London Mayor Sadiq Khan has suggested that Bollywood should consider recreating the iconic '70s movie 'Amar Akbar Anthony,' drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of multicultural Britain.
During an exclusive interview at the Diwali in the Square event on Sunday, Sadiq Khan, who has Pakistani roots, highlighted the diverse cultural landscape of the UK, saying, "In our country, King Charles II is Christian, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is a Hindu, and the Mayor is a Muslim. I think it’s time for a reboot: ‘Amar Akbar Anthony 2’ set in London."
The 1977 film 'Amar Akbar Anthony' is revered as a classic with a compelling narrative. It revolves around the tale of three siblings separated during childhood and raised in different religious traditions, only to reunite later in life. The film starred Vinod Khanna as a Hindu police officer, Rishi Kapoor as a Muslim qawwali singer, and Amitabh Bachchan as a Christian liquor vendor.
Diwali in the Square, which commenced with the support of a few individuals in 2001, has grown into a grand event embraced by the Mayor, marking the start of the festive season with grandeur.
Trafalgar Square was adorned in the vibrant colors of Diwali, radiating the essence of Indian culture through music, dance, and culinary delights, capturing the heart of the city.
Two hundred dancers swayed to live music, transforming the square into a colossal dance theater, and igniting a spirit of celebration among the countless attendees.
While a large group danced on the ground, a lady named Naina, in her late fifties, grooved atop a tall pedestal, dressed in a silk batik ensemble that portrayed the diverse landscapes and cultures of India. This was part of the Kala Setu project, a collaboration between Subrang Arts and Kinetika, focusing on building creative bridges to preserve cultural heritage for future generations.
Every nook and corner of Trafalgar Square exuded elements of India, making a resounding cultural statement. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of Indian cuisine, and attendees like Kavya indulged in golgappa, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to celebrating Diwali year after year, come rain or shine.
For Shalini Jindal, a Mumbai native, the London Diwali celebration represented a vibrant social experience, undeterred by the weather. She commented, "Rains don't matter to me at all; the spirit of India should be kept alive, which is why we are here," joined by her aunt, Sonia Batra, a London resident for the past 30 years.
At the heart of the square, Dr. Dipti Jain, Chairman of British Women in Sarees, and a group of women dressed in traditional white and red sarees united to partake in 'Sindoor Khela,' symbolizing the farewell to Goddess Durga before her immersion.
As the day progressed and night descended, casting a beautiful light on the square with the colors of the Indian flag, it was time to bid adieu to Diwali in the Square, eagerly anticipating its return with even greater enthusiasm the following year.
