Kulbir Singh Kalsi: Nanak Shah Fakir is an upcoming spiritual trip at the movies. A first-of-its-kind Hindi film in over 500 years of Sikh history, it is based on the life and teachings of Guru Nanak, depicted through the voice of his friend, companion and disciple ‘Bhai Mardana’, a Muslim Fakir.
Produced by Harinder Sikka and blessed by Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the highest Sikh body, Nanak Shah Fakir uses high-end computer graphics to depict Guru Nanak from the back and amidst a ray of light, in line with the time honoured tradition of not showing the Saint’s face. Yet, it emanates the spirit of a lively soul. Others in the cast include Arif Zakaria, Adil Hussain & Puneet Sikka.
Shot on an epic scale in multiple locations, the film has brought together some of the biggest names in the world of films. Oscar winners A.R. Rahman and Resul Pookutty are spearheading the star-studded crew, with Rahman as the mentor of the entire score and Pookutty as the sound designer and co-producer. The songs of Nanak Shah Fakir have been composed by Uttam Singh, with the shabads (spiritual hymns) having been sung by the highest civilian awardees, Pandit Jasraj and Bhai Nirmal Singh. Eminent Finnish composer Tuomas Kantelinen has done the background score. The film has been shot by multiple-National Award-winner cinematographer A.K. Bir.
From a dream about Nanak that Sikka had in 2004 to the realisation of this colossal project, Nanak Shah Fakir has truly been a film made of miracles. Says producer Harinder Sikka: ” I am not a filmmaker. Thus making a film of such an epic proportion on the life and teachings of Guru Nanak with the guidance and support of people like Resul, AR Rahman and others, has been but a divine grace, a miracle in itself. The overall experience has been overwhelming, gracious and deeply humbling.”
Ever since the news of the film coming to a worldwide release – on April 17, 2015 – has spread, there has been a phenomenal response and people from across the world have been reaching out to support Nanak Shah Fakir and spread its message.