Main Atal Hoon: Did Film Show Women Influence In Statesman's Family?

Main Atal Hoon is a biographical drama film on the life of one of the most prominent leaders of the nation, and the 10th Prime Minister of the country, Atal Bihari Vajpayee starring Pankaj Tripathi in the titular role. Vajpayee known as the 'Man Of The People' was a towering figure in Indian Politics. He was a man of many talents, he was not only a politician but also a poet, journalist, and orator.

The film delves into some of the greatest accomplishments of the first elected Non-Congress Prime Minister of the country who was elected as the Prime Minister of the nation for three terms. 

Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the leader who served as India's Prime Minister thrice, was known not only for his political acumen but also for his deep-rooted connection to his family. While he never married and had no biological children, the warmth and support he received from his extended family played a crucial role in shaping him into the statesman he became.

Early Life And Family's Influence

Born in 1924 in Gwalior, Vajpayee's family instilled in him the values of simplicity, discipline, and a strong work ethic. His father, Krishna Bihari Vajpayee was a school teacher who nurtured his son's love for literature and poetry. Vajpayee's role is portrayed by Pankaj Tripathi with prosthetic make-up looking like the leader, while Krishna Bihari Vajpayee is portrayed by veteran actor and singer Piyush Mishra in an impactful performance in the film.

Women's Influence On His Life

Vajpayee's sister, Urmila Mishra, and his niece, Namita Kaul, were his closest confidantes. Manorama, fondly called 'Munniji,' was a constant source of emotional support and guidance. She accompanied him on political campaigns and managed his household until her passing in 2015. Namita, a doctor by profession, played a pivotal role in caring for him during his later years.

However, in the trailer of the film, there has been no portrayal of the important women of Vajpayee's life. 

Beyond Blood Ties: A Wider Family Of Friends And Colleagues

While Vajpayee's immediate family circle was small, he built a close-knit network of friends and colleagues who became extensions of his family. Leaders like Lal Krishna Advani portrayed by Raja Rameshkumar Sevak, and Deendayal Upadhyay played by Daya Shankar Pandey became his political confidantes. Gauri Sukhtankar is also seen playing Sushma Swaraj, a strong female political leader of the country who received an immense impact from Vajpayee under his shadow. Arun Jaitley and Pramod Mahajan as young politicians under the shadow of Vajpayee's mentorship were also observed in the film.

Vajpayee was also known to appreciate and respect his opposition party as depicted in a small scene in the film where Vajpayee asked to put back the portrayal of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in his office. Jawaharlal Nehru is also played by Haresh Khatri in the film while a glimpse of Paula McGlynn portraying Sonia Gandhi was also seen.

Following the Indo-Pak 1971 war, Vajpayee praised then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi played by Payal Nair, referring to her as 'Durga' over Bangladesh's victory. 

This reflects Vajpayee's immense value of respecting his opponents and respecting their values while celebrating their achievements as 'nation's achievements' showcasing the right political values a leader must adhere to. 

Vajpayee's dedication to public service often came at the expense of personal life. He chose not to marry or have children, prioritizing the nation's interests above his own. However, the love and support he received from his family and chosen circle filled that void and provided him with the strength and stability he needed to navigate the complexities of political life.

The Film

The film rightfully depicts the life of Vajpayee navigating his journey from childhood to building a political career and many commendable milestones from the Pokhran nuclear mission, the Lahore bus, Godhra riots, the Ramjanomobhumi dispute, the Kargil War, Article 370 and rebellions of Kashmir, Emergency, and so on that he fought for the nation during his tenure. 

He was also a published and well-recognised Hindi poet and many of his verses are also rightfully recited in the film by Tripathi accurately adapting Vajpayee's unique speaking style with long pauses. 

Views expressed are the author's own.