Farhan Akhtar’s ‘Lucknow Central’ based on a true story

Farhan Akhtar’s ‘Lucknow Central’ is creating the right noise for right reasons. But what many of us didn’t know was that the film is based on a true story!

Director Ranjit Tiwari, as he read an article about a group of prisoners who formed a band, was inspired to turn it into a film. The existing band, called ‘Healing Hearts’, consists of 12 men who are serving lifetime imprisonment. They perform at various functions such as weddings, baaraats, private functions.

“Around three years ago, I read an article about an annual day programme and music competition, started by the state government for jail inmates as an initiative for their reformation. Six to seven central jails in Uttar Pradesh participated in the contest. The idea blew my mind and I discussed it with director Nikhil Advani, whom I was assisting at that time. Eventually, he and Farhan (Akhtar) joined hands for the project,” the director said. (Also Read: Farhan Akhtar sums up ‘Lucknow Central’ through one dialogue)

“In the course of my research, when I went to the jail to meet the band, I realised that all criminals are not hardened; some of them are victims of circumstances. Saare qaidi bure nahi hote. I’ve seen a lot of jails in the country, which are working hard to reform inmates because, after their sentence, they deserve a second chance at life,” he added.

‘Healing Hearts’ also received active cooperation from the senior superindentent of the Lucknow Centrail jail, who was keen on reforming convicts through music. Noor Mohammad, a security guard at the jail, knew how to play instruments and led the band at its very first competition. After they won it, there was no looking back. Presently, they perform at various occassions at the half the cost than other bands do.

If this is not inspiration, then what is?

Farhan Akhtar, in ‘Lucknow Central’, plays an aspiring singer who is falsely accused of murder and ends up being behind the bars. The film is set to release on September 15.

Ranjini Maitra

Journalist. Writer. Reader. Enthu cutlet. Mood-swing machine. Day dreamer. Sandwiched between ‘live life fully’ and ‘lose some weight’. Mantra of life: Love and love more.