Wheel of Fortune witnessed a truly magical beginning as host Akshay Kumar made a soulful and captivating entry, playing the Krishna flute. The serene melody instantly created a divine and heartfelt atmosphere. Setting the tone for an evening filled with inspiration and emotion, Akshay then warmly welcomed the cast of the Gujarati film Laalo – Krishna Sada Sahaayate onto the stage.
Akshay introduced the film’s cast, Shruhad Goswami, Reeva Rachh, and Karan Joshi, along with director Ankit Sakhiya. While welcoming them, he shared the deeply moving and inspiring journey behind the film, speaking with admiration about how three friends pursued their dream of making a movie despite having no money, armed with nothing but an unshakable belief in each other.
Akshay Kumar shares the inspirational story behind the making of Laalo
Sharing the story with the audience, Akshay said, “Lekin unke paas paise nahi the, actors kaise hire kare, cameras kahan se leke aaye, costume ka kharcha kaise kare. In sawaalon ke bawajood inhone haar nahi maani, 1 dost se camera udhaar liya, 2 doston ko acting karne ko kaha, aur ek hi location par uss camera ke saath poori ki poori film banana shuru kar di. Aur phir kya, phir aisa kamaal ho gaya ki yeh film Gujarati film industry ki sab se, sab se badi blockbuster ban gayi. Jisne 100 cr bhi paar kar diye, aur aapko pata hai yeh film kitne mein bani thi, sirf Rs 48 lakhs.”
Later, the mood turned reflective as Akshay turned to director Ankit Sakhiya and spoke about the early days after the film’s release. He mentioned with a heavy heart that the movie did not perform well initially and was on the verge of being taken down from theatres within two to three weeks.
Ankit revealed that every morning, he and his team would visit the theatres. They would interact with the audience members, asking them how they felt. According to him, the reactions were overwhelming; people often liked the film so much that they had tears in their eyes. However, despite the positive reactions, he could not understand the empty seats and why audiences were still not coming to theatres in large numbers.
At that point, Akshay stepped in to reveal the sheer sacrifice Ankit made next, saying, “Ye logon ko paise dete the ki jaao meri film dekho. Ye lo, main ticket deta hoon. Agar acchi lage toh jaake apne doston ko batana.” Ankit nodded, explaining how he used whatever little money he had left to buy a chance for his film to be heard, encouraging people to watch and spread the word.
Akshay Kumar says his dad watched all his films 18-20 times
Sharing a personal connection, Akshay shared a cherished memory from his early days in the industry. He said, “Main aapko ek baat batana chahta hoon ki yeh cheez aur mere mein kya common hain.” He recalled, “Mere father, jab tak woh zinda the, unki death 2000 mein huyi thi. Tab tak mere jo bhi films release hoti thi, woh logon ko pakad pakad kar le jaate the aur meri film unhe dikhate the. Har film unhone mere 18 se 20 baar dekhi hogi.”
Akshay added that while it was a father’s unconditional love in his case, the passion and selfless dedication shown by Ankit and his team for their film was truly remarkable. He noted that the kind of history created by the film is a rare miracle that happens when heart meets hard work. Akshay then asked Ankit what he had learned from this gruelling journey. Ankit said, “Ek hi baat sikhai hain, jo hum discuss karte rehte the, agar kuch karna hain toh nikalna padega.”
Later, Akshay engaged in a humorous exchange with Karan and Ankit Sakhiya about what makes the Gujarati community a global powerhouse in the world of business. He asked Karan, “Aap ke hissab se Gujarati ache businessman kyu maane jaate hain? Voh aisa kya khaate hain ki voh itne ache hote hain business mein?” Karan and Shruhad instantly pointed out that the foundation of their success lies in bravery. Karan simply stated “Gujuratiyon ka Jigra Bada hota hain”.
Ankit expanded the response by explaining that the drive to achieve something substantial is often a legacy passed down through generations. He statee “Sir, jaise inhone bola jigra bada hota hain, kuch bada karke dikhana hota hain, kyuki humare papa ya dada ne aisa hi mahol banake rakha hota hain ki kuch karke dikhana hain, sir mujhe lagata hain sab soch ka khel hain”.
Watch Wheel of Fortune, Monday to Friday at 9:00 PM only on Sony Entertainment Television and stream on Sony LIV.
