As Indian women's hockey team creates history by qualifying for the Olympic Games semi-finals, we are reminded of Chak De! India

Mona

One question on their mind—did the dynamic writer-director duo Jaideep Sahni - Shimit Amin had a time machine to precede the reality?

Best Monday ever, with tears of joy and singing Chak De, sports lovers across the world cheered for the Indian Women Hockey team that created history by entering the semi- finals first time ever. That they beat three-time champions, Australia, made the win miraculous.

Interestingly, August 10 sees the 14th anniversary of super-hit Chak De! India that won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.

Critically acclaimed and a commercial success, the sports drama that came in 2007 holds a special place in cine lovers’ hearts. Its writer Jaideep Sahni admitted finding inspiration in real athletes and coaches on the last anniversary of the film.

They said it

• Bollywood usually makes movies after the event - this time round, the movie was made 14 years back. #ChakDeIndia- Naomi Datta, TV producer
• Guys, you all have filled us up with pride. Way to go #TeamIndia!Folded hands Congratulations on entering the semi-finals! #Hockey #TokyoOlympics2020, Yami Gautam Dhar, actor
• What a match .. Super defending .. Real imitates Reel #ChakDeIndia History created by the Indian Women’s #hockeyindia first semi final like ever #INDvsAUS #Olympics2020- Randeep Hooda, actor
• ‘Real’ versus ‘reel’: Chief Coach Indian Woman Hockey Sjoerd Marijne and Chak De! India actor Shah Rukh Khan indulged in funny banter over Twitter

The true cheerer

The win has left singer Sukhwinder Singh a jubilant man. It is Indian Women Hockey team’s win over Australia, but Chak De!India singer feels vindicated. “Chak De!India wasn’t just a professional achievement but a close personal one,” says the man, who sang Apne Olympians, a rallying cry for Indian contingent in Tokyo 2020.

His love for the game isn’t restricted to recording studio though. About three years back, he had the Indian Women Hockey squad over to Mumbai to join him for dinner. “Rani (Rampal) is a dear friend. The team was so fabulous, I not just spoke to our remarkable players one-on-one, but also sang couple of songs for them,” Singh sheepishly shares, trying not to bring attention to the fact that not he just flew the squad to Mumbai but as a token of appreciation, he gave each a cash reward.

We caught up with Shilpa Shukla, who gave a memorable performance in Chak De!India as a senior, capable player Bindiya Naik. “It’s so surreal. When we made Chak De!Inida, we wanted to see the success replicated in real life. In its 14th year on August 2, we see our sincerest wish come true,” says the actor, who cheered, laughed and cried with the Women Hockey Squad on Monday.

Following the team’s progress in Olympics closely, Shilpa shares, “Today the energy was totally different. I am so hopeful that this energy will continue,” she prays, calling Chak De!India a film that will forever be counted as one of the best sports films ever! “We trained with real players and knew the blood and sweat goes into representing your country. I am so happy for our Team and totally grateful to be a part of the film to celebrate it.”

‘Real’ roasts ‘reel’ coach

On Chief Coach Indian Woman Hockey Sjoerd Marijne’s tweet that said “Sorry family, I coming again later,” with a picture of the team grinning to ears, Chak De!India actor Shah Rukh Khan tweeted, “Haan haan no problem. Just bring some Gold on your way back….for a billion family members. This time Dhanteras is also on 2nd Nov.,” he posted signing it, “From: Ex-coach Kabir Khan.” To this Marijne wittingly replied, “Thank you for all the support and love. We will give everything again. From: The Real Coach.”