Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker on Tuesday expressed gratitude to Shah Rukh Khan, Javed Akhtar and A.R. Rahman in a note shared by him alongside two special edition anniversary posters of Swades to mark 20 years of the 2004 film.
Extolling the film’s inspiring narrative, Ashutosh wrote on X, “Today, I find myself reflecting on the journey of Swades as it celebrates its 20th anniversary! It is hard to believe how time has flown since we first brought this story to the screen. Swades was more than just a film-it was a journey of homecoming, a story of belonging, and a call to reconnect with our roots. At its heart, it carried a message of hope, responsibility, and the importance of giving back.”
The 60-year-old director-producer also highlighted the lesson imparted by Shah Rukh’s character, Mohan Bhargava, in the film. “Through Mohan Bhargava's journey, I wanted to inspire that sense of purpose within all of us. This milestone would not have been possible without the incredible Cast and Crew who poured their hearts into this story,” reads Ashutosh's post.
“My heartfelt gratitude to Shah Rukh for embodying Mohan Bhargava with such honesty and bringing forth the message of the film with so much conviction,” added the director.
In his note, the filmmaker thanked Akhtar for penning the unforgettable lyrics and Rahman for scoring the film's music. Ashutosh also expressed gratitude to the screenplay writing team and the singers, including Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik, Madhushree Bhattacharji, Vijay Prakash, Hariharan and Kailash Kher.
“Also, without Mahesh's camerawork, Bhanu tai's costume design, Nitin's Art Direction, Ballu's edit, Stephen's sound, Saroj ji, Raju, Vaibhavi, and Bosco Caesar's choreography this film would not have been the same,” wrote Ashutosh, thanking the cast and crew of Swades.
Ashutosh also paid tribute to the crew members who have passed away. “In these 20 years, we have lost many dear members of our team, whose contributions remain etched in every frame. Actors: Lekh Tandon ji, Kishori Ballal ji, Rajesh Vivek ji, Vishnudutt Gaur ji, Vishwa Mohan Badola ji, Mrs. Farrukh Jaffar aapa, and Peter Rawley. HOD's: Bhanu Athaiya ji, Saroj Khan ji, K. P. Saxena saab, Nitin Desai, and Rajendra Rao. I will always remember them fondly and with gratitude. Their work and spirit will always live on.”
Ashutosh concluded his note by thanking the audience for showering the film with love and support over the years. “Most of all, my deepest thanks to you, the audience, who embraced this film as your own. Over the years, you have kept Swades alive with your love, stories, and memories. Your connection to Mohan, Kaveriamma, Geeta, and Charanpur has made this film timeless,” he signed off.
Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan’s home banner Red Chillies Entertainment shared a video montage to celebrate the film’s 20th anniversary. “A story of roots, dreams, and the courage to make a difference. Celebrating 20 years of Swades,” the production house wrote on Instagram, alongside a clip containing some of the most iconic scenes from the film.
IMDb India has also shared some exclusive behind-the-scenes pictures from the sets of Swades to commemorate the milestone. The photos show Ashutosh reviewing shots with Shah Rukh on the film’s set.
Co-written, directed and produced by Ashutosh Gowariker, Swades stars Shah Rukh as Mohan Bhargava, a non-resident Indian who works as a Project Manager on the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) program at NASA in Washington, D.C. However, when he travels back to his birthplace to look after his ailing nanny, he finds himself striving to bring about reforms in his motherland.
Swades was theatrically released on December 17, 2004. The film is now owned by Red Chillies Entertainment.
