บท 91: real stories and reel connection
The promotional campaign for Divided Threads was unlike any Arjun or Ravi Mehta had ever done before. Instead of relying solely on traditional press conferences and TV spots, they decided to highlight the unique perspective of the film by bringing together those who had lived through the trauma of partition with the actors who were portraying their struggles on screen.
The idea was simple yet powerful: set up interviews where the reel characters could meet real people who had experienced similar journeys. This approach not only underscored the film's authenticity but also created a poignant connection between history and cinema.
The production team rented a modest yet elegantly designed hall in Mumbai's city center for these interviews. It was adorned with photographs of the partition era and stills from the film, making it both a visual journey through history and a testament to the movie's narrative.
On one side of the stage sat the veteran survivors of the partition: elderly men and women with stories etched in their memories, the pain and hope of that time still visible in their eyes. Some held walking sticks, while others wore traditional attire that reflected the era they hailed from. Opposite them were the actors—Aditi and Nikhil, who played young Meera and Kabir—alongside some of the more established stars who portrayed the older versions of these characters.
Arjun, seated beside Ravi Mehta, watched as the interviews unfolded. There was a sense of reverence in the air. This wasn't just a promotional event; it was a platform for shared experiences, a way to bridge generations.
The interviewer began, a seasoned journalist known for his empathetic style. "Today, we have a rare opportunity to bring together two worlds—those who lived through the partition and those who are portraying their stories. My first question is for Nikhil, who plays young Kabir. Nikhil, what was it like to step into the shoes of someone who experienced such a life-altering event?"
Nikhil, slightly nervous but composed, took a breath before responding. "It was… humbling. I read about the partition in history books, but playing Kabir made me understand the weight of that trauma. The dislocation, the sudden change in identity, losing family members—it's overwhelming to think about. I tried my best to stay true to that emotion."
The journalist nodded, then turned to an elderly man in his late 80s, whose frail frame belied the strength in his voice. "Mr. Bhattacharya, you were just a teenager during the partition. Hearing Nikhil's portrayal of Kabir, what are your thoughts?"
Mr. Bhattacharya's eyes crinkled as he looked at Nikhil with a kind smile. "You've done a fine job, young man. It's not easy to carry those emotions when you haven't lived through them. But watching the scenes you've portrayed, I could see a glimpse of what we went through. That uncertainty, that loss… it's all there."
There was a murmur of appreciation from the audience. Aditi, sitting beside Nikhil, leaned forward slightly, visibly moved by the exchange.
The interviewer shifted his gaze to her. "Aditi, you play young Meera, who is separated from her brother and endures many hardships. What was your process like for bringing that character to life?"
Aditi hesitated, then glanced at Arjun for support before speaking. "I talked a lot with Arjun sir. He told me stories he'd heard from people in the slums, stories that never made it to the headlines. That helped me understand the fear, the confusion, and the strength it took for people to move forward. But the most critical scenes… I shot them under the guidance of Arjun sir, my mentor."
There was a flicker of pride in Arjun's eyes as he listened to her speak. The journalist noticed and seized on the opportunity. "Arjun, what was it like to guide these young actors through such a complex narrative?"
Arjun leaned back, considering his words carefully. "It's never easy to recreate history. You don't want to trivialize it, but at the same time, you have to make it accessible. For Aditi and Nikhil, I wanted them to understand the stakes, to feel the fear and hope their characters experienced. And they exceeded my expectations. They brought authenticity and vulnerability that can't be faked."
The discussion continued, with questions directed to both the real survivors and the reel actors, creating a tapestry of memories and emotions that captivated everyone present.
One of the more emotional moments came when a soft-spoken woman in her 70s, Mrs. Sharma, spoke up. "I lost my brother during the partition. We were separated in the chaos and never found each other again. Watching the film's trailers brought back all those memories. But I have to say… seeing young Meera and Kabir gave me a sense of closure, almost like my brother and I have found our way back to each other in some small way."
Aditi's eyes glistened with unshed tears. She reached out and held Mrs. Sharma's hand. "Thank you. It means everything to me to know that our film could bring you even a little bit of peace."
The audience was silent, the weight of the shared grief and solace palpable. The interviewer gave them a moment before turning to Ravi Mehta.
"Mr. Mehta, what do you hope Divided Threads achieves once it releases?"
Ravi glanced at Arjun before speaking, his voice thoughtful. "I hope it sparks conversations—about history, about the impact of partition, and about how these stories still resonate today. We're not just looking for box office success; we want this film to be a part of our collective memory."
Arjun nodded in agreement. "This isn't just about the past. It's about how those experiences have shaped generations. How it has influenced identity, family dynamics, and even the way we perceive our neighbors. We want Divided Threads to be a reminder of the struggles people faced and the resilience they showed in moving forward."
The promotional interview continued with more heartfelt exchanges. Aditi and Nikhil were asked about meeting famous stars on set, how they handled their nerves, and the support they received from veterans like Arjun and the older actors. Every response was filled with gratitude and awe, painting a picture of young talent navigating the complexities of the film industry with grace.
By the time the event wrapped up, the atmosphere was charged with emotion. The audience applauded as the reel and real participants stood up, mingling and exchanging words of appreciation and admiration.
Back at the slums, Aditi and Nikhil's families beamed with pride. Neighbors gathered to watch the broadcast on a local channel, smiling and cheering whenever one of their own appeared on screen. It was more than just a film for them; it was proof that dreams were within reach.
As Arjun left the event that evening, he felt a deep sense of fulfillment. This film was not just another project. It was a bridge—connecting generations, stories, and emotions that had long remained unspoken. The release date in early December was fast approaching, but Arjun knew that no matter how the box office performed, they had already succeeded in creating something truly meaningful.
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