Mumbai, Aug 10 (NationPress) Director and producer Om Raut, known for his upcoming OTT release ‘Inspector Zende’, recently shared insights on the profound impact of Indian freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak on his formative years and family values.

In a discussion with IANS at his Mumbai office, Raut remarked, “My father introduced me to Lokmanya Tilak's journey. As a journalist, my father always viewed Tilak as one of India's most revered journalists. Hence, he has always been a pivotal figure in our household.”

He proudly mentioned having a stunning portrait of Lokmanya Tilak displayed prominently at his parents' home, stating, “It’s placed right in the center of our living room. He is regarded as an immensely significant person in our family and upbringing.”

Lokmanya Tilak was not only a political leader and freedom fighter but also a prominent journalist. He co-founded and edited two newspapers: Kesari (in Marathi), which aimed to mobilize the Indian populace and express nationalist sentiments, and The Mahratta (in English), which focused on an educated readership discussing social and political reforms. Through his journalism, Tilak criticized British policies, fostered nationalist feelings, and motivated political engagement.

Raut elaborated, “When you draw inspiration from such remarkable individuals, there are invaluable lessons to be learned from their lives. When producing a film about them, extensive research is essential. You collaborate with historians, experts, and writers to craft a compelling narrative.”

He added, “A senior director, who has experience in biopics and historical films, once told me that depicting someone with such a vast career and numerous achievements in a two to two-and-a-half-hour film is nearly impossible.”

“However, you can select a few key elements that help convey the essence of the character, capturing as many defining traits as possible for the final film,” he concluded.