City comes out in ‘Jhund’ for Prof Barse

By Paritosh Pramanik

“IT’S 100 per cent real. My life’s journey with Slum Soccer and ‘Jhopadpatti’ football has been beautifully enveloped in three hours by Director Nagraj Popatrao Manjule,” said Prof Vijay Barse after the first screening of the movie ‘Jhund’ in the city on Friday afternoon.

The Amitabh Bachchan-starrer movie is the real story of Prof Barse, who decided to change the lives of kids from slums through football. The atmosphere during the first screening was festive on Friday morning. Rose petals were distributed to all the ‘special’ ones who arrived ahead of time for the movie. At a far corner, the ‘dhol’ was getting ready. As Prof Barse alighted his car, he was mobbed by his loving supporters. Prof Barse is a celebrity now. He has become Nagpur’s Amitabh Bachchan.

Prof Barse, his wife Ranjana and other family members were escorted towards the hall on dhol beats, adding spice to 

the occasion. Prof Barse even shook a leg as he climbed the stairs with a broad smile and a sense of pride on his face.

There were a few ‘Barse Sir ki Jai’ slogans during the movie, which was gripping till the end. The special spectators include some former students of St John’s High School, where the movie was filmed. They, too, felt proud whenever the school building or the football ground was on the screen.

“The entire movie is based on my life with Slum Soccer and Jhopadpatti football. I am really happy that my role was played by Amitabh Bachchan,” said Prof Barse after watching the movie with his family and close friends.

Prof Barse was all praise for the way the movie is directed by Manjule.

“He (Manjule) is a world class director. He delivered the message in the best form and I am surprised that he did it in three hours,” added Prof Barse.

“My entire life story is portrayed in this movie and not a single scene is added to make it more dramatic,” claimed Prof Barse while replying to a query by ‘The Hitavada.’

“This is one of the best days of my life. I never imagined that whatever I was doing would be brought forth and the message would be delivered to the public through a movie.

“My only message to the society is to love everybody and help anybody. Your neighbours are important, always be ready to help them. That’s what I have learned from my parents,” said Prof Barse.

Prof Barse, who started slum soccer some two decades back, said Amitabh Bachchan played the role to perfection.

“He (Bachchan) was fantastic. He is a great actor, ruling Bollywood for more than 50 years. He does not need any certification from anybody. His acting really mesmerised me. What a person he is on and off the screen both. I am highly obliged that Bachchan ji played the role of Prof Vijay Borade,” exclaimed Prof Barse.

Immediately after the movie, Prof Barse was again mobbed by a ‘Jhund’ who wanted to click photos with him. Some hugged him, some only shook their hands, a few just looked at him in awe, from a distance.

Prof Barse, the football coach, the teacher, the educator, the instructor, obliged all as Nagpur’s Amitabh Bachchan walked down the stairs to continue his journey with the downtrodden.