Produced and conceived by Koshi Lalvani, The Awakening traces the history of Sindhi culture.
Dubai-based composer, lyricist and singer Koshi Lalvani (prominent Sindhi businessman Lal Lalvani's wife) makes her debut as a producer with the Singlish film The Awakening. This is the first Singlish film of all time. It has Smitha Gondkar and Vishal in the lead and traces the history of Sindhi culture.
Creative producer
Lalvani has performed for Sindhis all over the world. She also made a successful foray into theatre with Jaag Sindhi Jaag, a ballet that underlined the need to revive Sindhi culture. She says, "Encouraged by the success of the ballet and in compliance with the wishes of eminent members of the Sindhi community, I decided to incorporate the songs from the ballet, weave a story around it and present it to a larger audience."
Synopsis
The Awakening is about a girl named Sindhu (Gondkar), who is studying in New York and writing a thesis on the Indus Valley civilisation. This brings her to Mumbai where her maternal grandmother lives all alone. Along the way, she discovers not only her family, but also her Sindhi roots. During this journey, Sindhu makes new friends and finds true love in Rakesh (Vishal). The film is basically a romantic family drama, much like Hum Aapke Hain Kaun. Although this one has a decidedly Sindhi touch to it.
Lead pair
Gondkar is a Marathi actress who has acted in Hindi, Marathi and Sindhi films. She is also a judo champion, kayaking trainer, event manager and a specialised beverage taster.
Vishal has acted in popular soaps on small screen including Viraasat, Kesar, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Vaidehi and Solaah Shringaar, as well as in the Sindhi film Pyar Kare Dis. Vishal is also a qualified Ayurvedic doctor. Popular Bollywod actress Preeti Jhangiani also features in one of the songs.
Message
While The Awakening promises to be very entertaining, it will also remind viewers of the trauma and tragic predicament of Sindhis who became stateless and were scattered across the globe after the partition of India and Pakistan. "The Awakening is my contribution to the Sindhi community and my effort to reintroduce the youth of the community to the history, culture, the richness of their language and music. It is a wake-up call to all Sindhis to rise and take pride in their rich lineage," says Lalvani.
