20 years of Swades, and it still feels as real as ever. Some movies fade with time - this one only gets more meaningful. Maybe it’s the story, maybe it’s A.R. Rahman’s music, or maybe it’s just how real the movie feels even now - or maybe, it’s all of them.
Swades is a reminder of something we often forget: the things that truly matter are usually the ones closest to us. In a world where we’re always chasing more - bigger jobs, faster growth, better lives - it’s easy to lose sight of where we came from. Mohan Bhargava’s story has this way of pulling you back, gently asking: What are you running towards? And what are you leaving behind?
There’s one line from the movie that has stuck with me over the years:
"Main nahin maanta humara desh duniya ka sabse mahaan desh hai... lekin yeh zaroor maanta hoon ki hum mein taqat hai, kabiliyat hai apne desh ko mahaan banane ki."
It’s such a simple thought but so powerful - it’s not about blind pride; it’s about potential. The potential to build something meaningful, to contribute in small, impactful ways, and to make where we come from better. That dialogue has stayed with me, and sometimes, it makes me pause and think: Am I working on the things that really matter?
For me, Swades has always been that quiet inspiration. It’s not about giving up on your dreams - it’s about finding purpose in them. It’s about remembering that impact doesn’t always come from grand gestures; sometimes it’s in showing up for the people and places that shaped you.
I still remember watching it for the first time as a kid. Back then, I loved it because of the songs and how beautifully it was shot. ARR’s music is pure soul - Ye Jo Des Hai Tera still finds a spot on my Spotify Wrapped every year, no matter what’s happening in life ♥️
Over the years, Swades has meant different things to me. It’s a movie about ambition, about purpose, and about home - not as a place, but as a feeling. At every phase in life, it’s stayed relevant – twenty years later, I realize Swades has quietly stayed with me, reminding me to stay grounded no matter where I go or how far I get.
Remember that Mohan Bhargava spent a good amount of time in the US to realize this and come back to share this opinion. In a way he actually lived a comfortable phase of life.
A lot of us don't have the privilege to do this today as well and most of them who do, don't intend to come back, for the right reasons.
In reality, people still need a good head start to reach the state where Mohan Bhargava has been portrayed.
We will need a hell lot of selfless Mohan Bhargavas to realize the dream portrayed in Swades.
I hope if we can just work on increasing the amount of people earning more than 8L annually to at least 30% of the population, that will be a great start.
This is simply because I feel Survival will always come before Ambition.
The problem with village setting movie, is they show villages as a bunch of innocent struggling people with a traditional 1 or two bad guy as a standard template. These movies are a major reason behind glamourizing village life.
Re the image,
Koi mahaan banne ki kabiliyat nhi hai.
But We can be mediocre at least.
But let's please push towards mediocre and get up from abysmal. It's been far too many years now
It can be the lyrics, it can be the music video or music.
I'll go first -
The lyrics of some of the superhits were literally written within a few hours. It's fascinating how someone's few hours of work can profoundly affect the lives of millions, helping them uplift their mood, navigate breakups, express love,...
