mohan Bhargava. Known for his larger-than-life persona, Khan could have easily chosen a role that was more aligned with his previous successes. But instead, he agreed to step into a role that was starkly different — a man torn between his successful life abroad and his responsibility to his country. His portrayal of Mohan was understated, raw, and deeply introspective. Khan embraced the challenge of shedding his usual flamboyance and star power, focusing instead on delivering a performance that was grounded in reality. In my view, this will always be Shahrukh Khan’s best onscreen performance — his portrayal of Mohan resonated on such a deep emotional level that it became more than just a character; it became a reflection of the internal struggles many of us face when it comes to our personal and professional choices.

Equally notable was the casting of Gayatri Joshi. She brought a fresh, natural charm to the role, which was a refreshing departure from the typical glamorous Bollywood heroines. Her “girl-next-door” appeal complemented Khan’s grounded portrayal of Mohan, creating a believable and genuine connection between the characters. Their chemistry was organic, based not on superficial romance, but on mutual respect and shared values. Together, Gowariker, Khan, and Joshi created a narrative that felt both authentic and deeply moving.

The Music: A. R. Rahman’s Once-in-a-Lifetime Score –

A. R. Rahman’s contribution to SWADES cannot be overstated. His score and the film’s songs become an integral part of the storytelling, elevating every scene and amplifying its emotional resonance.

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The Songs: Melodic Masterpieces

  • “Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera”: This anthem of patriotism is not just a song; it is an emotional outpouring. With Javed Akhtar’s deeply reflective lyrics and A. R. Rahman’s own heartfelt vocals, this track perfectly captures the emotional essence of Mohan Bhargava’s journey back to India. Rahman’s composition blends traditional Indian sounds with modern orchestration, and the use of shehnai adds a unique, creative touch, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia and connection to the land. The simplicity of the melody, combined with Rahman’s soulful singing, makes it one of the most memorable songs in the film.
  • “Yeh Taara Woh Taara”: This track embodies the film’s theme of unity and collective effort. The lyrics by Javed Akhtar, paired with Udit Narayan’s soulful vocals, add an ethereal quality to the track, which echoes the essence of selflessness and shared goals.

The rest of the songs, such ‘Yun HI Chala’, ‘Ram Leela Song’, ‘Dekho Na’ also carry deep emotional weight, reflecting Mohan’s internal conflict, love, and longing. Rahman’s music flows seamlessly with the narrative, weaving a rich tapestry of emotions that reflect the complexities of the film’s themes.

The Original Score (OST): A Layered Musical Journey

While the songs stand as individual pieces of art, the film’s Original Score (OST) is where Rahman truly demonstrates his mastery. The OST of SWADES is an integral part of the film, creating a seamless connection between the narrative and its emotional core. Unlike conventional film scores, Rahman’s music in SWADES doesn’t merely accompany the scenes; it becomes an active participant in telling the story.

  • The Homecoming Scene: Rahman’s understated, melancholic tune reflects Mohan’s internal conflict upon his return to India. The gradual build of the score mirrors his transformation, setting the tone for his journey of self-discovery.
  • The Ram Leela Scene: The festive, rhythmic theme here mirrors the vibrant celebration of the community, grounding the film in rural India’s spirit and cultural richness.
  • The Dam Project: The score amplifies the tension and meticulous effort of building the dam. Rahman’s music intensifies with every step of the process, culminating in the flickering of the light bulb and the triumph of the collective effort.
  • The NASA Episode: Rahman uses a restrained, melancholic theme, reflecting Mohan’s internal struggle between his life abroad and his growing commitment to his homeland.
  • The Boy Selling Water Scene: Rahman’s plaintive music in this poignant moment underscores Mohan’s growing realization of India’s socio-economic challenges. The simple melody enhances the emotional weight of the scene, marking a shift in Mohan’s sense of responsibility.

Each piece of Rahman’s score enhances the narrative arc, with the music becoming a character in its own right. The shifting themes and tonal changes align perfectly with the emotional growth of the protagonist, transforming SWADES into an immersive cinematic experience.

A Timeless Masterpiece

SWADES may have been overlooked at its release, but its legacy has grown immensely over time. A film that questioned traditional definitions of success, celebrated self-reliance, and called for an awakening to the responsibilities we have toward our communities, SWADES has become a timeless masterpiece. With Ashutosh Gowariker’s visionary direction, Shahrukh Khan’s masterful performance, and A. R. Rahman’s unforgettable music, the film now stands as one of the most impactful pieces of Indian cinema. Its message continues to resonate today, reminding us of the importance of roots, responsibility, and contributing to the greater good. SWADES is not just a film; it is a timeless lesson, one that, over time, has found its rightful place in the hearts of audiences across the world.

About the writer: This article is contributed by Karthik Moorthy. Karthik is a passionate leader with a deep appreciation for the intricacies of both the professional and natural worlds. With over two decades of experience across various sectors including telecommunications, consumer electronics, and home appliances. He has been part of many transformative and Innovative business scenarios in his career and his leadership is rooted in values of empathy, integrity, and resilience—traits that he not only applies in the boardroom but also draws inspiration from in his personal pursuits.

His personal values center around family, self-growth, and making a meaningful impact on both the business world and the lives of those around him. Through his blog and photography, Karthik seeks to inspire others to lead with purpose, authenticity, and courage in a constantly evolving world.

Readers can connect with Karthik Moorthy through: Instagram: kmklicking & Linkedin: Karthik Moorthy

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