Forrest Gump is a film of historical, political, and cultural significance for America. I was curious to know how the Indian adaptation of such a film be like. Laal Singh Chaddha, the official remake of Forrest Gump incorporates all the events relevant to Indian history. Here are some of the major and minor events from Indian history that framed the story of Laal Singh Chaddha.

Operation Bluestar

An event of utmost importance to Indian history, Laal Singh Chaddha made a brave move by putting it out on screen. Operation Bluestar was a militant operation authorized by Indira Gandhi to remove Jarnail Singh Bhindranwal, the leader of  Damdami Taksal, and his followers from the Golden Temple, one of the most holiest sites for the Sikh community. The operation was heavily criticized by Sikhs all over the world, leading to many Sikh people resigning from administrative positions to mark their protest. Operation Bluestar resulted in thousands of deaths in the country.

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The assassination of Indira Gandhi and the 1984 Sikh Massacre

Laal and his mother, along with his Delhi-based cousin take a tour of the Indian Prime Minister’s house only to witness the death of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The incident, which was a continuation of the protest that arose over Operation Bluestar, led to the 1984 Sikh Massacre as well. Sikhs were ruthlessly killed on the streets. The plight of Sikhs is shown in Laal Singh Chaddha when his mother hides him and cuts his long hair to save him from the massacre, which is symbolic of the Sikh identity. Laal is later shown reclaiming his religious identity.

1999 Kargil War

Laal and his friend Balaraju (played by a surprisingly amazing Nagachaitanya) are posted in Ladakh where they are required to eliminate a section of the Pakistan army. The Kargil War, one of the toughest wars we ever fought is shown in Laal Singh Chaddha sensibly. Laal can be seen using his running skills to rescue soldiers injured and martyred in the war.

2008 Mumbai attack

The horrifying 26/11 attacks at Taj Hotel in Mumbai resulted in severe casualties. A glimpse of the event is shown in Laal Singh Chaddha when Mohammed, the terrorist that Laal rescues during the Kargil war witnesses the event and realizes how wrong he has been all this while, killing in the name of religion.

Bollywood and underworld nexus

The 90s was an eventful period for Bollywood. The era witnessed the rising of several new stars and also the association of several Bollywood actors with the underworld. In a desperate attempt to become a star, Rupa gets involved with the same and ends up in jail.

Ram Rath Yatra and Babri Masjid Demolition

While in college, Rupa and Laal see a procession taking off and Rupa tells Laal that it is a procession led by another, Laal Krishna Advani, letting us know that it is the Ram Rath Yatra that LK Advani, the then president of BJP, spearheaded demanding a temple to be constructed in the site where Babri Masjid existed.

Important pop culture references

The rise of Shah Rukh Khan has to be one of the best pop culture references in the film. SRK learning his iconic step from young Laal is just adorable. Sushmita Sen winning Miss Universe, and India winning the 1983 World cup also find their way into Laal Singh Chaddha.

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